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Makerfield locals have their say
2026/06/08 | 19 mins.
Ahead of the by-election in Makerfield on June 18th, polling expert Scarlett Maguire spoke to voters in the constituency for the New Statesman. This episode is made up of clips from these Makerfield locals.

Scarlett spoke to two groups, some who said they would be voting Reform, some who said they would be voting Labour.

They shared their concerns about the current state of the UK and its politics, and their opinions on the two main parties and candidates battling it out in Makerfield.

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What would “Burnhamism” actually look like?
2026/06/06 | 39 mins.
Andy Burnham’s tucked-in t-shirt, a bonkers “festival of AI optimism” and which MP would make the best James Bond.

Will Dunn is joined by editor Tom McTague to discuss the stories of the week.
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What does Makerfield make of Andy Burnham?
2026/06/04 | 56 mins.
The spectre of the Makerfield by-election on June 18th is hanging over British politics.

If Andy Burnham wins, he’s in prime position to challenge Keir Starmer’s leadership. However, a Burnham victory in Makerfield is far from certain. Reform and their candidate Robert Kenyon are mounting a serious challenge.

Tom McTague is joined by polling expert Scarlett Maguire and our political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss.

READ
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/in-makerfield-voters-on-both-sides-are-united-by-despair
https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/06/andy-burnhams-door-knock-to-downing-street
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Why UK politics has failed for 20 years
2026/06/01 | 26 mins.
While Westminster looks inward, the world is moving fast. Keir Starmer's government needs to focus on the urgent changes affecting all of our lives.

Tom McTague joins Anoosh Chakelian to discuss his latest essay for the New Statesman, and answer listeners questions.

This week, listeners ask: "Why have British politicians been so useless for the past 20 years?" and "is it finally time for voting reform?"
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MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:
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Tony Blair has kicked the Labour Party into action
2026/05/28 | 34 mins.
This week there’s only one subject to discuss – and that’s Tony Blair – who has written a blistering 5,000 word essay criticising everyone from Keir Starmer to Andy Burnham, Ed Miliband and Wes Streeting.

Tom McTague is joined by political editor Ailbhe Rea to discuss this “right wing” intervention.

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About The Politics Show

Helping you make sense of politics – every week.Anoosh Chakelian and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On The Politics Show, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.--START HERE:▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?--LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.--MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday--Hosts:Anoosh ChakelianRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefAilbhe Rea, Political editorProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesPodcast and video producer: Rob Le MareAssistant producer: Biba KangExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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