Politics At Sam and Anne's

The plumber come politician – Hannah Spencer – claims a seismic and historic win for the Greens at the Gorton and Denton by-election but, where does this leave the Keir Starmer project?
Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb.
The duo also consider:
Is the Labour vote bleeding from both the left and the right flanks of the party?
Is this truly the end of two-party politics in Britain?
What are the consequences of this result and has the blame game began?

After months of heated and passionate debate across the country and in the Houses of Parliament, is the assisted dying bill about to fall?
Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.
Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn’t a moment for increased spending.
Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

With under 24 hours to go until the polls open in Gorton and Denton, is this by-election the biggest test facing Sir Keir Starmer’s government?
Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.
Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”
A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

Peter Mandelson is arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, a seismic moment in British politics - but will the pain of Epstein files continue to haunt Keir Starmer’s government over the coming days, weeks and months?
With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK’s top man in Washington.
Sam and Anne consider:
Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election?
Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy?

Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy.
Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

A royal arrest and a new cabinet secretary welcome the Prime Minister back from recess week but with a crucial by-election and significant white paper on special educational needs, can the government get things back on track?
Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?
Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?
Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?
Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?