What is going on? Sam and Anne share notes on the late night WhatsApps chats following a day of briefings about Keir Starmer’s future (and the WhatsApps keep coming as we record) The message from the PM’s team was if there’s a leadership challenge (from the someone in his own cabinet or elsewhere) - he’d stand and fight. Allies of Team Starmer have pointed a finger at Wes Streeting. He’s denied any plot and has got an opportunity of the morning round to bolster that. As one government figure said to Sam - “bonkers”. If the PM doesn’t trust the Health Secretary – how does he stay?
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21:16
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21:16
The BBC’s Billion Dollar Question
With Donald Trump threatening to sue the BBC, will the BBC have to pay out? And how have those across the political spectrum been reacting? And with 15 days until Rachel Reeves’ budget, Matthew McGregor - CEO of campaigning organisation 38 Degrees and a former digital strategist for both Labour and Barack Obama - takes issue with Sam’s take from yesterday and sends in a voice note. And Sam and Anne discuss the latest twist in the Your Party saga, and it’s all about money.
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20:33
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20:33
Political Traitors: Who can you trust?
Sam reveals there might be some Traitors style plotting going on behind the scenes in the government. But from who? And how might Keir Starmer see off this challenge? Budget speculation continues, and specifically – who is and is not a “working person”? And, should it occur, what would the consequences be of breaking a manifesto commitment? How perilous a moment for Starmer could this be? And after the BBC’s Director General and CEO of News resign, what does Starmer now say about the organisation? And who will come next in the top BBC job?
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19:10
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19:10
Why is Keir Starmer bothering with COP?
PM Keir Starmer flies to the Brazilian rainforest for the COP30 climate conference, a trip he almost biffed off, but the surge in polling support for the Green party may have changed his mind. He’ll join Prince William and the King out in the Amazon – at the same time as considering rolling back on some of the government’s climate commitments. Back home, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over her warnings for the next budget, while she brings in experts to school Labour MPs on how budgets, debts, and deficits actually work. And there’s a mini recess for Westminster, so Sam and Anne have an extra few days off. They return on Monday.
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22:07
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22:07
Can Rachel Reeves take back control?
The Chancellor breaks the norm by making a speech in Downing Street 22 days ahead of the budget – with everyone closely watching for what exactly she says on tax rises. Sam and Anne consider why Rachel Reeves is doing it now and how budget preparations have changed since Liz Truss’ days. We’re not expecting new policy from the Treasury, more an event which tries to prepare voters for tax changes. Elsewhere in Westminster, Conservative leader – Kemi Badenoch – is out and about attacking the government’s spending on the welfare bill. Plus, we have our weekly check-in on the state of the polls.
Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Anne McElvoy with what you need to know about the day ahead in British politics. All in under 20 minutes and in your feed around 7.30am.They're across the key interviews, the main stories and what the parties are saying. Whatever they're talking about, Westminster will be talking about today.
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