Get ready for a pub brawl, it's local election time

Get ready for a pub brawl, it's local election time

From The State of It by The Times

April 7, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the upcoming local elections, focusing on the political dynamics between Labour, Reform, and the Greens, while also touching on the economic implications of the Iranian conflict.

As Reform rolls its tanks onto Labour’s lawn across the old Red Wall and the Greens set their sights on London, Starmer braces for a bruising set of local elections. Has David Lammy given up on London? And Steve reveals Reform's antagonistic campaigning slogan... Meanwhile, with the economic toll from the Iranian conflict unfolding, we explain how it might take Gabriel a little longer to find his daily packet of Quavers. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe  here . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Guests: Gabriel Pogrund, Steven Swinford, Lara Spirit

Topics covered

  • local elections
  • political campaigning
  • Labour Party
  • Reform Party
  • economic impact
  • London politics

Keywords

  • local elections
  • Reform
  • Labour
  • politics
  • economic impact
  • London
  • campaigning
  • political analysis

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Reform, Labour, Greens, The Times, The Sunday Times

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