Why do British prime ministers have such a short shelf-life?

Is this Reform's trickiest moment?

Jul 7, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, the hosts mark a significant turning point as they bid farewell to Steve, who is stepping back from his regular role on the podcast due to his demanding schedule. The team takes a moment to reflect on two years of political discourse, celebrating the evolution of the show from an election-focused experiment into a regular, engaging debate series. The conversation quickly pivots to the current political landscape, specifically focusing on the challenges facing Reform UK. The hosts debate whether Reform is currently navigating its "trickiest moment" yet, analyzing the impact of recent media scrutiny and the party’s aggressive communication style. A central theme is the question of leadership and intent: does Nigel Farage truly want the responsibilities of being Prime Minister, or is his current path driven by different motivations? The discussion highlights the inherent tensions of populist politics and the difficulties of balancing media management with long-term strategy. Additionally, the hosts examine the Conservative Party's road to recovery, emphasizing the need for a fresh approach and a deeper, more substantive audit of their past fourteen years in government rather than just surface-level reshuffling.

Is Burnham right to max-out on devolution?

Jul 1, 202653 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, hosts Tim Montgomery, Miranda Green, and Ian Martin step away from their usual format to deliver a Tapas-style edition, covering three distinct political topics. The discussion begins with an analysis of Andy Burnham’s recent speech on his devolution agenda. The hosts explore whether his push for a more decentralized government, including the concept of a Number 10 in the North, represents a genuine strategic shift or merely a presidential-style provocation. While there is skepticism regarding the practical challenges of running a government from two locations and the risk of undermining parliamentary oversight, the panel acknowledges the optimistic tone Burnham brings to the political landscape, contrasting it with the perceived failures of his predecessor. The conversation then shifts to the pressing issue of national defense. With the government facing criticism for failing to meet NATO spending targets, the hosts debate the adequacy of current funding commitments. Ian Martin argues that the reliance on hybrid maritime solutions over traditional naval capabilities is a mistake, urging the next administration to prioritize tangible security needs over abstract budgetary targets. The panel concludes by considering the difficult choices the incoming leadership faces, balancing the urgent necessity for robust defense spending against significant domestic priorities in an era of fiscal scarcity.

Is Andy Burnham ready?

Jun 24, 202647 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, host Steve Richards joins Tim Montgomery, Ian Martin, and Miranda Green to debate whether Andy Burnham is truly ready to take the reins as the next Prime Minister. The discussion centers on the growing narrative that Burnham’s rise is happening too quickly and that he lacks the necessary preparation for the top job. Richards challenges this view, highlighting Burnham’s extensive executive experience, including his tenure as a cabinet minister in multiple departments and his significant role as the Mayor of Greater Manchester. The hosts delve into Burnham’s policy instincts, noting his focus on devolution, social care, and his "Manchesterism" approach to governance. While they acknowledge that Burnham has not held the position of leader of the opposition, they contrast his preparedness with that of previous incoming prime ministers. A key point of contention is how Burnham will navigate the country’s current fiscal constraints and his potential choice of Chancellor. The panel also emphasizes the importance of his communication style, noting that his ability to connect with voters through direct, authentic messaging could be a crucial asset, provided he avoids the traps of becoming too "ministerial" or disconnected from the electorate.

Will PM Andy Burnham call an early general election?

Jun 20, 202655 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, the hosts examine the significant political fallout from a recent by-election and the surging momentum behind Andy Burnham. Following a convincing victory in a constituency that many anticipated to be a difficult contest, Burnham has solidified his position as a central figure in the current political landscape. The discussion explores whether this win serves as a mandate for a leadership transition and if Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister is effectively coming to an end. The panel analyzes Burnham’s unique political persona, noting his ability to connect with voters who feel alienated from Westminster, while questioning whether his "professional northerner" brand will prove effective if he occupies Downing Street. The conversation shifts to the structural challenges facing the Labour Party, including potential fiscal crises, the limitations of current economic policies, and the urgent pressure to address the cost-of-living crisis. Ultimately, the hosts debate the likelihood of an early general election, speculating that Burnham may choose to seek his own mandate sooner rather than later to capitalize on his current popularity and address the country's deepening economic difficulties.

Was Brexit worth it?

Jun 17, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, hosts Steve Richards, Miranda Green, Tim Montgomery, and Ian Martin continue their deep-dive reflections on the Brexit referendum, marking ten years since the historic vote. The panel shifts their focus to the immediate and chaotic aftermath of the 2016 result, examining the political instability that gripped the United Kingdom. The discussion centers on the resignation of David Cameron and the subsequent, often bewildered transition of power. The hosts analyze the lack of a coherent plan for departure, describing the atmosphere as a period of profound uncertainty. The conversation highlights the tenure of Theresa May, exploring how her attempts to unite the Conservative Party while navigating the "Brexit means Brexit" mandate led to a series of parliamentary deadlocks and what the panel describes as spectacular political failures. The episode provides a critical look at the mechanisms of negotiation, the psychological state of the governing party at the time, and the missed opportunities for compromise. Through personal anecdotes and historical analysis, the hosts dissect the complex legacy of these events, setting the stage for further exploration into whether the Brexit process has ultimately been worth the turmoil.

Was the June 2016 Brexit referendum inevitable?

Jun 10, 202652 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, hosts Steve Richards, Miranda Green, Ian Martin, and Tim Montgomery reflect on the tenth anniversary of the June 2016 Brexit referendum. The discussion centers on whether the referendum was truly inevitable and analyzes the series of political miscalculations that led to such a transformative moment in British history. The hosts share personal accounts of election night, contrasting the shock felt in remain-leaning circles with the unexpected victory claimed by the leave side. A key insight from the conversation is the role of non-voters; the panel highlights how the referendum managed to energize segments of the population that had previously felt alienated by the political establishment. The discussion delves into David Cameron’s leadership style, exploring his perceived complacency and his reliance on tactical party management rather than a clear long-term strategy. The participants debate whether Cameron’s reliance on European diplomacy and his assumption that the British public would favor the status quo were fundamentally naive. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid picture of a political atmosphere defined by long-standing internal party divisions, the rise of populist sentiments, and a leadership trapped by its own strategic missteps.

Will revulsion at the Novak murder feed a divisive political fight?

Jun 3, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, hosts Miranda Green, Steve Richards, Tim Montgomery, and Ian Martin examine the intense national reaction to a fatal stabbing in Southampton. The discussion centers on the controversial political intervention by Nigel Farage, whose call for public rage is analyzed as a potentially divisive and dangerous tactic. While the hosts acknowledge the genuine public anger surrounding knife crime and perceived failures in policing, they debate whether such political rhetoric fuels instability or reflects legitimate public frustration. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the institutional challenges within law enforcement, with the panelists referencing a judge’s recent comments to provide context on the complexities officers face in high-pressure, dark, and confusing environments. The conversation carefully navigates the tension between holding institutions accountable for potential biases and avoiding premature conclusions based on snippets of footage. The episode also touches upon the leaked communications of Lord Mandelson, moving past the sensationalism to discuss the broader, often mundane realities of political discourse. The hosts explore how such leaks affect government dynamics, particularly concerning welfare reform and the internal pressures facing the current administration, offering a nuanced look at the realities of modern political life.

Will revulsion at the Nowak murder feed a divisive political fight?

Jun 3, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, host Miranda Green is joined by Steve Richards, Tim Montgomery, and Ian Martin to navigate a complex week of political discourse. The panel opens with a somber analysis of a recent fatal knife attack in Southampton. The discussion centers on the public and political reaction to the tragedy, specifically addressing Nigel Farage’s video intervention. While some panelists argue that Farage is cynically weaponizing public rage for political gain, others contend that he is merely reflecting a genuine, widespread frustration with current policing standards and identity politics in the public sector. The hosts carefully dissect the incident, weighing the complexities of police decision-making against institutional failures and the impact of the perpetrator’s own deceit. The conversation later shifts to the release of messages involving Lord Mandelson and various government ministers. The team debates whether this cache of communications reveals genuine corruption or is simply a look into the standard, albeit frustrated, working dynamics of political life. They reflect on the media’s appetite for such narratives and the ongoing tension between political networking and commercial influence, concluding with a brief look ahead at the persistent speculation surrounding potential early election scenarios.

What on earth was going on in the Scottish National Party?

May 27, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, the hosts gather for a wide-ranging discussion on the turbulent state of Scottish politics and the strategic complexities of the ongoing by-election in Makerfield. The conversation begins with the recent embezzlement scandal involving Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party. The panel explores the implications of this incident, debating whether it serves as proof of the party’s fundamental lack of seriousness or if it is a symptom of a movement that prioritizes national identity above all else. They reflect on the long-term impact of the SNP’s dominance, noting how it has polarized public discourse and created a disconnect between facts and political narratives. Moving to the by-election, the discussion shifts to Andy Burnham’s political strategy. The hosts analyze his attempt to balance local appeal with national ambition, specifically looking at his cautious approach to polarizing issues like Brexit. While some critics view his tactics as shifting or opportunistic, others argue he is a formidable political operator successfully neutralizing his opposition. The episode concludes by examining how these regional dynamics reflect a broader anti-Westminster sentiment that continues to reshape the landscape of British politics.

What on earth was going on in the SNP?

May 27, 202654 minSummary

In this episode of Not Another One, the hosts gather for a tapas-style discussion, covering a range of political themes during a period of record-breaking heat. The conversation begins with a look at the scandal surrounding the SNP and the former chief executive Peter Murrell, whose recent legal troubles serve as a starting point for a broader analysis of the party’s long-term dominance in Scotland. The panel debates whether the SNP’s fixation on the independence movement has functioned as a distraction from government record and policy failures, while also touching upon the shift in political discourse since the 2014 referendum. The discussion then pivots to the by-election in Makerfield, focusing on Andy Burnham’s campaign strategies. The hosts weigh in on the criticisms regarding his approach to Brexit and his perceived political character, questioning whether he is a pragmatic unifier or a calculated opportunist. The panel concludes by examining the rise of Reform and what a potential victory for Burnham would signal for the future of the Labour Party, particularly regarding the need to address the anti-Westminster sentiment felt by voters across the country.