In Keir Starmer’s first major speech as Prime Minister he argues things will get worse before they will get better… Is this the right message and approach? Why are incoming Labour governments so much more cautious than their Conservative equivalents?  Rock & Roll Politics is live at King’s Place London on Mon October 7. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The macho briefings against Sue Gray have echoes with those against Marcia Williams in the Harold Wilson era, and could have disruptive consequences. Plus latest from the Edinburgh Festival. Rock & Roll Politics is at the Edinburgh Festival every day until August 24, with a different show every time for the whole festival. Tickets here Support the podcast on Patreon here for live events, bonus podcasts, the main podcast ad-free and a day early, and more… Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most Labour leaders have argued that economic growth is the key to improving public services but will the distinct policies of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves deliver?  Support Rock & Roll politics on Patreon. Rock n Roll Politics – the post election special is live at Kings Place on July 10th. If the polls are right it will be the first live show at Kings Place under a Labour government. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twenty years later the question is still posed. Why did Tony Blair decide to go to war in Iraq? I argue that his decision was not an aberration, but part of his flawed 'third way' approach to leadership — one that appears to be a mighty influence on Keir Starmer now. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London, Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week I'm in conversation with Michael Jacobs, Professor of Political Economy at Sheffield University, and former adviser to Gordon Brown on climate change. He was also chief executive of the Fabian Society in the buildup to 1997 election, and author of an IPPR report on economic policy that was hailed by both former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and his successor, Rachel Reeves. I speak to him about Labour's opposition to the latest budget, and how Keir Starmer's approach may change in the months leading up to the next election... Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest self inflicted BBC crisis, over Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker as his views on the government's immigration policy, has followed the same pattern as previous ones. Can the BBC change this time, or will there be more self harm to come? Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lord Finkelstein has had a unique career. A Times columnist, Tory peer and former advisor to Prime Ministers and leaders, he got his start as a member of centre-left SDP. Now, he’s on the board of Chelsea FC — a dream job, but one that brings with it some dilemmas on match day. I speak to him about disagreements with his friends in the country's highest offices, expressing his own views as a Tory Lord and his upcoming book Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad... Rock & Roll Politics is live: York, Mar 17th https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-prime-ministers-reflections-on-leadership-from-harold-wilson-to-rishi-sunak/ Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Follow me on Patreon for early access to episodes and bonus podcast series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three candidates seek to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister of Scotland. Why do none of them seem ready for the epic challenges of the role, while Sturgeon was so dominant? Plus, questions on Sue Gray, the DUP and the Northern Ireland Protocol and the state of Labour under Keir Starmer. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham Mar 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Don't forget to send in your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, I’m in conversation with the chair of Compass, Neal Lawson, who argues the current challenges facing the UK are incomparably different to 1997 — and demand more daring solutions from Keir Starmer. Rock & Roll Politics is live:  Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In last week’s podcast, the Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, outlined her plans for childcare. But how will they be paid for? Do Labour dare to give details in advance of an election? Will such details help Labour win — or will they become a vote losing ‘tax bombshell’? Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham Mar 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle Apr 1 https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Shadow Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, joins me this week to discuss her plans for childcare, the ending of tuition fees, new roles for schools and the mood of Sunderland voters that supported the Conservatives in 2019. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak seeks a deal on the Northern Ireland protocol, but faces familiar obstacles in the form of rebels in his own party and the DUP. Plus, Keir Starmer's barring of Jeremy Corbyn from standing for Labour in next year's general election — and the future of Scottish independence after Nicola Sturgeon. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The current Cabinet Secretary, Simon Case, is in the news most days of the week. Lord Robin Butler, who served under Thatcher, Major and Blair, joins me this week to reflect on his time in the Cabinet Office, comparing parliamentary dramas then and now... Plus, reflections on NIcola Sturgeon's shock resignation, and the consequences likely to stem from it... Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tory papers and their online equivalents are used to setting the agenda, having played their part in successive election victories for the Conservatives. The BBC has tended to be heavily influenced by these newspapers. So how will they respond to a transformed political landscape and how should a Labour government deal with the media?  Plus brilliant questions on Farage, the implications of a big majority for Labour and much more. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th - Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug11th. Tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The BBC chair Richard Sharp has lost authority whether he stays or goes. Where does that leave his search for ‘impartiality’? Plus brilliant questions on Brexit, Andy Burnham and much more.. Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus content, early editions and more. Current series of Patreon exclusives is The Troublemakers. Episode 2: Enoch Powell: https://www.patreon.com/posts/subscriber-ep-2-78365294 Rock & Roll Politics is live at Birmingham March 21 https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ King's Place London Mar 23 https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast Black Box, Hill Street Mar 26 https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Ropetackle Shoreham March 29 https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Witham Barnard Castle April https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton April 24 https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In my conversation with Andy Burnham, we discuss whether he had more power as a cabinet minister, or now as Mayor of Greater Manchester, his policies since becoming mayor, whether he has become more radical... and the similarities - or lack of them - with the build up to Labour's victory in 1997. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Troublemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss's comeback was delusional in its lofty grandeur, yet also very narrow. Why did she choose outlets with limited audiences? The answer tells us much about the modern Conservative Party. Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham, March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th: https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon for this month's bonus show, Episode 2 of "The Changemakers" on Enoch Powell, and much more here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I speak to the the transport expert and host of the Calling All Stations podcast, Christian Wolmar, about the state of the railways, the all-important context going back to British Rail, and his hopes and fears for the future. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock & Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are deep reasons for the crises erupting around Rishi Sunak, but there is also an immediate one — Boris Johnson. https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Rock N Roll Politics is live: Birmingham March 21st: https://1000trades.org.uk/events/ London, March 23th Kings Place https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Belfast, March 26th, Black Box https://imaginebelfast.com/events/steve-richards-the-rocknroll-politics-show/ Shoreham, March 29th, Ropetackle https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ Barnard Castle, April 1st, Witham https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Brighton, April 24th, The Old Market Theatre https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Timothy, Theresa May's joint chief of staff during her first phase in Number 10, remains a strong believer in the "good that government can do.” He still sees support for a more active state as the most fruitful route for his party, despite the state-shrinking campaigns of Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak. Does his view have much support amongst Tory MPs, and was Theresa May ever fully committed to his approach? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/  The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/  The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023  Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the run up to the 1997 election, the Conservative government was falling apart over 'sleaze' and rows over Europe. Nearly three decades later, we're back there again. How did it come to this? Plus brilliant questions on my interview with Lisa Nandy, levelling up and much more... Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ The Ropetackle, Shoreham on March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ The Old Market Theatre, Brighton April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time the podcast is twice-weekly. We’re joined by shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy to explore how a Labour government would give back control to local communities. Back us on Patreon to get all our podcasts early, bonus editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at… Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It looks as if agreement can be reached on the Northern Ireland Protocol. But will Rishi Sunak's hardline Brexiteers back a deal? And how does Nicola Sturgeon find a route to independence? Plus brilliant questions and a big announcement. Back the podcast on Patreon for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at…  Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 Apr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The last full year before the General Election is the defining one for a leader of the opposition. Is Starmer ready for the challenges ahead? Plus brilliant questions on Rishi Sunak, the NHS, trust and authenticity… and much more. Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live are available now. Come and see Steve at…  Kings Place, London – live and streaming online on Thur 21 March The Ropetackle, Shoreham – Wed 29 March The Witham, Barnard Castle – Sat 1 April The Old Market Theatre, Brighton (well, Hove actually) – Monday 24 April Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Look at the government's own figures and it's obvious that taxes and borrowing will have to rise or else there will be further cuts to the UK's decaying public services. Why can't the parties be more honest? Has it always been like this in elections? What are the consequences?  Plus brilliant questions and a key notice for the Rock N Roll Politics co-operative. Rock N Roll Politics – The Election Bonus is live at Kings Place on June 24th and there are only a few tickets left! Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far, Rishi Sunak has been a ghostly prime minister, but also a stubborn one. Does he understand the scale of the crisis in the UK, and has he the ideological flexibility to adapt? The answers will determine whether he has a chance of narrowing the gap in the opinion polls, and in the quality of all our lives... Plus, brilliant questions and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live in March and April. Tickets below: Kings Place, London, March 23rd: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, March 29th: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics/ The Witham, Barnard Castle, April 1st: https://thewitham.org.uk/event/steve-richards-rock-and-roll-politics-2/ Old Market Theatre Brighton, April 24th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Subscribe to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the end of a year when Boris Johnson fell over issues relating to trust and the likes of Trump have tried to launch a comeback, I reflect on the issue of trust in the era of globalisation. It takes the form of a talk I gave at Newcastle University recently. ‘Trust’ is one of the most interesting terms because the nature of politics demands some evasiveness at least. But has trust between voters and elected politicians ever been so low? Back the podcast on Patreon and get early episodes plus extras too: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s back. One of the most ubiquitous terms in British politics, “reform”, is in fashion again – but like most prominent terms it is imprecise to the point of absurdity. Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Treat yourself and friends to festive gifts like tickets for Rock & Roll Politics Live, the dream Xmas present… Live at Kings Place, London, Thur 23 March 2023: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics-2/ Live at The Old Market Theatre, Hove, Mon 24 April 2023: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-2023 Support the podcast by backing us on Patreon and get fabulous benefits: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inflation and the cost of living are the immediate causes of this winter's strikes... but there are much deeper currents. Subscribe to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer becomes more confident and authoritative. He has learnt the lesson that ‘tax and spend’ debate is impossible for Labour to win in opposition but can be won in government. In my view the opposite applies to constitutional reform…Plus, brilliant responses to Hancock in the jungle and whether trains are better in Europe. Rock & Roll Politics – The Christmas Special is live at the Market Theatre, Brighton on Mon Dec 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Support the podcast on Patreon and get exclusive extra episodes, ad-free editions and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The three themes are connected… download this week's Rock & Roll Politics to discover how. Plus brilliant questions and much more! Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WIth government sources briefing that they want a closer relationship with the Single Market, it looks as if questions are finally being asked about Lord "Frosty" Frost's disastrous hard Brexit. But where will they lead? Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on Monday December 5th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ The Christmas Special is also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Monday December 12th. Tickets here: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics  Don't forget to rate the podcast and send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So many questions were triggered by last week's Electoral Reform Special that they merit a bonus podcast. The epic themes: Fairness, how to bring about change, wider constitutional reform, the broader context, and more... Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paying homage to their fiscal conservatism, Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt turn to recent history for inspiration. But the past is a fickle guide… Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/  I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics  The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So here it is ...The Electoral Reform Special! I reflect on why I have been an opponent, and my latest position. And now... over to you! Rock & Roll Politics - The Christmas Special is live at Kings Place on December 5th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-christmas-special-2/ I'm also live at the Old Market Theatre, Brighton on Dec 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics The Patreon version with bonus podcasts and much more is available here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Behind the surface frenzy of the Diane Abbott saga are two overlooked questions. Does a leader have a right to have a say who is selected as candidates? What is the role of an MP? The ambition of all candidates is to be an MP, but is there any clear sense of what's expected of an MP? In this case also there are questions about how Keir Starmer and his unelected allies manage or mismanage their party. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Conservatives miles behind in the polls, the route to election victory is narrow... but not entirely blocked. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for the new, exclusive series on governmental cock-ups - new episode on Tony Blair and the Iraq War coming soon! https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions in to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rishi Sunak, the self-declared fiscal conservative, becomes Prime Minister having lost the summer's leadership contest. But will his Thatcherite instincts allow him to rise to the epic challenges ahead?  Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/ And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Liz Truss era is over after just a few weeks. Since 2010, four Conservative Prime Ministers have fallen between general elections, suggesting that Truss is part of a deeper pattern... Rock & Roll Politics: The (Post) Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place on October Weds 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Back the podcast for early, ad-free episodes and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss is in the untenable position of supporting an economic policy she opposed with revolutionary disdain during the leadership contest. But can Tory MPs agree on an alternative? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ I’m also live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on Oct 27th; just a few tickets left: https://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/events/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics-the-liz-truss-special/ And live at the Old Market Theatre Brighton for a Christmas Special on December 12th: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Subscribe on Patreon for exclusive podcast series and more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The mighty markets have wrecked the Truss/Kwarteng shallow revolution… but how will they constrain a Labour government if Keir Starmer wins the next election? Plus brilliant questions and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place London on October 26: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/  And Rock & Roll Politics: The Christmas Special is live for the very first time at the Old Market Theatre Brighton on Dec 12: https://www.theoldmarket.com/shows/steve-richards-rock-n-roll-politics Support the show on Patreon to get early editions, bonus podcasts, merchandise and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Truss and Kwarteng u-turn on tax shows they failed to read the space available to them. How many consequences will there be?  This week, there will be analysis, brilliant questions, and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wed Oct 26th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Sign up to Patreon here for bonus podcasts and much more: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng have unleashed another shallow revolution, the third since 2010. The pound sinks and public services are on their knees. For 12 years, the UK has become a laboratory for whacky economic experiments. But will passive England vote for more? Rock n Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on October 26th, as the drama intensifies… https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-7/ Sign up to Patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don’t forget, join the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative by sending your questions to steveric14@icloud.com ! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Liz Truss era resumes at breakneck speed. How should Labour respond? In this week's podcast, I reflect on the lessons of Harold Wilson's much-overlooked leadership with Nick Thomas-Symonds, shadow International Trade Secretary and author of Harold Wilson - The Winner. Plus, brilliant questions on the monarch and much more. Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - this Thursday at Kings Place. Tickets available at kingsplace.co.uk Email me and the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative: steveric14@icloud.com Subscribe to Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can a monarch genuinely define an era while being unable to express a view or implement policies that can change lives? Plus more brilliant questions from our listeners. Email yours to steveric14@icloud.com Rock & Roll Politics: The Start of the Liz Truss Era is live at Kings Place London on Thursday September 22nd and streaming live. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Support the podcast, help us grow and get each week’s edition early plus bonus episodes: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Audio production by Robin Leeburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Prime Minister Liz Truss is set to overturn Tory orthodoxies in place since this long-serving government was elected in 2010. What will the consequences be and what are the implications for Labour? Rock & Roll Politics is live - and streaming - at Kings Place on Monday September 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ Join as a patron for exclusive bonus podcasts, on Prime Ministers and their special advisors: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far the Conservative campaign makes Labour’s in 1983 and Theresa May’s in 2017 seem slick and confident. Why does it seem so indisciplined and ill thought-through? The answer lies in the mind of Rishi Sunak. Rock & Roll Politics: The Bonus Election Special is live at Kings Place, London on June 24th. Tickets here. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival in a new political landscape from Aug 11th. Tickets here. Back us on Patreon for bonus podcasts on all the recent strange election campaigns and much more. Written and presented by Steve Richards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We had no time for listeners' questions earlier this week, so here's a bonus podcast with some of the brilliant ones I received, plus my reflections on the BBC and its board member, former Tory strategist Sir Robbie Gibb. Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Here is the 14th and final show at this year's Edinburgh Festival, in which the audience makes predictions on Liz Truss and Nicola Sturgeon, and I reflect on the ultimate irony of the Tory Leadership contest. Rock & Roll Politics - The Liz Truss Special is live at Kings Place on Monday Sept 19th. Tickets here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/   Subscribe on Patreon for early episode releases and special series: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics And don't forget to send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meeting some of the members of the Rock & Roll Politics Co-operative has got me thinking, and so have the audiences at my live shows… Plus, I review some of the events and shows I've seen at the Fringe, including those in which Nicola Sturgeon and Keir Starmer were centre stage. Send your questions to steveric14@icloud.com, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to grow the Co-operative further! Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics live at the Edinburgh Festival: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/steve-richards-presents-rock-n-roll-politics Tickets for Rock & Roll Politics 'The Liz Truss Era Special' on Sept 19th at Kings Place are here: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/whats-on/words/rock-n-roll-politics-6/ The Patreon version of the podcast is here: https://www.patreon.com/RockNRollPolitics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices