The State of It

The Times

Summary

Politics in Britain feels more volatile than ever, and navigating the noise requires a guide who knows where the bodies are buried. The State of It goes beyond the sterile headlines and official press releases to bring you the real story behind the scenes at Westminster. Join our panel of political insiders as they dissect the high-stakes power plays, the secret corridor conversations, and the shifting loyalties that define our current landscape. Whether we are tracking the dramatic collapse of a leadership, analyzing the tremors caused by key by-elections, or investigating the murky financial ties of rising political stars, this is reporting from the front lines. We strip away the spin to focus on the mechanics of power: the coups that are brewing, the ministerial appointments that reshape government policy, and the genuine anxieties held by those within the parties. Expect a sharp, authoritative take on the business of politics. We do not just report on what happened; we explain why it matters and what is likely to come next. From the maneuvering of potential prime ministers to the ideological battles over national defense and economic strategy, we provide the context you need to understand the turbulent reality of modern governance. If you want a clear-eyed view of how power is won, lost, and contested in real time, you are in the right place.

Updated Jul 7, 2026

Episodes

Nigel Farage's Clacton by-election gamble

Jul 7, 202625 min

Nigel Farage forces a Clacton by-election in a calculated gamble to shift the narrative away from his party finances.

Nigel Farage and Posh George: why it matters

Jul 6, 202627 min

Investigative reporting uncovers undisclosed financial support provided to Nigel Farage by a convicted fraudster.

Paranoia in the Labour Party: the Andy Burnham enigma

Jul 2, 202619 min

Andy Burnham is keeping Labour ministers in a state of paranoid limbo as he orchestrates a secretive transition.

"You can't have more Milibands than women in top jobs" - Cain and Abel mark II

Jun 30, 202629 min

Concerns over potential Miliband dominance and the optics of gender balance in a new Labour cabinet are intensifying.

Andy Burnham builds a plane mid-flight as Starmer checks out

Jun 23, 202625 min

Andy Burnham races to form a government as Starmer departs, sparking tension over cabinet picks and economic policy.

Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power

Jun 22, 202620 min

As Keir Starmer steps down without contrition, Labour turns to Andy Burnham to lead through a volatile transition.

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now?

Jun 19, 202633 min

Andy Burnham’s stunning Makerfield victory sets the stage for a potential leadership clash with Keir Starmer.

Ghostings and betrayals: Starmer's cabinet prepares for an Andy Burnham coup

Jun 16, 202628 min

Cabinet ministers are plotting a coup as Andy Burnham prepares a bid to replace Keir Starmer after the by-election.

A circular firing squad: the bitter war over defence spending

Jun 9, 202630 min

Internal divisions and deep frustration over a delayed defense investment plan leave everyone involved worse off.

The tragic death of Henry Nowak and a political reckoning

Jun 2, 202631 min

The tragic killing of Henry Nowak has ignited a fierce political clash over police conduct and claims of two-tier justice.

We’re all just normal people railing against politics

May 26, 202628 min

Political outsiders and a tightening race in the Makerfield by-election test the reach of new parties and movements.

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