The summer holidays are over, if Keir Starmer’s speech this week was anything to go by. Is he stepping into Osbornomics strike two? Whilst Ed Balls is still on holiday, George Osborne is joined by Chief Executive of Labour Together, Jonathan Ashworth, to reveal what’s going on behind the scenes as the government returns to Westminster. 

In a quick turnaround, Starmer was next spotted in Germany, resetting relations in Europe. Is there merit to seeking bilateral relations with EU countries? Will this lead to growth and prosperity? And will it appease Leave voters who swung to Labour at the election?

Plus, Ed and George provide their insights from their time inside shadow cabinets, imparting their advice for the next Tory leader on how to return to government as swiftly as possible.

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Production support: Caillin McDaid

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Are the civil service the real brains behind the government? What role does a Chief of Staff play? And what on earth do government ministers do all day?

Ed Balls and George Osborne are tackling your questions on the ins-and-outs of the daily grind of running the country - from official residences to avoiding gimmicks. 

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The world is braced for a brat summer as Kamala Harris steps in for Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential candidate - George Osborne and Ed Balls consider whether the fevered KHive reaction spells success, or simply masks the very real challenge ahead. 

In Labour land, Rachel Reeves is preparing her statement on the fiscal reality the government faces, all in the shadow of seven Labour MPs losing the whip over George’s two-child benefit cap. Was Keir Starmer right to cast off the rebels? And, Ed and George offer their advice to Reeves - how can she avoid becoming ‘Ms. Austerity Chancellor’?  

Meanwhile the Tories really do need to make up their mind on who they are - and fast. As James Cleverly throws his hat in the ring for the leadership contest, it’s time to decide what conservatism actually means now.

Plus, George convinces Ed to share the truth of his Strictly experience. 

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

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How important is it to have a leader who ‘turns you on”? Are ID cards essential in a new world of AI and deep fakes, or are they a waste of government time and money? And should you be made to vote?

Plus, if you’ve got a speech to deliver in the near future, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their best guide to public speaking. You’re welcome.

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It was a bonkers week for American politics, on both sides. Team Trump went from an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania to a fiery convention in Wisconsin. Biden’s camp had NATO, fresh calls for him to drop out of the race and a Covid diagnosis to round it off, all in a matter of days.

And amongst it all, a fresh political operative came into the limelight: Donald Trump’s newly-named running mate JD Vance. Turns out, he’s an old friend of George’s and a long-time fan of the former Cameron-Osborne government. George Osborne reveals all about the man who could be VP and suggests he could be taking notes from Keir Starmer’s playbook. Ed Balls isn’t so sure. In fact, he’s pretty horrified by the suggestion altogether… 

Back home, and British politics is positively placid by comparison. The former PM Rishi Sunak is learning the art of being a good loser, and using a bit of humour to get through it all. Labour is making big moves with its foreign policy. What does it tell us about their future plans?

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As England heads to the final of Euro 2024 - are the politicians who claim to love the beautiful game faking it for political gain?

We’ve seen Keir Starmer’s new ministerial appointments - but what on earth do all these snappily named secretaries, under-secretaries, and private secretaries actually do? If there’s one thing Ed Balls and George Osborne love, it’s a deep dive into the inner workings of government, so politics nerds: Roll up, roll up. 

And how can voters gauge whether their new MP is any good or not? 

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While Keir Starmer gets on with the business of naming ministers and settling in at Number 10, the Tories are picking up the pieces of their shattered party and considering the best person to turn the ship around. So who is the new Rishi? Is it Kemi, Suella, Priti? Whoever gets the top job needs to be a healer, George says, and not a warrior. 

Meanwhile, winning a campaign is one thing, staying in government is another. Ed and George think Labour is in danger of lurching into technocrat territory when all the people want is some competence around here. 

And, fond memories are flowing of when Ed got the ministerial call up. Apparently Tony Blair took an unorthodox approach….  

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

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A brand new cohort of MPs have descended on Westminster today and with them comes a flurry of policy announcements. What does Keir Starmer’s cabinet say about the kind of Prime Minister he wants to be? And might he regret some of the very ambitious changes his ministers are making?

The last Labour government was defined by foreign policy. So what are the big forces which could shape the future of Keir Starmer’s government? Ed and George talk about the shock result in France, as well as Starmer’s approach to the conflict in Gaza. 

And a huge thanks for listening to our Election Extras – we hope you’ve really enjoyed them. 

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A new dawn, a new day, and a new government. Not quite Blair ‘97, Ed Balls and George give us the inside track on exactly how things are playing out inside No. 10 Downing Street right now. From cabinet appointments to civil servants, this is the guide you need.  

But Keir Starmer’s landslide is just one half of the story today - the Tory and SNP downfall and the rise of Reform tell their own tales. Ed and George share their most standout moments of the past 24 hours and give their takes on how this will play out for the major parties as they (try to) move forward.

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They think it’s all over… it is now! No really, that’s the actual line from the Conservative party as they send out the hardest worker of this campaign, Mel Stride, to concede a full 24 hours before voters go to the polls. Ed Balls and George Osborne question whether the move will just serve to put even more potential Tory voters off.

The winner might be considered a foregone conclusion at this stage - but the details are far from it, and Ed’s been swotting up on the ones to watch for early indications. If you’re planning an all-nighter, grab your popcorn and make some notes - you don’t want to be without the Balls election 2024 primer. 

And, if you’ve ever wondered what candidates will be doing for the next 48 hours, Ed and George pull back the curtain on the highs and lows of a life-changing night. 

Credit to Greg Birks for ‘I’m Just Ed’.

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T-3 days until polls open and if England’s efforts in the Euros are anything to go by, there’s no predicting what could happen between now and then… at least, that seems to be what Rishi Sunak is hoping. Ed Balls and George Osborne aren’t so sure. As final Party Political Broadcasts go out and an ever-more-desperate message comes from Tory HQ, is it time to call Sunak’s early election a failure?

And as electoral activity kicks off in France, and debates begin in the US, what does the International political situation mean for an incoming government on the world stage? 

There is some explicit language in this episode.

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Is Rishi Sunak California dreamin’ of a post-PM life? Or are the rolling hills of Yorkshire calling him to stick around? Ed Balls and George Osborne ponder what the Prime Minister will do next if he loses his premiership next week. How can good polling change an election outcome? And what does the cost of living crisis actually mean?

Plus, they give their best advice for making it through the election all-nighter. And has anybody seen Ed Miliband?

Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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The Democratic National Convention is underway in Chicago with jubilant scenes. Fortunately for us - while Ed Balls is on holiday - George Osborne has persuaded former shadow Paymaster General Jonathan Ashworth to be Political Currency’s eyes and ears on the ground as Kamala Harris looks to become the Democratic Party’s formal presidential nominee. But are spirits just a little too high for what is shaping up to be a very closely fought race? And have the Dems been taking notes from the Labour party?

Plus, Ed and George have recorded their ultimate guide to summer political reading. We hope you’ve got a big suitcase - you’ll need it for all of these!

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Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

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The final week of election campaigning is here! Keir Starmer hasn't even measured up for curtains in Downing Street yet, but the attention is already turning to the headaches he will face in government. After a wobbly final debate performance against Rishi Sunak, Ed Balls wonders if the Labour leader can ever go for the jugular when it counts.

Then there's the markets. Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves might have high hopes for their policies, but where will the money come from? George Osborne thinks Labour's honeymoon might be over before it's begun.

And while it looks like Starmer has got Labour's act together, there's trouble brewing on the left of the party. Sir Keir's biographer, Tom Baldwin, reveals the real reason that Starmer served in Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet.

Apologies for George's F Bomb in the first few minutes!

Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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With the general election in sight, has Nigel Farage made a campaign misstep? His claim that the west provoked the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been met with international indignation – but will it have any on his polling?

And as we enter the final 10 days of campaigning, things aren’t looking great over at Conservative HQ – has Rishi Sunak accepted his party’s dismal fate? The Tory leader appears to be switching to a strategy of damage control, but it’s unclear if it will be enough to entice Conservative voters out… 

Plus, George Osborne marks 10 years since his first major speech on the Northern Powerhouse. What should an incoming Labour government learn from the mistakes of the past? 

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Will shy Tories (or Reform UK-ers) deny Keir Starmer his landslide? If not, who should the Conservatives install as leader to provide stability – perhaps somebody with international and domestic credibility... say ... David Cameron?

Plus, does your postal vote count if you die before the big day? And, who would you invite to your ultimate political party? Please make sure you’ve got your karaoke song at the ready.

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Producer: Ned Miles

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Keir Starmer looks on track for a victory that could even surpass the landslide of ‘97. But how much is this a rejection of the Tories? George Osborne warns that unless the Labour leader can offer more, he may find himself turfed out after just one term. Ed suggests Starmer and Rachel Reeves should be thinking now about their first year in office, not just making it through the next fortnight.

Plus, inflation has hit the Bank of England target of 2%. It should be good news for Rishi Sunak, so why do Ed and George think it proves he’s gotten his election strategy all wrong? 

And, should the “two-child limit” be abolished? Labour are under increasing pressure to scrap the policy George implemented. George and Ed go head to head on what’s fair and right when it comes to kids, tax breaks and who gets them… 

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Can Rishi Sunak do anything to rescue his flailing election campaign? Some advisors have suggested the answer may lie in ramping up negative attacks on Keir Starmer. Why does George Osborne think that approach would be a “disaster” for Sunak?

And, have you noticed which MPs are missing from the airwaves? Ed Balls says it tells you more about the parties’ upcoming problems than you might first realise.

Plus, Rachel Reeves has been working hard to court British businesses. But will her strategy pay off?

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What more can be done to tackle childhood obesity? George Osborne and Ed Balls answer a question from Jamie Oliver on whether a future government could further Wes Streeting’s commitment to banning energy drinks and tackle childhood obesity. Is a protest vote ever worthwhile? And, former Tory MP Margot James asks: where are all the women in the campaigns?  

Plus, what is it like to be kicked out of Number 10 at speed? And perhaps more importantly, what are the political souvenirs that get left behind? Ed reveals a surprising artefact left behind by Tony Blair…

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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After a rocky moment over his support of Jeremy Corbyn, Keir Starmer was determined to get his campaign back on track with the launch of his manifesto. George Osborne asks what it tells us about a potential incoming Labour government and Ed Balls warns it could be a financial straitjacket, making life for the party ‘very difficult’. 

Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak suffered a series of embarrassing media gaffes this week. Has bad polling sealed his fate or can he do anything to turn things around now?

And in America, President Biden’s son Hunter is facing prison after being found guilty on criminal gun charges. What does it mean in the race for the White House?

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Have the wheels well and truly fallen off the Conservative election campaign? After a dismal D-Day debacle and news that social media campaigning is suspended, Ed Balls and George Osborne question whether Rishi Sunak is just giving up.

Regardless, it’s manifesto launch week for the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems, and an opportunity for each party to commit to their election promises. But do manifestos actually matter? And what’s going on behind the scenes as they’re finalised?

And election chaos seems to be spreading - in the aftermath of far-right success at the EU election, French President Emmanuel Macron has called a snap election. How does this bode for the UK’s own election?

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Labour and the Tories can’t stop arguing about whether things are getting better, or if they’ve never been worse: So what’s the truth? Ed Balls and George Osborne weigh up whether the two are mutually exclusive. Rob Burley wants to know if we’re seeing the consequences of the demise of the long-form interview in this election campaign, and we take a look at Labour’s candidates.  

Plus, in light of Nigel Farage’s milkshake incident, Ed takes us back to another time when a politician had an unwelcome interaction with a member of the public’s food: John Prescott’s egg incident. 

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The first election TV debate might be over, but the ripples of Rishi Sunak’s £2000 tax claim are still being felt around Westminster and beyond. Ed Balls and George Osborne wonder whether this could become the defining issue of this election - and question how on earth Keir Starmer was so underprepared for it. 

As the party leaders continue on their tours of constituency hotspots, what’s the real story behind their campaigns? Handily, George knows a thing or two, having run an election campaign himself, and he draws back the curtain on what’s really going on.

And if there’s one thing Ed and George love, it’s a budget - so when can we expect the first post-election fiscal event? 

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Should Labour have defended themselves better against the Tory claim that they’d caused the 2010 UK financial position? Ed Balls and George Osborne go head-to-head on who was to blame, and whether austerity was the answer in this special fiscal policy-themed edition of EMQs. 

It’s not all debate though - Ed and George explain the concept of ‘running out of money’, and how much of a previous government’s economic policy is required to make its way into a new term. 

Please keep sending us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

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Rishi Sunak is facing dismal polling and Nigel Farage out on manouevers. In our first Election Hot Take, George Osborne reveals the sense of resignation that has set in among Tory MPs. Is the only thing that can save the Tories now a massive policy play? George thinks they may be working something up on inheritance tax.

Meanwhile in Labourland, the fall out from the Diane Abbott saga continues. Angela Rayner has stepped in to defend her, opening the door for the long-time Hackney MP to stand again. What does it reveal about the power Rayner holds in the party?

And the TV debates are imminent. What must the leaders convey about themselves if they want to win the keys to No.10?\

We just can't get enough of the election, so we've launching this extra HOT TAKE. Become a member of the🏅POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD party, to get the episodes a day early, on Monday. As well as EMQs on a Friday and every episode ad-free!

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Gimmicks and gaffes have been a feature of the first week of the election campaign. Inspired by Ed Davey’s attempt to raise awareness of river pollution by falling off a paddleboard – multiple times – George and Ed reflect on the nation’s (and their own) cringiest political stunts. And George  finally reveals all –  how did he end up doing the ultimate Tory power stance?

It’s not just PR moves though, policy debate is in full swing. Ed and George disagree on Labour’s planned tax on private school fees and mull the consequences the election could have for the markets. 

Plus, Ed offers his top tips to Michael Gove, amid rumours he might be about to trade in his spot in the cabinet for a place on the Strictly dance floor… 

Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

We just can't get enough of the election, so we're launching an extra HOT TAKE every Tuesday during the election. Join our🏅POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD party to get the episodes a day early, on Monday - as well as EMQs on a Friday and every episode ad-free!

Producer: Ellie Clifford and Ned Miles

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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After a faltering start in the rain, Rishi Sunak’s campaign seems to be gaining momentum. Is it enough to prove he was right to gamble on a snap election? 

While it might not all be plain sailing for the Conservatives, things have certainly been looking up as trouble brews in the Labour Party. Ed Balls thinks Keir Starmer's handling of Diane’s Abbott’s candidacy has been a “terrible mess”. Could it have real ramifications for his hopes at the polls? 

But elsewhere George Osborne thinks a nightmare could be brewing for the Tories in the form of Nigel Farage. Could the so-called “honorary president” of Reform UK be looking for a Conservative seat? 

We just can't get enough of the election, so we're launching an extra HOT TAKE every Tuesday. Can't wait? Subscribe to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to get early access on Monday afternoons, as well as getting EMQs on Friday and every episode AD-FREE!

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Producer: Rosie Stopher and Ned Miles

Production support: Miriam Hall

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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Ed Balls and George Osborne have election fever and won’t be stopped from answering your EMQs. How did George get the election date so wrong? Is the public too despondent with the state of politics to bother voting at all? And could the Liberal Democrats stun us all to become a credible opposition? 

Plus, George reveals what he thinks the Tories’ attack line on Keir Starmer will be, and Ed tries to nail him down on just who the incompetent junior minister in his treasury was…

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Producer: Rosie Stopher and Ned Miles

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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A snap election! Not quite George Osborne’s prediction of 14th November, Ed Balls is struggling to understand the logic that led Rishi Sunak to surprise, well, literally everybody with 4th July as the date of the next general election. Are good inflation numbers really enough to see the Conservatives to a better result than the formerly predicted disaster? George reveals Number 10’s thinking. 

As the battle is drawn, Ed and George discuss the seats to watch and the issues on the table - and of course, the ones that aren’t. And, they draw back the curtain on how Westminster will be preparing in the wake of the prime minister’s bombshell. 

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Why doesn’t Bristol have a mayor anymore? What do treasury officials actually do? And is there a reason we’re losing so many bright young tech experts to the West Coast of America?

Plus, author Will Hutton wants to know if Ed Balls and George Osborne will take responsibility for their involvement in the economic crises of the twenty-first century, and in a podcast crossover, Sascha O’Sullivan of POLITICO’s Westminster Insider wants to know if we should be trying to find silver linings in Truss’s attempt to be different. 

Remember to send us your questions to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

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Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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Keir Starmer, poster boy. The Labour leader’s new pledge card is here, with six key policies and a black and white photoshoot to woo the public. Is it all a bit retro? Well that depends who you ask: George Osborne would prefer a new approach, whereas Ed Balls reckons some solid Labour '97 nostalgia might just be what the party needs.

Meanwhile, Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy is working hard to get himself out there on the world stage - and back in the good books of a certain former (and possibly future) US President, of whom he’s rarely been complimentary before. If he’s after an invitation to Mar-a-Lago, the good news is that George has the inside scoop from the current Foreign Secretary on how an evening at Donald Trump’s dinner table plays out. 

And, with George on the ground at Stanford University, what are the challenges of the campus protests sweeping the world - and what does it mean for politics in a globally important election year? 

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Producer: Rosie Stopher 

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Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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Ed Balls and George Osborne are pleased to have been asked for book recommendations. Is this the start of a book club to compete with the likes of Richard and Judy? If so, George is bagsying his role in the duo now - and no, it’s not Richard. 

MP Greg Clark asks about the future of local mayoralties, and Sunday Times interviewer Decca Aitkenhead wants to know whether George is doing anything about his, ahem, selective memory. Plus, what on earth did the Cameron government see in Liz Truss all those years ago, and what’s changed?

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Producer: Rosie Stopher and Ned Miles

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Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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Rishi Sunak lives to fight another day after some terrible local election results. But as he loses yet another MP to Labour, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask whether it might be time to play a new strategy and try acting the underdog.

Meanwhile, whilst Labour had a markedly better weekend, it didn’t quite indicate the 1997-style landslide they might be hoping for in the next general election. Is Keir Starmer on track for a small majority? And if so, how should he manage it?

And in foreign affairs, the UK is notably absent from President Xi Jinping’s European itinerary this week. How did Sino-UK relations end up here, and how would a prime minister - current or future - get back on track?

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Producers: Rosie Stopher and Ned Miles

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

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It’s polling day. Ed Balls and George Osborne give their expert analysis on the importance of local elections: what contests do you need to look out for? And what do they reveal about Rishi Sunak’s political fortunes?

Across the border, the Scottish National Party is in turmoil after First Minister Humza Yousaf resigned. Could this open the door to a Labour resurgence in Scotland?

Speaking of, the person hoping to lead that resurgence is Keir Starmer. But how well do we really know the man hoping to be our next Prime Minister? George has called up Keir’s old friend Andrew Cooper to find out more about the Labour leader’s youth.

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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It’s results day and while students across the country celebrate their A-levels, BTEC and T-levels, university funding has come back into the limelight. And what’s better than one former education minister? Two! Gillian Keegan is sitting in for George this week, and she and Ed Balls consider the best course of action to make the education sector pay for itself. 

Plus, Gillian makes her case for more business people in Parliament. Would they really drive more growth than career politicians with PPE degrees?

And in the next instalment of our summer conversations, Ed and George give the 2024 intake of MPs their top tips for standing out from the crowd - but does Gillian agree?

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Tehcnical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Producer: Rosie Stopher and James Shield

Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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It’s the most auspicious day of the year: Ed Balls Day. To celebrate, George has got his Ed Balls mask out (not a euphemism), and is ready to go Inside the Room. Just kidding. But he has in fact organised some questions from Ed’s nearest and not-so dearest. 

Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves asks about Ed’s favourite Gregg’s order. Bandmate and Political Journalist Robert Peston wants to know why regulation of public services has gone so badly wrong, and Ed’s successor in his Morley and Outwood seat, Andrea Jenkyns, wonders if he regrets Labour’s gold sale. 

Plus, the icon that is Delia Smith asks about their shared passion: Norwich City Football Club. Not that that will stop Ed and George discussing their favourite Delia recipes. 

Head to our social media platforms to see how Ed celebrated Ed Balls day this year @polcurrency 

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Production support: Ellen Morgan

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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After two years, Rishi Sunak can finally celebrate a Rwanda victory as his bill passes in parliament - but Ed Balls and George Osborne can’t help noticing it’s been somewhat overshadowed by an announcement on defence spending. Is the government playing with fudged figures? And is it even worthwhile as far as voters are concerned?

St George’s Day saw an unexpected new poster boy this week - and no, it’s not George, much to his chagrin. Keir Starmer is embracing his patriotic side. Ed and George weigh in on whether now is the right time to be flying the English flag, and if a dose of nationalism (and a nationalised railway) is the way to win an election.

And across the pond, presidential polling has been shaken up by the emergence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a viable third candidate ready to split the vote. But whose vote will it split exactly? 

Producers: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Ellen Morgan

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Is the role of a PPS more than just a ‘bag carrier’ and when has it gone wrong? If Ed and George could have a cardboard cut out of any politician who would it be? And BBC Radio 4’s Amol Rajan asks Ed about Joe Biden’s stammer. Should the American President talk more openly about his speech impediment? 

Plus, is the rise of the smartphone to blame for us all being less productive? And should 16 and 17 year olds have been allowed to vote in the Brexit referendum? 

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Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall 

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. 

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It should have finally been a bumper week for Rishi Sunak - with inflation down, a win for his smoking ban and with success on his Rwanda legislation within sight.

But instead, would-be Tory leaders have been hogging the limelight. Liz Truss is back with a vengeance. Could her ‘Trump-style’ return to form see her reinstated as head of the party?

Or is it Kemi Badenoch’s time to shine? Why has her stance on the smoking ban been rubbing her colleagues up the wrong way? 

And as we head towards the local elections, party leaflets are coming in thick and fast. That is, if you can tell which party it’s come from - because George has noticed some parties are a bit more keen to dwell on their Westminster representatives than others…

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith and Oliver Geraghty 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Ed Balls and George Osborne were Inside the Room with Michael Gove last week to deep dive into the Brexit plots - and now they’re facing your questions on the moment that changed British politics forever. 

What happened to all the voters the EU referendum coaxed out of the woodwork? Are women ignored in the retelling of those tumultuous days of 2016? And what can historical parallels tell us about the inevitability of rejoining?

Plus, GB News’ Chris Hope asks why George and David Cameron didn’t give themselves more time for their EU negotiations, Tim Shipman asks what would have happened if Boris Johnson became PM straight away and it’s time to ‘uncork the Gauke’ with a question on whether Michael Gove was right to advise future Prime Ministers to ‘never ever have a referendum on anything’?

You could have listened to this episode early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty 

Production Support: Miriam Hall

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Another week, another scandal surrounding the Conservatives. But this time of the honey trapping variety. Ed and George discuss the dating app scam that has ensnared at least one MP. 

Meanwhile, Labour is having a difficult time stamping out persistent claims the party’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner dodged tax on a house sale. George says if she stumbles, all the Conservatives want to see her fall. He predicts there will be more to come. 

And David Cameron is back on the world stage, meeting with US presidential candidate Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Florida this week. George thinks it shows Cameron can secure the meetings no “normal” foreign secretary could land. Ed wonders, though, what Joe Biden would think of the former PM giving airtime and legitimacy to Trump … 

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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The result is in, and in the words of David Dimbleby, ‘we’re out’. But whilst the Brexit referendum draws a line under the campaign period, it sets the stage for chaos in the lives of our insiders. In this final episode of 'Inside the Room: The Brexit Plots', Ed Balls and George Osborne grill Michael Gove on the Conservative leadership contest that followed David Cameron’s resignation, and what (or who) persuaded him to commit one of the great political betrayals of recent years.

Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and to live show tickets. Try for free: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

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Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Archive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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As the Leave and Remain campaigns get underway, it seems that the Remain camp has a clear lead. That is, until it doesn’t. 

In this second instalment of Inside the Room: The Brexit Plot, Michael Gove, Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind the scenes of the ever-more-panicked campaign HQs as polling day draws in.

Part 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' is exclusively available to listen to now for subscribers to POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production Support: Miriam Hall

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Archive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Brexit was the issue that splintered British politics: Friendships were broken, political parties split, and a nation polarised by the EU referendum. We all know what the outcome was, but in this special miniseries, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by Michael Gove - the ultimate Leave campaign insider - to discover what really went on behind the scenes of the biggest political shakeup of the 21st century.

In this first part of three, Ed, George and Michael take us back to the beginning of the Brexit campaigns and ‘inside the room’ as a formerly watertight cabinet began to split in favour of Leave or Remain.

Parts 2 and 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Brexit Plots' are available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold.

POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅

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Producer: Rosie Stopher

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Production Support: Miriam Hall

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Archive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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

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Parliament may be heading into recess, but there’s little time for holidaying as the political parties are heading straight into local election campaigning after Easter. Ed Balls and George Osborne take stock of how those campaigns are shaping up, who and what to watch out for, and how the results might change the Westminster mood.

Is the BBC in danger again? And this time it’s from inside. After Tim Davie’s remarks this week, Ed and George take a deep dive on their own history with Auntie. 

And as we approach the end of the financial year, what about the newest kid on the block, Jeremy Hunt’s great British ISA? George and Ed look back on the “Buy British” campaigns of old and why they simply don’t work.  

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Ed Balls and George Osborne answer questions from the EMQs archive - this week, an insider’s guide to a life political. Is a u-turn ever the right thing to do? How does the Prime Minister know whose question to answer at a press conference? And is it fair to say that all politicians are just in it for themselves? 

Plus, Ed makes his predictions for the next shock-exit politician to follow in his and Michael Portillo’s steps as a media personality, and we ponder what our Political Currency constituency looks like. 

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Assistant Producer: Miriam Hall

Producer: Rosie Stopher

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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The latest polling predicts Conservative armageddon in the next election. But do these polls matter? George reveals why the Tories are still banking on winning over those ‘don’t know’ voters. 

They’ll have a mountain to climb, with growing fears of coordinated tactical voting. Will it work as a strategy, and have Ed and George ever dared to vote for another party? 

And when Taylor Swift comes roaring into town, does she bring a massive economic boost with her? Our not-so-secret Swifties aren’t convinced… 

Plus, they tackle the consequences of spending commitments for subsequent governments, and ask if tradition has any real importance in politics. 

Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Rishi Sunak is on a mission to prove his political fortunes are turning round… despite a long list of headaches. How can he get out of the political spiral he’s in? George and Ed pick over some lessons from Prime Ministers past… 

He’d do well to heed their words. On the Labour side, Rachel Reeves had made another big play for the role of chancellor, giving the Mais lecture. Is ‘securonomics’ the future of Britain? And does it mean she’s disowning some of Ed’s New Labour decisions?

And forget the Eton rifles, could Britain’s young people actually be going to war?

Follow us on social media: @polcurrency

Producers: Rosie Stopher

Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith

Production support: Miriam Hall

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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Is legalising cannabis the answer to the hole in Labour’s financial plans? Are fiscal rules there to be broken? And, in light of the infamous royal photography fail, can Ed and George think of other times a photograph has landed a public figure in hot water? Of course they can - sorry Prime Minister!

Got a question for Ed and George? Send a voice note to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.

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Michael Gove is rolling out his new definition of extremism this week, to the chagrin of people across the political spectrum. Ed and George weigh in on whether this will have any impact in keeping the UK safe, or whether it will threaten to divide the country further.

Unfortunately for Gove, a major Tory donor undermined the whole message with his own extreme comments about Diane Abbott. Should they return his £10m donation? And why didn’t they consult their most senior Black female member before responding to this new crisis? 

And the ‘crypto-winter’ is over: Bitcoin is back. Is the boom here to stay, and what does it mean for governments around the world?  

Producer: Rosie Stopher 

Production support: Miriam Hall 

Executive Producers: Dino Sofos and Ellie Clifford

Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network

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