Not Another One

The team debates Nigel Farage's call for "cold rage" and his accusation of two tier policing in the wake of the revelations about the death of Henry Nowak. Plus: is the second tranche of Mandelson documents damaging or dreary? And will the nation (and Brenda from Bristol) have to face another general election sooner than expected? Apologies for the sound quality this week - recording took place during Tuesday’s thunder storm and the team had to fight through sound interference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

With Peter Murrell, the SNP’s erstwhile former chief executive and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, now behind bars, our team look at the implications of an outrageous scandal. Plus, the latest on the Burnham by-election circus and a policy discussion on social media bans and the coming wave in politics here and in the US - the backlash against big tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

As new revelations about the cost and delays to HS2 stun Westminster, the team debates our failures to build. And as the Burnham and Streeting teams gear up for a fight the other side of Makerfield, will the face off deliver substantive plans? Plus: John Swinney is going on. The SNP government is going on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

After a crazy week, in this weekend edition the team takes stock of how we got to a full blown leadership crisis in Labour. Will the most dangerous challenger make it in Makerfield's by-election? Do the explosive set of results from May 7 contain a wider warning than Reform's march across the North West? And perhaps Brenda from Bristol should brace for yet another one. Plus: politics and vitriol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

Reunited in the studio to compare notes in the middle of Starmer's leadership crisis, the team ask what has gone wrong in less than two years. Is this story of disenchantment a uniquely Labour one? Is it all about the electoral pressures on the party, Starmer’s mistakes, or has the UK developed an allergy to incumbents? Plus: Gordon Brown's surprise comeback under the spotlight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

With a few reminiscences of past elections thrown in, the team debate a fractured voting public in the run up to May 7th. Are we a UK of "fed-up-niks" and does malaise spring from economics? How intense is the political fervour to left and right? Plus: the hard-to-decipher polling in Scotland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

After Morgan McSweeney’s first public appearance - in front of the Foreign Affairs committee - we explore the dependence of some prime ministers on their chiefs of staff. Why do they make themselves dependent even when the dependency can lead towards their doom? Plus, did McSweeney emerge as a more complex figure than his caricature and where does this all leave Starmer? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

After high drama at Westminster, the team debate the low politics that seem to bedevil decision-making at the heart of the government. Has the PM's famous ruthlessness backfired? And how vulnerable is he to a potential challenge after the May 7 elections? Might Scotland provide a twist? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

The former NATO Secretary General and Labour peer, George Robertson , has accused Keir Starmer of being complacent in relation to defence, arguing Britain’s national security and safety are in “peril”. Is he right? Plus, Reform and the local elections. Warning: apologies for the sound quality on Iain’s recording. Do not be alarmed. He sounds ill but that is the result of a problem with the microphone. Please enjoy the rest of the episode and normal service resumes next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

With elections looming in which a dramatically different set of electoral competitions will play out, the team debates whether we are in an age of uber partisanship. When does party loyalty tip into something destructive? And will Tim's rare foray into predictions work out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

With the campaigns well under way for parliament and government in Scotland and Wales, plus local fights across much of England, the team debate how high the stakes might be for both Labour and the Conservatives. Could it prove a terminal catastrophe for Starmer and Badenoch? And will the electoral splintering to the right and left to Reform and the Greens be permanent? Spoiler: we do not agree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

With the international situation so fluid, the team debate government options for help with bills, and furious business complaints. Is it time to say no? Is it the 1970s all over again? Plus: we all confess to being fans of Alan Johnson, and of thrillers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2026

With the conflict in its third week, the team debates the consequences of the war and assesses where the British and American public are on the military action and the pressure on prices. Yes, the team also dares to debate energy policy and net zero polarisation. Plus: has Ed Davey gone too far? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2026

With President Trump improvising his way towards a possible exit strategy, the team debate the wisdom of positions taken by Starmer and by Britain’s opposition parties. Plus: the bleak economic effects and an attempt at highlighting some positive political developments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2026

With a regional conflict spreading beyond Iran and Israel, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is far from "shoulder to shoulder" with the US president. As Trump rains down disapproval on his head, the team hotly debate American strategy and ask whether the so-called special relationship is collateral damage. Plus: the fascinating political backdrop to the Chancellor’s deliberately dull spring statement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2026

For our weekend episode, the team analyse the aftermath of the extraordinary Gorton and Denton by-election result and the humiliation suffered by Labour and the other old parties. What does it mean for the Prime Minister? What is driving the rise of the Greens and the wider voter rebellion? And how will the split on the centre-right play out? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2026

What will be the political consequences when the full Mandelson documents are published? Modern politicians are robotic enough, but if all their private exchanges risk becoming public will they dare to be human? Can we combine transparency with the need for ministers to have space to be human? Or do we have the right to full disclosure when power appears to have been abused? Plus, will the Education Secretary’s SEND reforms work? And the team assess the prospects ahead of this week’s crucial by-election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2026

The arrest of Andrew, formerly Prince Andrew, has been described as the worst crisis for the Royal Family in a century.Is that hyperbole or will the scandal do serious damage to the standing of the institution? Our team discuss the implications and the media’s role. Plus, the fallout from the Munich Security Conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2026

Nigel Farage has given Robert Jenrick responsibility for Reform economic policy, while making Richard Tice his formal deputy. Suella Braverman has the education portfolio. Will such appointments boost Reform’s credibility as an alternative government? Or is there big trouble to come as Nigel Farage becomes a leader of a team rather than a one man show? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2026

At the end of a week featuring a failed gambit to oust the PM, plus the expulsion of the country's most senior civil servant, Miranda and Tim debate the lost promise of a "dullness dividend". Stability seems elusive, especially given the threat to shake up government even further if Reform prevails. Is that necessary? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2026

There have been countless resets and changes of personnel in Number 10 but so far little has changed in terms of Keir Starmer’s style of leadership. With the departure of Morgan McSweeney what should Starmer do to show he has learnt the lessons of his stormy premiership, or is it too late? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

With Westminster in a febrile state because of the Epstein-Mandelson scandal, pressure is growing on the Prime Minister. Is Britain really going to change leaders yet again? This would be the seventh PM in ten years. What is wrong with our system that this keeps happening? Plus, who is winning in local government between Reform and the Lib Dems? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2026

For such a powerful politician, a key lieutenant to three Labour prime ministers, to be so dramatically disgraced is a seismic moment. As Downing St reels from the latest revelations, our team debates whether the end of Peter Mandelson's unique career marks the close of an entire generation's chapter - and what kind of Labour politics might now follow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2026

As another senior defector moves from the Conservative party to Reform, our team asks if the battle on the right is going to lead to Reform replacing the Conservatives? Plus… if Labour loses the forthcoming by-election what happens to Keir Starmer? And where does the Burnham saga leave the party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2026

In our weekend episode, Miranda, Tim and Iain chew over the international tensions laid bare this week, and ask whether Andy Burnham or other potential rivals to Starmer have answers to the wider questiions of the age. Warning: contains pyjamas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2026

As the threats on Greenland and tariffs from the president ramp up, our team debates the substance and the impact on US allies. For the UK, is it all about defence strategy and spending? Or is there even more at stake? Argy-bargy ensues about Starmer's foreign policy and the stance of opposition parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2026

Is the British Right going deeper into crisis or is it mending? The Not Another One team examine the implications of Robert Jenrick's defection to Reform. And Steve quizzes Tim about the role he played in the now former Tory MP's move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2026

The team discuss the importance of character in politics via Peter Mandelson, Nadhim Zahawi, Donald Trump and Wes Streeting. The health secretary appeared to criticise allies of Keir Starmer in his latest punchy intervention. What is Streeting’s plan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

In this weekend edition, Tim Montgomerie and Iain Martin discuss the unfolding counter-revolution as brave protestors take on the regime. What are the implications if the uprising is successful? And why was the media here so slow to give these events the coverage they merit? Plus - Brexit is back, with Labour pushing hard for a much closer relationship with the EU and Nigel Farage pledging to resist the reset. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2026

Our team returns for the New Year episode to debate President Trump's extraordinary foreign policy. Are Greenland and Iran next after Venezuela, and how is the landscape of global threats (and alliances) shifting. How should the UK and the rest of NATO react? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

As 2025 turns into 2026, the NAO team look at the critical May elections and beyond. What will the impact be if Labour gets wiped out in Scotland, Wales and local government? And will the fragmentation of the party system lead to parties on the left and ri Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

At the end of an eventful year in politics, the team takes on questions from our NAO listeners. Everything from who would make the best 'once and future' PM to whether we are burying the mistakes born of recent turbulent times. Plus: do we get really cross with each other? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2025

This week Reform’s Danny Kruger set out his plans to modernise the civil service while the current government is supposed to be carrying out its own reforms. But nothing is happening. Virtually every government identifies a need to improve the civil service and then backs away from significant change. Why? Plus, are Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham getting ready to challenge Keir Starmer next year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

In the first of our festive specials Not Another One is live at the Centre for Social Justice for a review of the year. Why is Sir Keir Starmer vulnerable already? Will Reform or the Tories be the main alternative to Labour at the election? Is this the end of two party politics? Plus brilliant questions from the audience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

With news of Reform UK's record £9m donation, our weekend episode finds the team reunited to explore whether money from individuals or organisations implies something in return. Should Britain opt for state funding of political parties? Or is going back to mass membership a better approach and a predictor of success? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Since the Budget the main question in the media and from some of the government’s political opponents has been did Rachel Reeves deliberately mislead? But is the Chancellor’s integrity the right target for her many opponents? Is the substance of the Budget getting less attention than it deserves from supporters and opponents? Plus, is this the end of juries and Your Party? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

After all that drama, did the government get away with the Budget? Was Kemi Badenoch’s attack on the Chancellor a criticism too far or a justified direct hit? The NAO team agree that the UK’s lack of growth is the cause of disillusionment with mainstream parties, but how should we secure higher growth? Has the Budget made that even harder? And which party benefits from the emergence of the old dividing line - investment in public services against tax cuts? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

As Rachel Reeves prepares for the most talked about budget in decades we discuss a galaxy of previous chancellors often facing epic challenges. Standby for portraits of Healey, Howe, Lamont, Brown and Osborne, and of course the team’s latest reflections of Reeves as she prepares for this Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

Via a brief pre-Budget detour, the team debates the Home Secretary's major new policy. Will it work? Is it hardline for one set of critics and not tough enough for the rest? Stop the boats was a slogan that sunk the previous government. Will the substance or the positioning be more dangerous to this one? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

High drama has dominated as the Chancellor signals a huge u-turn on Budget tax plans, while briefings designed to shore up Keir Starmer backfired on Number 10 in spectacular fashion. In this weekend's episode the team focus on dysfunction, paranoia and rivalry at the very top. How much trouble is the government in? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

With the Director General and BBC head of news fired in the wake of a scandal over President Trump and bias, our team ask whether the Beeb is doomed. Or is this yet another confected media row? And how is journalism changing? Plus - what is the latest on Starmer and the looming Budget? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

An early morning speech from the chancellor to pledge fiscal stability and flag tax rises, while the main challenger for Downing Street overturns his party's fiscal platform. The team discuss the fix Rachel Reeves is in and whether Nigel Farage is now choosing to play by the rules of mainstream politics. Plus: Dick Cheney's role as Veep. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

In such different ways, the story of Andrew Windsor's downfall and the chancellor's local rental embarrassment reveal how we regard and treat crimes and misdemeanours by the British establishment. In this weekend episode, the team find they have a clash of interpretations on both stories - and on the role of the media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

In the latest episode our team discuss three pressing issues, including the state of the civil service and government concern that the machine is not fit for purpose. Plus, the OBR. Has the government put too much faith in the pronouncements of the Office for Budget Responsibility? Is this approach crippling British policymaking? And Tim, Steve and Iain assess the quality of today’s MPs. Has there been a decline and if so why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Labour and the Conservatives together secured only 13 per cent of the vote in the Caerphilly by-election. In what had been a Labour stronghold for a century the governing party was crushed. Does the Plaid Cymru win, with Reform in second place, point to a wider political earthquake? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

The Not Another One team discuss the challenges facing the royal family, the Rachel Reeves situation and Britain's troubled relationship with the world's second biggest economy - China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

With the two main parties shedding support can "ecopopulism" on the left mimic Reform's surge on the right? Our team are all here for this weekend edition pondering Zack Polanski's leadership and the potential threat to other parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

After the extraordinary events in the Middle East, our team discuss the prospects for an enduring peace. Are there too many contradictions in the President’s plan? Or might reconstruction make enough of a difference to guarantee a long term peaceful resolution? Plus our team consider the role of Tony Blair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

At the end of the party conference season, our team ask why the Tory and Labour leaders have emerged stronger from the last few weeks. And across the parties what are the wider lessons to draw from the conference season? Plus, the team discuss the looming budget. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

With Tim joining from Conservative Party conference in Manchester, Iain and Miranda discuss some of his surprising insights from milling around with former Tory colleagues. Plus, disappointment for one of Reform's flagship new councils. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025