Shock as new Labour government… quite good?
Summary
Host Andrew Harrison and guests Rafael Behr, Marie-Louise Coleman, and James Ball analyze Andy Burnham’s early premiership, noting improved polling and communication compared to Keir Starmer. The panel discusses the Greater Manchester mayoral results, concerns over Diane Abbott’s readmission to Labour, and devolution plans. They also cover the backlash against FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s World Cup expansion plans, which led to withdrawn support from major football associations.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: LinkedIn and Amazon Health AI
Intro: UK politics, Ceuta migrant crisis, and panel introductions
The 'Burnham Bounce': Is the new government shaping up well?
Burnham's communication strategy and digital team vs. Starmer
Women in Burnham's team and Conservative polling struggles
Critique of Burnham's policies: Vibes vs. substance
Announcement fatigue and the social care funding debate
Greater Manchester mayoralty results and Tory party morale
Devolution: Giving metro mayors a share of income tax
Diane Abbott's readmission and managing the Labour left
Is Burnham lucky? Reform UK's decline and sponsor ads
FIFA crisis: Infantino's downfall and US World Cup plans
Ceuta migrant crisis: 60,000 cross into Spanish enclave
Political weaponization of the Ceuta crisis in Europe
Richard Tice investigation and Supreme Court toilet ruling
Sponsors: Shopify and Just Eat Caesar
Culture: Nick Cave, Honor Among Thieves, and Thievery Corporation
Outro: Support the podcast and Stamps.com ad
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