Slash’n’Burnham – Makerfield is already getting nasty

Slash’n’Burnham – Makerfield is already getting nasty

From Oh God, What Now? by Podmasters

May 19, 2026 · 57 min · Season 2 · Episode 551

About this episode

The episode discusses the upcoming by-election in Makerfield, political satire, and the leadership of the Liberal Democrats.

• Podmasters is 10 years old! Get an extra 10% off a year’s Patreon backing. Makerfield residents, wire up your letterboxes – the leaflets are coming… A month until Andy Burnham’s by-election, Reform is knocking. Can the King of the North hold them off – whoever their candidate may be? Has he done enough for his message to land? Plus: Is it time up for Ed Davey as leader of the Liberal Democrats? Several Essex councillors seem to think so. Comedian Rosie Holt weighs in on whether political satire has changed for the better or worse. And Matt Brittin officially started as the BBC’s Director General this week – is it possible to steady the ship? • Get your tickets for Churchill’s Urinal with Rosie Holt at the King’s Head Theatre, Islington. • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk. ESCAPE ROUTES • Jonn watched Ncuti Gatwa throw jabs at Doctor Who in Saturday Night Live UK • Jason has been reading The Design of Childhood, by Pulitzer Prize-winner Alexandra Lange • Rosie is rewatching a duo of British comedy classics: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace and Toast of London • Ros has been seeking escapism in Danish television and has binged Seaside…

People in this episode

Hosts: Ros Taylor, Jonn Elledge, Jason Hazeley

Guest: Rosie Holt

Topics covered

  • by-election
  • political satire
  • Liberal Democrats
  • Andy Burnham
  • local politics
  • BBC leadership

Keywords

  • by-election
  • Andy Burnham
  • Ed Davey
  • political satire
  • BBC
  • Rosie Holt
  • local politics
  • Liberal Democrats

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC

Books & works: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, Toast of London, The Design of Childhood

Places: Makerfield, Essex, Islington

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