Politics At Sam and Anne's

The political week starts with the shockwaves from the murder of Reform politician – Ann Widdecombe – which has put MPs security firmly back in the spotlight.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have the latest on the police investigation, Nigel Farage’s response and the wider political fallout. It comes as the row over political party donations intensifies, with Reform arguing that the current safeguards aren’t strong enough.
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer enters his final week as Prime Minister, while his successor Andy Burnham faces another major test in front of the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Plus, will the Home Secretary be forced to soften her immigration reforms as she attempts to change the law to deport a recently released ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang.

The Andy Burnham era of politics is fast approaching – and the prime minister-in-waiting has finally set out some of his priorities for government.
As Labour leadership nominations open – with his last active challenger Al Carns officially stepping aside – Burnham’s path to power is now all but certain.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect his blueprint for Number 10, with a specific look at:
A foreign policy vision built around plans to “reindustrialise through defence”
A rumoured UK tour of “overlooked communities”
A promise to be more accessible and transform his relationship with Labour MPs

Plus, as preparations for the Clacton by-election ramp up, Sam considers how Nigel Farage’s gamble could backfire and asks whether coverage restrictions will cause headaches for broadcasters.

Nigel Farage has triggered a political earthquake by quitting as an MP – but is he trying to get ahead of an inevitable scandal?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack why Farage has called a by-election in Clacton and why none of the major parties are standing against him – with some describing it as a “gimmick.”
The duo also examine whether his plans will have any material impact on the Parliamentary Standards investigation into his links with Christopher Harbone and George Cottrell.
And could this extraordinary political gamble end with a stranger twist of a second by-election just weeks later?
Plus, what impact will Rupert Lowe’s Restore Party have on potential Reform supporters.

After new claims about Nigel Farage’s funding arrangements, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss the bits of the new allegations which are worrying Reform.
Plus, what will an Andy Burnham government actually be like?
On the Treasury, the reports that he might try to split it in two seem have gone quiet but there seems to be an appetite to go early for this autumn’s budget.
Anne has also been speaking to Burnham advisor, Jim O’Neill, about what the Burnham foreign policy vision might be.

Could Nigel Farage’s alleged financial relationship with a convicted fraudster come back to haunt him?
The Reform leader is already under scrutiny over his £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbone and these fresh allegations about his association with George Cottrell will intensify the pressure.
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political, legal and ethical questions at the heart of the claims and examine whether the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards could widen his investigation.
Nigel Farage insists he "has done no wrongdoing, followed the rules" and says he is considering legal action.
Elsewhere, with a fortnight until Andy Burnham enters No10, cabinet colleagues are continuing to jostle for their positions to keep their jobs.
Plus, Sam has a potential conspiracy theory on who could end up as Andy Burnham’s chancellor.