Summary
In significant political developments, the UK is preparing for a leadership transition as Keir Starmer's final week as Prime Minister begins. Starmer is scheduled to meet with allies in Paris to discuss Ukraine before handing over the reins to Andy Burnham, who will field questions from Labour Party members in an unusual one-man hustings tonight.
The backdrop to this changing of the guard includes recent tragic news, as the murder of former Conservative MP Anne Widdicombe has raised serious concerns about the safety of politicians. A 28-year-old man has been arrested, and while authorities are investigating, they stress that there is currently no evidence suggesting a political motive. This incident has prompted discussions on security measures for high-profile figures within the political realm, with various parties addressing the rising tensions surrounding political safety and funding for security.
In related political maneuvering, Deputy Leader Richard Tice and other Reform MPs have criticized the government, claiming a lack of concern for their safety. Further complicating matters, Nigel Farage’s controversial £5 million donation for private security has come under scrutiny as he runs for election following Widdicombe's murder.
As the Labour Party gears up for a new leader, Burnham faces immediate scrutiny over immigration policies. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood plans to address controversial immigration challenges, including the deportation of a convicted criminal whose citizenship issues complicate the process. This comes against a backdrop of ongoing debates about Labour's stance on public ownership, especially concerning utilities.
Burnham's team is reportedly strategizing for significant shifts in policy, drawing comparisons to historic governmental reforms. The initial weeks of Burnham's leadership are expected to be pivotal in shaping Labour's response to current issues, amid speculation about potential announcements, including a budget.
In a lighter note amid the political seriousness, a German journalist has captured an image of what has been dubbed Burnham's "magic jacket," marking a cultural artifact associated with his political rise. As the political landscape shifts, the focus will be on how Burnham navigates the complexities of leadership while addressing pressing national issues.
Show Notes
The political week starts with the shockwaves from the murder of Reform politician – Ann Widdecombe – which has put MPs security firmly back in the spotlight. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have the latest on the police investigation, Nigel Farage’s response and the wider political fallout. It comes as the row over political party donations intensifies, with Reform arguing that the current safeguards aren’t strong enough. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer enters his final week as Prime Minister, while his successor Andy Burnham faces another major test in front of the Parliamentary Labour Party. Plus, will the Home Secretary be forced to soften her immigration reforms as she attempts to change the law to deport a recently released ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang.
More from Politics At Sam and Anne's
At its core will this be a John Healey or Andy Burnham budget – and will it deliver any real breathing space? With the biggest fiscal event of the year looming, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine some of the cabinet divisions across a range of topics including oil drilling, migration policy and a new relationship with Europe. Plus, is the Prime Minister reopening Labour’s battle over Europe and free movement? Where are the red lines for the party, Andy Burnham and the country?
Can the government find more cuts across Whitehall to fund its NATO defence commitments? With less than a week to the budget, Treasury minister – Emma Reynolds – says squeezing more efficiency out of SW1 could free up cash for defence. But with public services already under pressure, where can the cuts be made without making things worse? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy crunch the numbers, look at which sectors are already flashing the warning signs and which policies the Prime Minister could scrap to score a political win. Elsewhere, is Education Secretary – Lucy Powell – planning on making shifts in the department after a luke warm response to keeping Sir Martyn Oliver as the chief inspector of OFSTED?
The Jackdaw gas field has been approved by the government. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh says the decision will support the country’s energy security and that it is compatible with legally binding climate commitments. Critics say the move breaks the spirit of the 2024 Labour manifesto – and makes Andy Burnham look likes he’s living in a “parallel universe” after the hottest summer on record. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how he goes about squaring the circle of gas drilling with potential budget cuts to green projects?
John Healey’s first budget is shrouded in secrecy so how come we know he won’t be touching capital gains tax? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ponder whether the Treasury is worried about growth and discuss how Kemi Badenoch is trying to get the Conservatives on an economic front foot. Plus, they pull apart the weekly polling numbers, and Sam’s got a story about the wait times for parents of SEND children.
Having more than a million young people not in education, employment or training is an “economic catastrophe” according to the prime minister. So, what will the government do about it? With Alan Milburn’s long-awaited review due next month, is Andy Burnham laying the groundwork for tougher benefit conditions in the budget – as ministers look to rein in the spiralling welfare bill? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the report’s findings could complicate the government’s plans for reform. Plus, Anne has the latest on the protests in France and a stark warning over the political cost of attempting to shrink the size of the state.