Starmer vs Farage, Racism, Labour Party Conference
Sir Keir Starmer leaves Labour’s party conference in Liverpool with a bold new strategy: frame the fight as Labour vs Reform UK. But is calling Nigel Farage’s immigration policies “racist” a huge political risk?On this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) break down:What really happened at Labour conference – and why the media narrative may differ from the inside story.The launch of Senedd Sources – completing the “Sources family” across Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and now the Welsh Senedd.Why Wales could deliver the biggest shock of the May 2026 elections if Labour loses power for the first time.Starmer’s strategy against Reform UK and Nigel Farage – smart politics or a dangerous gamble?Reform UK’s rapid pushback, claiming Labour’s rhetoric endangers Farage’s security.How this all shapes up for Labour ahead of the looming Budget and next year’s elections.👉 Subscribe to the Sources network: Whitehall, Holyrood, Stormont & Senedd Sources – taking you inside politics across the UK.In association with Electrify Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Starmer’s Digital ID Gamble, Reform Majority? & Burnham’s Leadership Move
The latest Whitehall Sources episode is packed with political drama. 🚨👉 Keir Starmer’s government drops a bombshell: Digital ID cards could soon be mandatory to work in the UK. Is this about immigration, security—or just a desperate attempt to change the headlines?👉 A mega poll (MRP) of 10,000 voters puts Reform UK on the brink of a parliamentary majority—yes, you read that right. Could Labour really be swept away just months after their landslide?👉 Meanwhile, Andy Burnham stirs the pot ahead of Labour conference with provocative interviews and speculation about a leadership challenge. Is he positioning himself as the next Labour leader?Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner break down the biggest stories shaking Westminster. From the cybersecurity nightmare that could derail digital ID, to the battle for Labour’s soul, to the rise of Reform UK—this episode has it all.📲 Get involved: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”).🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for insider analysis from Westminster every week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Inside Trump’s UK State Visit
Donald Trump’s UK state visit dominates Westminster this week — and the Whitehall Sources team take you inside the drama.🎙️ Calum Macdonaldm, former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner break down:The pageantry of Windsor Castle and how the royals played a key role in shaping Trump’s mood.Trump’s joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers — including clashes over immigration, Ukraine, Gaza and free speech.Why Trump’s suggestion that the UK military should tackle illegal migration caused such controversy.The “Epstein question” — and how aides on both sides likely pre-planned the response.Whether holding this state visit so early in Trump’s second term was a risk for the UK.Plus: chaos on the British left. Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana’s attempt to launch a new party has descended into a public bust-up, with accusations of sexism, unauthorised membership drives, and comparisons to The Life of Brian. What does this tell us about the prospects for a genuine left-wing alternative to Labour?👉 Subscribe to Whitehall Sources for weekly insider analysis on Westminster politics.📌 Follow us:Twitter: @WhitehallSourceInstagram: @WhitehallSourcesTikTok: @WhitehallSources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Starmer Under Pressure: NATO Tensions, Israel Row, and the Mandelson Scandal
In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former adviser to Theresa May) and political strategist Jo Tanner unpack a turbulent week in Westminster and beyond.🔹 Russian drones breach Polish airspace – NATO faces its biggest test in decades as Donald Tusk invokes Article 4. 🔹 Israel & Gaza tensions – Keir Starmer hosts Israeli President Isaac Herzog amid escalating violence, Doha strikes, and growing Labour Party unrest. 🔹 Peter Mandelson & Jeffrey Epstein – Mandelson admits "embarrassment" as more Epstein correspondence emerges, raising questions over Starmer’s judgment. 🔹 Labour Deputy Leadership contest – why the demand for a “Northern woman” is exposing divisions inside Labour.We also discuss:Andrea Jenkyns’ viral "I’m an insomniac" song and her veterans charity idea 🎶Tube strikes, mopeds, and how AI imagines Jo Tanner…👉 Subscribe for insider analysis of UK politics at Westminster. 👉 Comment below with your thoughts – should Peter Mandelson stay as ambassador to Washington? 👉 WhatsApp your questions to the pod on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”).#Labour #KeirStarmer #Mandelson #Epstein #NATO #Israel #UKPolitics #WhitehallSources Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Labour Shake-Up: Rayner Out, Starmer Tested
🚨 Angela Rayner has resigned as Labour’s Deputy Leader after controversy over her stamp duty payments — a dramatic twist that could reshape the party’s future. In this episode, we dig into what her departure means for Sir Keir Starmer, the challenges it poses for his authority, and how Labour might respond in the months ahead.📰 We unpack the immediate fallout inside Westminster and across the media, and look at how the reshuffle reflects Starmer’s strategy: Shabana Mahmood taking over as Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper moving to the Foreign Office, and David Lammy stepping into Justice. These moves reveal Labour’s priorities on immigration 🌍, law and order ⚖️, foreign policy 🌐, and its fight to win back voters from Reform UK 📊.🤔 We also examine the battle to replace Rayner as Deputy Leader. Could Louise Haigh, Rosena Allin-Khan, or even Ed Miliband emerge as contenders? And crucially — what kind of deputy does Starmer need to balance his leadership, unify the party, and prepare Labour for the next general election 🗳️?🎙️ This episode offers in-depth analysis of Labour’s biggest crisis in years — and what it means for UK politics going forward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Kirsty Buchanan worked with Theresa May as PM, and Liz Truss when she was Secretary of State. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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