Politics Weekly UK

It’s been a month since Andy Burnham became prime minister. And while polls have shown a ‘Burnham bounce’, the coming months will force the new PM into making some tough – and potentially unpopular – decisions that will reveal how serious he is about delivering the changes he believes the country needs. Kiran Stacey and Peter Walker look at the choices facing Burnham. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Racism and misogyny are becoming normalised as a result of rightwing politics and the ‘cesspit’ of social media, says Labour’s Bridget Phillipson. In an extended interview, the minister for women and equalities and new party chair sits down with Kiran Stacey to talk about her fears for British society, the climate crisis, what Burnham is really doing differently from Starmer, and whether her party can beat Reform. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Nigel Farage has won the Clacton byelection he triggered by resigning from the seat because he wanted to allow voters to ‘stick two fingers up at the entire establishment’. The Reform UK leader’s political finances were under investigation at the time. That process has now resumed, posing the risk of another byelection if Farage is found to have broken the rules. Has his party emerged stronger or weaker as a result of the byelection? And what next for Reform UK and its leader? Alexandra Topping and Rowena Mason discuss the fallout, and what it means. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

As another summer of extreme heat rumbles on, warnings about excess deaths, ageing infrastructure and potential food shortages are growing louder. So how well prepared is the UK to cope, both now and in the years ahead? Jessica Elgot and Alexandra Topping examine why politicians have been so slow to act. Plus, Kemi Badenoch has distanced herself from the former neo-Nazi turned Tory council candidate Joshua Bonehill-Paine, only to offer him him an advisory role instead. What was she thinking?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Andy Burnham gave a major speech on Wednesday on his plans for a national care service. He sought cross-party consensus on the issue by speaking to the Tories and Lib Dems. But not Reform UK or the Greens. On Thursday, Reform’s Robert Jenrick claimed at a press conference that the prime minister wanted a ‘death tax’. But is that what Burnham set out? Plus, Zack Polanski is under fire for a social media post. Is the Green party leader too ‘online’? Pippa Crerar and Peter Walker discuss. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Andy Burnham’s first week in office has seen him announce a range of measures to help people with the cost of living crisis, and scrap several of Keir Starmer’s big policies. But critics – including former Starmer ministers – are questioning how they will be funded and whether they go far enough. Pippa and Kiran look at what’s behind Burnham’s policy blitz.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

Keir Starmer has announced his social media ban for under-16s. The proposals are tougher than expected, and include a ban on major apps such as TikTok, Instagram, X, Snapchat, YouTube and Facebook. Plus, the Makerfield byelection is on Thursday. How will team Starmer be preparing for a potential Andy Burnham win?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod