Political Currency
Persephonica
SummaryEver wonder what is actually happening behind the closed doors of Westminster? Join former Chancellor George Osborne and former Shadow Chancellor Ed Balls as they pull back the curtain on the messy, complex reality of British politics. Having spent their careers debating across the despatch box, these two political titans have swapped their rivalry for a microphone, offering a unique, fly-on-the-wall perspective on how the country is truly run. Each week, Ed and George dissect the latest breaking news, from high-stakes leadership crises and Cabinet reshuffles to the evolving strategies of figures like Andy Burnham. They bring a rare blend of hard-won experience and dry humor to the table, analyzing where governments get it right and where they spiral into chaos. The heart of the show is the popular EMQs (Ex-Ministers Questions) segment, where the duo answers listener inquiries on everything from the intricacies of economic policy and national security to the lighter, stranger side of life in Parliament. Whether they are debating the long-term impact of fiscal decisions or reflecting on the historical parallels of current events, Ed and George provide the essential context you won’t find in the headlines. If you want to understand the forces shaping the nation’s future and the human stories behind the policy, join them every Thursday for an unfiltered look at the intersection of politics and power.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
EMQs: Are holiday taxes a threat to tourism?
Could a new holiday tax on overnight stays empower local mayors or unfairly squeeze the tourism industry?
The two major challenges facing Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham must balance his bold devolution agenda with the urgent fiscal and media challenges of taking power.
EMQs: The reshuffle dilemma facing Andy Burnham
The hosts debate whether Andy Burnham should prioritize stability or risk a major cabinet reshuffle.
The Andy Burnham we know
As Andy Burnham eyes the premiership, we examine his record, political evolution, and ability to make tough choices.
HOT TAKE: Starmer resigns, what comes next?
Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister, leaving the Labour Party to navigate a messy leadership contest transition.
EMQs: Keir Starmer’s problem with ministers
Starmer’s government risks stalling by failing to engage with its own ministers, a recurring issue for the new PM.
How’s Britain and George Osborne, 10 years on from Brexit?
Ten years after the Brexit referendum, the architect of the vote joins to debate if the last decade was inevitable.
EMQs: Will new laws protect children online?
Can new laws effectively stop children from accessing, sharing, and receiving nude images online?
Is it the final blow for Starmer as Healey resigns?
John Healey’s resignation over defence spending cuts leaves Keir Starmer’s premiership in a state of terminal decline.
EMQs: The best place to be an MP if you're a lover of rhubarb
Ed Balls and George Osborne debate whether chancellors should launch big reforms early or maintain a long-term strategy.
Did Farage go too far or score political points this week?
Did Farage weaponize the tragic death of Henry Novak to score political points or challenge failing policing norms?
EMQs: Is Makerfield the UK’s presidential election?
Does the Makerfield by-election function as a presidential-style contest that could crown the next Prime Minister?
Is Tony Blair the Logan Roy of Britain?
Tony Blair returns with a scathing critique of the political class, but is he the Logan Roy of British politics?
EMQs: Should retired politicians go on Question Time?
Retired politicians weigh the pros and cons of appearing on Question Time and whether the format still holds any sway.
Listen to Political Currency with Podtastic
Smart Skip for Political Currency
Smart Skip automatically skips past the interruptions listeners skip in Political Currency episodes, using aggregated listener data.
Smart Summaries for Political Currency
Podtastic generates evolving AI summaries for Political Currency and every episode. Know what's worth listening to before you press play.
Smart Topics in Political Currency
Podtastic highlights key topics in Political Currency episodes so you can jump straight to the sections that interest you most.
Skip Silence for Political Currency
Skip Silence auto-removes silences from Political Currency episodes — saving you 5–15 minutes per hour.
Enhance Voices for Political Currency
Enhance Voices in Political Currency episodes — voice-tuned EQ and compression that makes voices clearer and evens out loud and quiet podcasts.
Listen to Political Currency in Podtastic
For listeners, not advertisers
Related Podcasts
All podcast names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Podcasts listed on Podtastic are publicly available shows distributed via RSS. Podtastic does not endorse nor is endorsed by any podcast or podcast creator listed in this directory.