Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Political Business - London Decides

London has spoken.

In this special LIVE episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down the seismic shifts in the capital’s political map. From a "bad night for Labour" in their traditional heartlands to the unexpected surge of the Green Party and a surprising Conservative comeback in Westminster, we analyse what this means for the future of British governance.

The Green Surge: How the Green Party took control in Hackney and Lewisham.

The Westminster Comeback: Incoming Leader Cllr Paul Swaddle on how the Tories won back the flagship borough.

The "Squeezed Middle": Baroness Shama Tatler (Labour) on community politics and the Indian Hindu vote.

The Fragmentation of London: Polling expert Scarlett McGuire, founder of Merlin Strategy, and journalist Dave Hill, from OnLondon, join us to discuss why voters are "done" with the establishment.

Plus, we take your questions.

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To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the final episode of Political Business before the elections in England, Scotland and Wales, Kevin McKeever and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt look ahead at what to expect as the results flood in across Thursday night and Friday.

20 million people are set to vote in what many are calling the UK Mid-terms.

They ask what different results could mean for the political parties, and whether they could results in a leadership challenge to the Prime Minister.

And what London Boroughs should you be keeping an eye on?

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To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week to go!

Parliament has prorogued, pressure is mounting on Keir Starmer, and the countdown to election day is on. In this week’s episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin break down a difficult week for the government — and what it means as MPs leave Westminster to campaign.

From growing unrest inside the Labour Party to the King’s high-profile visit to the United States, we explore the contrast between domestic political instability and strong international diplomacy.

With just one week to go until the elections, we also look ahead to what could be a volatile and unpredictable set of results — and why the political mood feels increasingly uncertain.

In this episode, we cover:

- Starmer Under Pressure: Fallout from recent decisions, questions over leadership, and growing doubts within Labour.

- Parliament Prorogued: What MPs are saying as they head out to campaign — and why expectations are low.

- The King in Washington: Why the US visit has been a diplomatic success — and what it means for UK–US relations.

- Election Countdown: Where the key pressure points are and what to watch for with one week to go!

- London Elections: Why the picture remains fragmented — and what the data can (and can’t) tell us.

📊 Download the 32-Borough London Decides Guide: https://londondesides.loichedry.com

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To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 London Borough elections are around the corner, and the political landscape is more fragmented than ever. In this special edition of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin are joined by London "Supremo" Dave Hill (OnLondon) and elections expert Lewis Baston (OnLondon) to dissect the 387-page "London Decides" guide.

From the potential "Green Wave" in Hackney and Lambeth to the "Reform Wave" in the outer boroughs like Bexley and Havering, we break down why this election is about more than just a "doughnut" strategy.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Fragmentation of the Vote: Why London is now a 5-6 party system.
• Key Battlegrounds: Westminster, Wandsworth, Enfield, and the "Red Jam" center.
• The Green Threat: Is Labour at risk of losing control in its heartlands?
• The Reform Factor: Will the national surge translate to seats in the London suburbs?
• Demographic Shifts: How an aging population and high graduate density are changing the math.

Download the full 387-page guide here: londondecides.lowickhedry.com

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the London local elections about to redraw the political map? We’re reporting live from New York City to explore a fascinating parallel: the first 100 days of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and what his "street politics" style means for the UK Labour Party and the Green Party.

In this special episode of Political Business, Kevin McKeever and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt discuss their trip to NYC to meet with American investors and political players. They dive deep into the "Mamdani Effect" - a mix of TikTok-savvy communication, "pothole politics," and an adversarial relationship with big business - and analyse how this populist left movement is being mirrored by Zack Polanski and the Greens back in London.

📊 Download the 32-Borough London Decides Guide: https://londondesides.loichedry.com

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt, Kevin McKeever officially launch London Decides, our partnership with OnLondon.co.uk. This is the definitive political guide to all 32 London boroughs, featuring expert insights from Dave Hill and Lewis Baston. The capital is truly in an era of multi-party politics and London Decides will cover it all!

From "Silent Labour Voters" to the Green Party’s "hubris," and the impact of independent candidates, Kevin and Nathan look ahead at some of the storylines that could shape the election. Sign up for early access to London Decides at: https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 7 May, every London borough votes. And this election is unlike any we've seen before. We have well and truly arrived in the era of multi-party politics. Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, Reform, and various shades of independents, all in play in some way across the nation's capital.

Most of the analysis out there isn't reflecting the complexity of what's actually happening across the boroughs. That's what London Decides is for.

To make sense of it, we've teamed up with OnLondon, bringing together Dave Hill, award-winning founder and editor of OnLondon, and Lewis Baston, one of the country's leading elections analysts. Together we've produced the definitive borough-by-borough guide to the 2026 elections. Every candidate, every contest, every borough covered in full, including in this podcast feed.

The guide launches on 20th April, once the official candidate lists are published.

Sign up now and it lands straight in your inbox the moment it goes live.

https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK economy is at a breaking point as the OECD downgrades growth forecasts for 2026. In this episode, we dive into the "big headaches" facing the Chancellor, the escalating energy crisis fueled by Middle East tensions, and the internal power struggle between Number 10 and Ed Miliband’s "Full-Brand Milibandism."

Plus, we break down the government's massive New Towns announcement: where are the 7 new sites, and will they actually solve the housing crisis before the May elections?

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever discuss a volatile week for the UK. From the 150% surge in gas prices following Middle East tensions to the internal "soft-left" revolt within the Labour Party, we break down what this means for the upcoming May elections.

We also dive deep into the newly announced New Homes Accelerator and Atlas program. We give essential updates for anyone in the London housing and development sector.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Energy Crunch: Why UK gas prices soared 150% and what the Bank of England’s 3.75% rate hold means for your mortgage.
• Labour’s Internal Battle: Is Angela Rayner rolling the pitch for a leadership bid? We analyse the "Rayner-Khan-Burnham" axis.
• London Housing Reform: A breakdown of the £12 billion New Homes Accelerator package and the end of late-stage review mechanisms.
• The Mais Lecture: Rachel Reeves’ "Big Bet" on AI and Quantum Computing.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re live from the International Property Conference (MIPIM) in Cannes to discuss why global capital is flocking to London despite massive geopolitical uncertainty.

In this special episode of Political Business, we consider the intersection of international conflict, UK defence preparedness, and the "Golden Age" of the Square Mile.

We dive deep into the City of London’s "Golden Age" with two exclusive interviews:

1.⁠ ⁠Chris Hayward (Policy Chair, City of London Corporation) on the "concierge service" for global investors and the challenge of viability.

2.⁠ ⁠Tom Sleigh (Planning & Transportation Chair) on why the City approves 98% of applications and the secret to a "can-do" planning department.

Today, we’re discussing:

•⁠ ⁠Geopolitics vs. Growth: How the current situation in the Middle East is reshaping investment flows and defence spending in the UK.

•⁠ ⁠The City’s Renaissance: Chris Hayward explains why technology has become the City's fastest-growing sector.

•⁠ ⁠Predictability is King: Tom Sleigh shares why a 98% planning approval rate isn't "dodgy.” Rather, it's a sign of a high-functioning, enabling democracy.

•⁠ ⁠The Retrofit Revolution: Why half of all London's retrofits are happening in the Square Mile.

Whether you're an investor, a developer, or a political observer, this episode provides a unique temperature check on the UK’s standing on the global stage.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the Middle East conflict to the streets of London, the political landscape is shifting.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin talk through a historic week. We examine Keir Starmer’s "legalistic" defiance of Donald Trump regarding Middle East strikes and why the Prime Minister is avoiding a "forever war."

We also break down the shock by-election results in Gorton and Denton.

Has Labour lost its grip on the left to the Greens?

Finally, we dive into the "labor-on-labor" friction within the new Oxford Street Development Corporation and what it means for the future of London planning.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tomorrow, the voters of Gorton and Denton head to the polls. On paper, it’s a safe Labour seat. In reality? It’s a "pollster’s nightmare" and a three-way fight that could redefine Keir Starmer’s leadership.

In this week’s episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever dive into a week of high-stakes political maneuvering and industry-shaking news.

What we’re unpacking:

📍 The By-Election Briefing Wars: Why are Labour, the Greens, and Reform all claiming they can win? We look at the "Andy Burnham factor" and why the ground game in Greater Manchester might be the only thing keeping Labour in the race.

🎓 Kemi Badenoch’s New Deal: The Conservatives are pivoting to the next generation. By promising to scrap the interest on Plan 2 student loans, are they finally addressing the generational divide—or is it a tactical response to a polling crisis?

🏗️ The Fall of Global Council: A story hitting close to home for the public affairs and comms industry. How does a thriving, profitable firm go into administration overnight? We discuss the human impact of the "Mandelson association" and what happens when the Cabinet Office issues a direction against your agency.

Whether you're in Westminster or the City, this episode is a deep dive into how reputation, policy, and ground-game operations intersect.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Reform UK bridge the "credibility gap"?

In this week's episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever dive into the seismic shifts occurring during the Westminster recess. We analyse the appointment of Robert Jenrick as Reform UK’s Shadow Chancellor (Treasury Spokesperson) and what it means for the party's attempt to shed its "protest movement" image.

We also break down the government’s major U-turn on delaying 30 local elections - a massive legal and political win for Nigel Farage - and the grim reality of London’s housing starts falling by over 70%.

In this episode:

Reform’s Economic Pivot: Can Robert Jenrick avoid a "Liz Truss moment" for the party?

The Election Shambles: Why the government folded on delaying 30 local council votes.

Labour’s By-Election Hopes: Why the Gorton and Denton result might surprise Keir Starmer’s critics.

London Housing Crisis: Why "Accelerator Packages" are failing and the truth about flat-lining house prices.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of Political Business looks into the recent political turmoil in Westminster, focusing on the implications for the Labour Party and its leadership under Keir Starmer. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by the Prime Minister, the dynamics within the Labour Party, and the public's perception of political stability. Key themes include the impact of recent scandals, the role of gender in leadership positions, and the future policy direction of the Labour Party as it navigates a changing political landscape.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Political Business, we break down one of the most turbulent weeks in UK politics.

We examine the fast-moving story surrounding Peter Mandelson, the Epstein files, and allegations of historic cabinet leaks — and what this means for Keir Starmer, Number 10, and Labour’s judgement in government.

We also analyse the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign so far, discussing

• Labour’s ground operation in Greater Manchester
• Reform’s decision to stand Matt Goodwin
• The Green Party’s campaign, and what message they might have for voters

Finally, we turn to policy, discussing the government’s proposed overnight visitor levy, what it could mean for high streets, tourism, and local government funding — and how business groups are responding.

We unpack the strategy, the politics, and the real-world business implications behind the headlines.

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for weekly insight on politics, policy and business.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Political Business, Kevin and Nathan break down the political decisions shaping the UK business climate right now.

🔹 Keir Starmer’s trade delegation to China — the first UK PM visit in 8 years. Is Britain charting a new economic path between the US and China? What does this mean for British exporters, investors and global trade strategy?

🔹 Andy Burnham blocked from returning to Parliament — and what it reveals about Labour leadership tensions, party control, and the post-election future of Keir Starmer.

🔹 Conservative defections to Reform UK — why the Tory coalition is fracturing and how that reshapes the political landscape ahead of May’s elections.

🔹 The Government’s pubs U-turn — a 15% business rates cut for pubs after political pressure. But does it fix the deeper problems facing hospitality, retail and high street businesses?

We unpack the strategy, the politics, and the real-world business implications behind the headlines.

👍 Like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for weekly insight on politics, policy and business.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down Donald Trump’s explosive comments on Greenland as he heads to the World Economic Forum in Davos — and what this new era of muscular US foreign policy means for the UK economy, NATO allies, and global trade.

We explore:

• Trump’s tariff threats and the real risk to UK growth
• What Davos 2026 reveals about power, business, and geopolitics
• The impact on British industries like automotive manufacturing and pharmaceuticals
• Whether the UK can survive between the US and the EU
• Growing fractures on the UK right: Reform vs Conservatives
• Why London politics is becoming more volatile ahead of May elections
• The collapse of London housebuilding and why sales — not planning — are the real problem
• What government may do next to kick-start the housing market

If you work in business, policy, or politics, this is your weekly guide to what’s really happening in Westminster.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking political news kicks off Political Business’ first podcast of 2026 as Kemi Badenoch sacks Robert Jenrick from the Conservative shadow cabinet, amid claims he was planning a defection to Reform UK.

In this episode, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever unpack:

Why Jenrick was seen as a leadership threat to Badenoch

Whether Reform UK benefits from ex-Tory defectors

The political theatre behind the timing of the sacking

What this tells us about the state of the Conservative Party

The conversation then turns to Labour’s growing leadership anxiety, with MPs increasingly talking about a post-Keir Starmer era. We explore:

Why Starmer’s authority appears to be fading

Wes Streeting’s leadership positioning

The significance of the Progress anniversary dinner

Whether Labour has a clear vision beyond cost-of-living messaging

Finally, we assess what the Labour government is actually delivering in early 2026, including:

New economic growth figures

The Northern Powerhouse Rail recommitment

Infrastructure, cost of living and the road to the May elections

🎧 Subscribe for weekly analysis on politics, power and policy — and how it all impacts business.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 has been one of the most turbulent years in modern UK politics. In this end-of-year special episode, we look back at the key political moments of 2025, the leaders who rose and fell, and what lies ahead in 2026.

From Keir Starmer’s challenges in Number 10, the bungled handling of Labour rebellions, and the growing conversation about Labour leadership succession, to the rise of Reform UK and the Greens, this episode explores how British politics is fragmenting into a true multi-party system.

We discuss:

• Labour’s post-election wobble and internal rebellions
• Wes Streeting’s growing influence and leadership speculation
• Nigel Farage, Reform UK, and whether they’ve peaked
• Zack Polanski and the Greens’ surge on the populist left
• Kemi Badenoch’s recovery as Conservative leader
• Why May 2026 elections could be a watershed moment
• Why the economy may improve even as politics worsens
• What the Conservatives, Labour and Reform do next
• 
  

We also close with Christmas political book recommendations, including Tony Blair, Ezra Klein, China’s economic model, and the structural causes behind rising populism.

📅 Recorded as our final episode of the year, this is essential listening for anyone interested in UK politics, Labour strategy, Conservative recovery, Reform UK.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly insider political analysis

💬 Let us know your predictions for 2026 in the comments

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two weeks on from Rachel Reeves’ first budget, the headlines have moved on — but the politics definitely hasn’t. In this episode of Political Business, Kevin and Nathan unpack the shifting dynamics inside Labour and the Conservatives as both parties prepare for a turbulent 2026 election cycle.

We break down:

🔴 Labour’s internal anxiety despite a “successful” budget

🔴 Why Treasury insiders think the politics of the budget are done

🔴 Angela Rayner’s dramatic return to the Commons — and what it really means

🔴 The truth behind the “non-existent” Labour leadership contest

🔴 Starmer’s strategy to scare MPs out of triggering a contest

🔵 Kemi Badenoch’s resurgence and improving Tory morale

🔵 Why Reform UK may have plateaued — and whether Farage’s controversies help or hurt

🟡 Why 2026 will be shaped by a new era of five-party politics

We also look ahead to the May local elections, where both parties fear major losses — and both sides believe the real leadership battles begin.

If you work in business, policy, or politics, this is your weekly guide to what’s really happening in Westminster.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One week after Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's Budget, the polls suggest 48% of people consider it a “bad budget.” In today’s episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin dissect the political fallout inside the Labour Party, the economics behind Reeves’ choices, and whether Keir Starmer’s position is as safe as it looks.

We also break down reports that Nigel Farage has privately told donors he expects a Reform UK–Conservative deal at the next general election — despite publicly denying it. What would a reform–Tory pact mean for 2029?

Finally, we analyse the rapidly shifting London political landscape heading into the 2025 local elections:

• the rise of the Greens,
• fears inside Labour about losing Hackney,
• the decline of the hard-left independent projects,
• and how Reform UK actually performs on the ground in London.

If you work in politics, campaigns, public affairs or business engagement with local government, this episode provides the clearest guide yet to the post-May 2025 world — and how to prepare for it.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget — and it’s one of the most politically significant moments of Labour’s new government. In this episode, we break down every major measure, from the 24 tax rises to the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, the mansion tax, frozen income tax thresholds, and the new pay-per-mile charge for EVs.

We analyse:

• How Labour MPs reacted in the chamber
• What the markets think (and whether that lasts)
• Whether this is a politically risky “tax to fund welfare” moment
• How the public will respond
• Growth strategy concerns… and the lack of a long-term economic story
• Kemi Badenoch’s budget response — and whether she just saved her leadership chances
• What happens next: reform, migration, growth and the road to the May elections

This is your full breakdown of what the Budget means for Labour, for the Conservatives, for the markets — and for you.

If you enjoy political analysis, hit subscribe and join us for weekly episodes covering UK politics, government strategy, policy and power.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The budget is one week away — and speculation inside government is spiralling. In this episode, we break down:

🔹 Rachel Reeves’ abandoned income tax rise

🔹 Treasury leaks and “smorgasbord” tax increases

🔹 Market reaction & OBR forecast surprises

🔹 Why local authorities may lose planning powers

🔹 The real factions organising inside Labour

🔹 Whether Keir Starmer can survive as leader

🔹 Steve Reed’s radical changes to housing and planning

🔹 The 1.5 million homes target — and whether government can hit it

We also unpack who holds real power inside the Labour Party today: the old right, the Blairite modernisers, the soft left, and the socialist campaign group — and what these groups mean for the next Labour leadership contest.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Sir Keir Starmer facing a real leadership challenge — or just Westminster gossip gone wild? In this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever go inside the explosive week that’s rocking Downing Street.

After Number 10’s extraordinary move to brief against Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Starmer’s inner circle is scrambling to project unity. But with rumours swirling around Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and even Ed Miliband, the question is whether the Labour leader can hold his Cabinet — and his authority — together.

We unpack the real political strategy behind the chaos:

• Why Downing Street is briefing against its own Cabinet ministers
• What the “scorched earth” comms from Morgan McSweeney tells us about Starmer’s fears
• Why Wes Streeting’s broadcast round may have backfired on Number 10
• How the Budget — and Rachel Reeves’ plans for tax rises — could determine Starmer’s fate

Plus, we dive into what business actually wants from the Budget:

• Tax, energy prices, and the Employment Rights Bill
• Whether Labour’s fiscal rules risk strangling growth
• The tension between business confidence and political ideology

And finally, we head to London’s local elections, with inside insights from Southwark leader Sarah King on Labour’s shrinking dominance, the rise of the Greens and Lib Dems, and how it could reshape housing and development policy across the capital.

👉 Subscribe for weekly insider analysis on UK politics, budgets, and leadership battles.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever unpack a week dominated by economic speeches and shifting political strategies.

📊 Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has set the scene for what’s being called “the most significant Budget in a generation.” With a £40 billion gap to fill, Reeves is preparing the public for tax rises across all demographics — a politically risky move that could breach Labour’s key 2024 manifesto pledges. Nathan and Kevin explore how the Treasury’s new “no surprises” communications strategy is designed to reassure markets while managing expectations across Westminster.

💷 Meanwhile, Nigel Farage has made a surprising pivot — stepping back from populist spending promises and moving towards a Thatcher-style focus on fiscal discipline and pro-business reforms. From City briefings to a renewed focus on credibility, Reform UK is repositioning itself as the new voice of the centre-right.

🏙️ And in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street Development Corporation takes a major step forward with the appointment of Scott Parsons as Chair. The hosts explain what this means for businesses, investors and developers — and why this apolitical, delivery-focused appointment signals a new phase for regeneration in the West End.

Plus, they discuss the rise of the populist left following Zohran Mamdani’s shock victory in New York, and what it could mean for London’s 2026 local elections.

🎧 Subscribe to Political Business for sharp insights and actionable advice on how politics, policy and business intersect in modern Britain.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour has fallen to its lowest ever level of support in a new YouGov poll — just 17%. The Green Party, under new leader Zack Polanski, has now overtaken the Liberal Democrats.

In this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down what the numbers really mean for the Labour government, the opposition, and the shape of politics in 2025.

We also unpack the government’s emergency intervention in London’s housing crisis, cutting affordable housing requirements to kick-start development — and debate whether this move helps or hurts Labour ahead of next May’s local elections.

Plus:

💷 How public affairs professionals can actually influence the Budget

🏗️ What Labour’s new housing measures mean for developers and councils

🌿 Can the Greens sustain their surge — or is this a temporary protest vote?

📉 Why 50% of last year’s Labour voters now say they’d switch sides

Stay tuned for our “Three Points of Advice” on how to navigate the political and corporate landscape this week.

👉 Subscribe to Political Business for weekly insight, strategy and straight-talk on the intersection of politics, policy and public affairs.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK government’s borrowing has hit record levels — £99.8 billion in just six months — while inflation holds steady at 3.8%. With the Budget looming, Rachel Reeves is trying to frame the economic challenge by blaming Brexit and promising a £6 billion blitz on red tape.

In this episode, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin unpack the numbers, the politics, and the strategy:

– Why borrowing is spiralling — and what it means for the Treasury.

– Whether Reeves’ “Brexit blame” approach can work politically.

– The real impact of the West Midlands Investment Summit.

– What the Caerphilly by-election tells us about Reform UK’s rise and Labour’s struggles.

– Is Britain heading for another age of austerity?

– Can Rachel Reeves rebuild fiscal credibility while blaming Brexit?

– Has Labour already lost the communication war to Reform UK and Nigel Farage?

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political Business with Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever breaks down this week’s biggest political and business stories — from Westminster to the housing market.

This episode covers:

• Why neither Labour nor the Conservatives got a conference bounce.
• Major changes inside Number 10 Downing Street — is this a “grown-ups back in charge” moment for Keir Starmer?
• A deep dive into London’s housing crisis as new Molior data shows housing starts collapsing.
• The latest planning reforms, Treasury moves, and whether Rachel Reeves can deliver growth.
• And what Reform UK’s rise in by-elections means for both Labour and the Conservatives.

Nathan and Kevin — both former political advisors — explain what these developments mean for business, policy, and the road to the next general election.

👉 Subscribe for more weekly analysis that bridges politics, business, and strategy.

📢 Comment, and tell us where you think the next big political shift is coming from.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt reports from Manchester as the Conservative Party Conference 2025 wraps up - and it’s not all rosy for Kemi Badenoch.

With polling sliding into the high teens and Robert Jenrick waiting in the wings, is her leadership already on borrowed time? Nathan and Kevin McKeever break down:

• 🔥 Kemi Badenoch’s leadership challenge — has she bought time or lost control?
• 🤝 Reform UK’s growing power — could there be a deal or even a merger on the right?
• 💼 Tories’ new pitch to business — can they reclaim economic credibility from Labour?
• 🏘️ The housing question — the “Build Baby Build” message that has cross party support.
• 👔 Should businesses still engage with the Tory Party?
• 
  

From the bars of the Midland to the boardrooms of Westminster, Nathan and Kevin explore whether the Conservatives can rebuild, and what that means for business and politics in Britain.

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📍 Find us online: https://hedry.co.uk/

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever bring you exclusive insights direct from the Labour Party Conference 2025 in Liverpool.

We unpack:

• What Keir Starmer’s landmark speech means for Labour’s future.
• Whether Andy Burnham’s influence has peaked after clashing with the Cabinet.
• The Deputy Leadership race and why it failed to make waves.
• Why the upcoming budget is the real battleground for Labour, with tax rises, VAT expansion, and capital gains reforms on the horizon.
• Steve Reed’s “Build, Baby, Build” housing push – but can Labour really deliver?
• Exclusive reactions from London council leaders (Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster) on growth, business, and local politics.
• The risks Labour faces in the 2025 local elections across London, Wales, and Scotland.

For businesses, investors and political insiders, we share 3 key takeaways:

1. Labour is the government to engage with for the next 4 years.
2. Push for delivery on housing, infrastructure and growth.
3. Keep your eyes firmly on the budget – it will define Labour’s economic credibility.

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes where politics meets business.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Lowick Hedry, we help our clients make sense of a complex world - and get things done. Whether it’s shaping policy, delivering major projects or managing your reputation, we bring together deep experience and fresh thinking to get results that matter. Now, you hear it every week on our podcast. Subscribe on Apple, on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts - and we’ll drop into your feed every week.

Join Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever every week as they consider politics, policies and the realities for business.

***

To find out more about London Decides, click https://londondecides.lowickhedry.com/

The definitive political guide to the 2026 London borough elections.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.