About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges Andy Burnham faces as he outlines his vision for Britain, particularly in defense and communication.

Andy Burnham is now prime minister-in-waiting and is laying out his vision for Britain. On Monday he outlined his approach to the economy, but is his vision any different to Keir Starmer’s? Ed Balls and George Osborne worry the speech lacks a theory of change, and sets him up for the same troubles Starmer faced. George puts forward the two key challenges Burnham will face: defence and communication. Starmer’s Defence Investment Plan leaves a £5bn gap and stray briefings are confusing Burnham’s messaging. If he can’t get on top of these, is he destined to fail as Starmer has?  The primary policy laid out in Burnham’s speech was a No. 10 in the North, based in Manchester. But this plan comes with risks. Ed worries this could lead to increased divisions between No. 10 and the Treasury, which will kneecap the government’s agenda. George feels these changes are too radical mid-Parliament, and distract from policy.  And finally, this Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and, to mark this historic milestone, Ed and George reflect on the country’s history. They look at the founding fathers, their own relationship with the country, and what future relations…

More episodes of Political Currency

• EMQs: Why don’t politicians apologise? · July 19, 2026 · 46 min
• How Ann Widdecombe’s killing has reshaped British politics · July 16, 2026 · 1h 4m
• EMQs: Why no one will end the triple lock · July 12, 2026 · 42 min
• Is Reform unravelling? · July 9, 2026 · 1h 6m
• EMQs: Are holiday taxes a threat to tourism? · July 5, 2026 · 42 min
• EMQs: The reshuffle dilemma facing Andy Burnham · June 28, 2026 · 40 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Political Currency podcast page.