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Coffee House Shots

Coffee House Shots

By: The Spectator
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About this listen

Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale and many others.

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

343517
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Badenoch rattles Starmer – but are they as bad as each other?
    Feb 25 2026

    Megan McElroy unpacks a rowdy PMQs with Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman. Kemi Badenoch made Keir Starmer uncomfortable over student loans but – at a time when trust in the Conservative brand is low – could some of her rhetoric backfire? Plus, what did they make of the revelation that it was the Speaker of the House Lindsay Hoyle that reported Peter Mandelson to police as a flight risk?


    Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

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    16 mins
  • Peter Mandelson haunts Labour
    Feb 24 2026

    Overnight, Peter Mandelson has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.


    He has not commented publicly in recent weeks, though he has previously denied any wrongdoing.


    How long will this row continue to haunt Labour? With more documents due to be released relating to his appointment as US ambassador, can the party contain the damage — or is this just the beginning?


    Elsewhere, Keir Starmer has made an unexpected visit to Gorton and Denton. Is this a show of confidence — or a last-ditch attempt to shore up support?


    Tim Shipman and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair, join Megan McElroy to discuss.

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

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    11 mins
  • SEND plans: 'cost-cutting or reform'?
    Feb 23 2026

    Bridget Phillipson has unveiled Labour’s long-awaited overhaul of the special educational needs and disabilities system – a £4 billion reform designed to rein in spiralling costs and bring order to what MPs across the House describe as a broken model. Ministers insist this is reform, not retrenchment – but with councils under intense financial pressure and families fearful of losing hard-won support, Labour backbenchers are watching closely. Is this a genuine attempt to fix an unsustainable system, or just a cost-cutting exercise?

    Tim Shipman speaks to Isabel Hardman.

    Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.

    Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


    For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.


    Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

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

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Spectator always do a brilliant job of breaking down the latest political news. been listening for years.

Brilliant discussions

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Coffee House Shots offers an excellent take on the top political issues of the day.

An excellent take on the top political issues of the day

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Inntelligent and informed conversation about the days events. The Spectator team is always worth listening to. Highly recommended.

a perfect dose of politics

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