About this episode

The episode discusses Keir Starmer's unusual relationship with ministers, lessons from the Jo Cox Foundation, and various political debates including childcare benefits and public opinion.

Al Carns revealed in the wake of his resignation he only met Keir Starmer in an official capacity once. On this week’s EMQs, Ed Balls and George Osborne break down how unusual this is for a PM and why it may explain the problem at the heart of the Starmer operation.  Baroness Jan Royall, Chair of the Jo Cox Foundation asks what lessons have been learned in the decade since her tragic murder and what more needs to be done to protect MPs. The pair then tackle the big political debate: is ‘white van man’ always right? Ed recalls a near disaster for the treasury with ‘white man van’, while George offers politicians advice on how to balance their personal views with meeting the public where they are. Ed and George also answer ‘Emily’s’ question on free childcare benefits and whether it should be stopped completely when you earn over £100,000.  Ed and George bring their experience to the question and discuss the pros and cons of benefits tapering rather than ending on a salary cliff edge.    Plus a Canadian listener hits back at George’s recent derogatory comments on Ottawa and asks George and Ed for their predictions if significant election results had gone…

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