All very awkward as the Chancellor touches down in Washington for a key IMF meeting and a state visit from King Charles looms on the horizon.

Away from Trump-Starmer division – Sam and Anne unpack the reaction to yesterday’s exclusive revelation on the podcast that defence chiefs are trying to find more cuts to the defence budget. Is Rachel Reeves under more pressure to find cash for them?

Plus, Sam has a scoop on the energy price cap and a scheme which could help businesses.

If you want more analysis on that Donald Trump phone call with Mark Stone – listen to the latest episode of Trump 100 podcast here.

With more pressure to overhaul the defence budget, Sam reveals that talks going on this week to find billions of pounds worth of savings from this year’s MOD budget.

Also – has Ed Miliband shifted his stance on new North Sea oil and gas drilling?

Plus, in our weekly polls check-in: are the Greens shifting the dial of momentum in their favour?

In the Middle East, with no peace deal between the U.S. and Iran and the Strait of Hormuz still blocked, a leading think tank issues some stark warnings about the impact on British households.

In Parliament, as the session draws to a close, MPs face the mammoth task of sifting through 17 pieces of legislation – ranging from the Hillsborough Law to GB Rail – to decide whether they progress or fall.

Plus, what does the fall of Hungary's Victor Orban mean for Europe, Russia and Ukraine?

In his first major test since the general election, Sir Keir Starmer faces a major health check and verdict on his government and leadership. Could the results reshape his premiership?

In this special episode, Sam and Anne are joined by elections analyst Professor Rob Ford to discuss the key battlegrounds across the country.

• Can the SNP hold on for a fifth term at Holyrood?
• Could Welsh Labour lose power in the Senedd for the first time in its electoral history?
• Will Reform UK and the Greens' surge end the conventional two-party political system for good?
• Can the Conservatives stop the bleeding of votes across the board?
• Was the Liberal Democrat revival short-lived?

Sam and Anne return for daily episodes from Monday 13 April.

With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and reports of a potential U.S. ground invasion the Prime Minister will host a roundtable with key stakeholders from industry to discuss the ongoing impacts.

Elsewhere, Labour launch its local elections campaign, and the duo look at the polls from a national perspective, assessing the state of the parties with a key month ahead to May 7th.

Next Monday Sam and Anne return with a lookahead to the local elections with academic and pollster – Professor Rob Ford. Normal service will resume from Monday 13th April.

With Tehran rejecting Donald Trump’s 15-point peace plan, will the government be forced to step up contingency planning to cover issues as diverse as fertiliser, fuel costs and even helium production?

Sir Keir Starmer is in Finland for a military summit – so Sam and Anne assess the urgent priorities at home and abroad.

But back in Westminster, the Morgan McSweeney phone theft story simply won’t go away. Are there yet more questions for No.10 to answer?

Sam and Anne discuss that tightrope this morning. Ministers will be frustrated by comments from the CEO of Shell about ‘ripple effects’ from the Iran war.

The UK says supplies are solid, but it’ll be looking at different approaches being taken elsewhere in Europe.

It’s the last PMQs before recess and what’s the story with Morgan McSweeney’s phone theft?

The U.S. President has paused military action in Iran for five days, but pressure remains on the government to support those struggling with energy bills.

Sam and Anne unpack a turbulent 24 hours for the Prime Minister - examining how far the Chancellor can go to help those in need and whether she can afford it.

Has Rachel Reeves learnt the lessons from Liz Truss – can she steady the markets and are there tricky decision coming down the line?

Elsewhere, we have our weekly check-in on the polls – has the Starmer drama died down?

Plus, Sam has a deep dive investigation in local councils wasting money on “unreasonable” planning decisions.

Later today Keir Starmer will convene an emergency COBR meeting to assess the cost-of-living impacts of the Iran war and consider if the government can further support households with a potential energy crisis looming.

Sam and Anne examine the economic challenges facing the PM and the Chancellor, what role Britain is really playing in the conflict and how long could it go on for.

Elsewhere, does the Home Secretary have multiple headaches over the Hillsborough law and a deal with the French to curb migrant crossings over the English Channel.

Rayner allies are eyeing her return to frontline politics before the May elections – will Rachel Reeves be her next target? And does the Prime Minister really need his former deputy’s support?

Sam and Anne consider all the factors and assess how credible a Rayner vision for Britain would be.

Elsewhere, the UK launches a 50% tariff on all steel goods being imported into the country, but what is the move trying to achieve?

Plus, what does the public really think of the policing system – and is the minister responsible immune from the issues?

The former deputy prime minister ramped up the rhetoric – claiming that the future of the Labour party was at stake if mistakes continued and that certain reforms were “un-British.”

Sam and Anne pore over her explosive comments, assessing what an ‘Ange-Britain’ could look like, where she differs from the current approach being taken by Keir Starmer and what the overall strategy is.

Away from Westminster, up in Holyrood MSPs vote against assisted dying - but will the decision have an impact on the legislation going through Westminster?

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver a speech on plans to deepen the ties with the European Union, as Donald Trump ramps up the rhetoric on Britain’s limited involvement in the Iran war.

But - with oil and gas supplies under pressure - how long can the Prime Minister hold back from supporting the U.S. President before needing Washington’s help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise global supply chains?

Back in London, President Zelenskyy makes a visit to Downing Street - a timely reminder that the war in Ukraine against Russia rumbles on.

Plus, is Angela Rayner slowly making a return to front line politics and how does it fit in with Labour's promises of reform when they came in?

Barrels of oil remain above $100, and the Straits of Hormuz remain shut - all as Donald Trump casts doubt on the future of NATO for nations not co-operating with him.

Ahead of a key PM speech later today, Sam and Anne examine the diplomatic fallout and assess how Starmer will navigate an increasingly fraught relationship with Mr Trump.

Plus, what does all this mean for people back home with a potential energy bill price hike – does the government have a package of measures ready to help?

The fallout from the first details of Peter Mandelson’s departure from Washington have already exposed the cracks between Keir Starmer and some advisors. With thousands more emails, messages and WhatsApps to come, this could be just the beginning.

But Sam and Anne assess how a lack of obvious successors might actually shore up the PM’s position.

Meanwhile, as the Iran war continues to escalate in the Middle East – pushing oil prices ever higher – Sam hears from government sources that contingency planning is already underway to soften the blow if energy bills surge.

Not only will we see emails, WhatsApps and minutes about the due diligence, any comments about the US president himself will also be there for us all to see.

Sam and Anne discuss the potential consequences.

Peter Mandelson denies any wrongdoing, including misconduct in public office. He has apologised to Jeffrey Epstein’s victims for remaining friends with him.

Plus, we’ve more on the tensions between defence chiefs and Downing Street.

If Trump’s got things to boiling point and now looking for an offramp – how will that make the UK response look?

Sam and Anne pick up on what they’re hearing about relations between the PM and his defence chiefs.

Back in Parliament, the Courts and Tribunal Bill returns to the Commons – we go over the streamlined plans for juries – and where any rebellion could come.

Plus, Kwasi Kwarteng, Nigel Farage and bitcoin.

President Trump claims the surge is a “small price to pay” for peace - but as G7 finance leaders hold an emergency meeting later today can they find ways to limit the damage?

Sam and Anne discuss the steps Keir Starmer can take to reassure the public, if the conflict could hit people’s pockets and whether there is potential of world economies collapsing under the pressure.

The pair also consider the increasingly turbulent “special relationship's”: is it just a one-way street?

Plus, with the courts bill returning to the House of Commons tomorrow will we get a picture of how big a potential rebellion could be?

Reports suggest Keir Starmer was in favour of granting the US access to UK military bases sooner, but was overruled by an alliance of Yvette Cooper, Ed Miliband, Rachel Reeves and Lord Hermer.

Sam and Anne unpack the power dynamics at the top of government and the pressure the PM faces from international allies – some of whom are wondering which side Britain is on.

Away from the conflict, Home Secretary Shabanna Mahmood unveils tougher immigration plans in a major speech - but will the rhetoric cross the line?

Plus, the duo have insider gossip from Morgan McSweeney’s leaving do.

As the conflict in the Middle East rages on, the UK deploy military hardware to Cyprus to protect its assets, is this a further sign the UK is being dragged into the war?

Sam and Anne assess if events have overshadowed the Spring Forecast, examine where the UK stands in its special relationship with the United States and look at whether Whitehall is preparing for months of war.

Remember, you can get a full analysis of the Rachel Reeves’ Spring Forecast in Politics at Sam and Anne’s The Debrief here

The momentous conflict unfolding in the Middle East - so was it a “non-event” that dated almost immediately?

Or did the Spring forecast give us clues to the direction of the government?

Rachel Reeves reiterated that her economic plan was “the right plan” but have the government made certain assumptions and do the OBR agree with them?

Sam at the Resolution Foundation thinktank and Anne in Berlin debrief the contents of Spring Forecast and pour over all key economic indicators - with a focus on areas which might be trouble down the tracks.

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and U.S. President, Donald Trump, trade blows on the legality of the military action but is Britain military and economically ready for what’s to come?

Sam and Anne look at all options on the table and assess whether this could impact the Spring Forecast, and more importantly, people’s pockets.

Elsewhere, we have an exclusive poll which puts the Greens on a stronger footing with the public.

Plus, should MPs be paid close to £100,000 a year?

The U.S. President says he will continue bombings on Iran until “all objectives are met” posing problems for Keir Starmer with thousands of Brits stuck in the region and hundreds of oil tankers dropping anchor around the Strait of Hormuz.

Sam and Anne examine the domestic and political reaction; the tight rope the Prime Minister is walking to maintain a working relationship with Donald Trump and how costly this could be on people’s day-to-day lives.

Tomorrow, Sam and Anne will bring you a bonus de-brief episode on the Spring Forecast, which will be in your feed's late afternoon.

Sam and Anne examine what this means for the Prime Minister, who will be left soul searching after a massive collapse in their vote within the Manchester suburb.

The duo also consider:

1. Is the Labour vote bleeding from both the left and the right flanks of the party?
2. Is this truly the end of two-party politics in Britain?
3. What are the consequences of this result and has the blame game began?

Sam exclusively reveals that the government will not give additional time for the bill in the Lords – leaving little time to get it through before the end of the parliamentary session.

Ahead of the spring forecast, the duo pore over policy areas pushing for further cash - especially student loans and defence - despite Rachel Reeves insisting this isn’t a moment for increased spending.

Plus, does the United States have the final say on whether the UK should sell off the Chagos Islands?

Sam has been in the Manchester suburb - hearing from the political big hitters and gathering reaction from voters across the constituency – finding out their priorities and whether Andy Burnham could have made a difference.

Back in Westminster, are the Metropolitan Police in a sticky situation over the arrest of Peter Mandelson and claims that he was a “flight risk?”

A full list of candidates standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election can be found here: https://www.manchester.gov.uk/directory_record/538138/statement_of_persons_nominated_and_notice_of_poll_for_the_february_2026_gorton_and_denton_by_election?outputType=chromeless

With an active police investigation and limited scope of what he can reveal, the Prime Minister will face tough questions over his decision to appoint Mr Mandelson as the UK’s top man in Washington.

Sam and Anne consider:

1. Will the arrest impact the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election?
2. Will the Liberal Democrats use the humble address to force the government to release documents on the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy?

Away from the Mandelson affair, on the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, allies from the coalition of the willing meet with President Zelenskyy.

Plus, has more money been found to help tackle the courts backlog and will it make a difference?

Sam and Anne examine the details of SEND white paper in England, looking at the challenges facing the reforms and whether the system, and its costs, are spiralling out of control?

Will the government learn from previous rebellions to get tricky legislation through, or will this be another example of trouble down the tracks?

Elsewhere, is the newly appointed head of the civil service – Antonia Romeo – already under pressure over an alleged cover up?

Plus, are certain government departments already talking about a potential reshuffle?

Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.

Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?

Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK’s shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.

The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.

Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.

But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.

Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.

Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.

Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp’s with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.

Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?

Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets.

Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?

The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister’s potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.

With some MPs calling for Starmer to go – along with his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney – pressure is mounting over the stark confession that the PM knew about Mandelson’s continuing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein before he was appointed the UK’s ambassador to the US.

Elsewhere, has Andy Burnham actually improved his leadership chances by being barred from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election?

Plus, Sam and Anne gauge the mood in the Labour party to figure out what happens next to Keir Starmer.

In a frantic 24 hours, Lord Mandelson gave up his peerage and is facing a criminal investigation over alleged leaking of sensitive material to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Facing a key Conservative vote in the commons later today can Keir Starmer bury his associations with Peter Mandelson and his decision to appoint him as the UK’s ambassador to the United States?

Plus, Sam explains the significance of the battle ahead in parliament between the Prime Minister, his own MPs and opposition parties on whether he will be forced to disclose sensitive information.

Sam and Anne both pick over Mandelson’s interview with the Times – where, beyond the photos at the Aga, he seems to hint that there’s still a way back to politics by saying “I want to be more of an outsider”.

At last night's event, Anne picks up on U.S. reaction to the Mandelson saga – but there is a stark warning for transatlantic business relations.

Plus, what does all this mean for the Prime Minister and his senior staff who appointed Mandelson to Ambassador?

Sam and Anne assess the political ramifications for Mr Mandelson and whether his links to the convicted paedophile – Jeffrey Epstein - will force him to give up his peerage.

Elsewhere, the Prime Minister wades in on whether Andrew Mountbatten Windsor should testify in front of congress about his involvement with Epstein - how will that go down in the palace?

Sam and Anne dive into the details, looking at who is on the trip and reflect on the “twists and turns” of the relations between the two nations.

Back in London, is the assisted dying bill on its last legs with the clock ticking on the time to debate and scrutinise the legislation in the House of Lords.

Plus, have the welfare reforms – led by Pat McFadden – been shelved for the foreseeable future?

Sam and Anne assess:

1. Will the Prime Minister have to pick a side between President Xi or President Trump?
2. How will he present himself on the trip, pragmatist or optimist?
3. Will alleged spying and hacking by the Chinese make a difference?
4. Should Sir Keir be globetrotting whilst domestic issues pile up?

Back in blighty, Sam has been on the ground in Manchester gathering reaction to the upcoming by election in Gorton and Denton – as some of the campaigns got started

Sam is on his way to the North West to see if Keir Starmer can navigate this moment of jeopardy, as some parties launch their campaigns for the Gorton and Denton seat.

Back in Westminster, the government makes a significant announcement on ground rents.

Plus, we have some exclusive polling looking at who could be seen as potentially doing a better job than Keir Starmer as PM – shockingly there is only one name in the mix.

Sam and Anne reveal some of the details from the crucial NEC meeting – assessing how damaging the move could be and whether the argument to shut the door on Mr Burnham’s potential return to SW1 is robust enough.

Away from the red-on-red infighting, the policing white paper is published and a significant decision looms on whether to freeze ground rents.

Sam and Anne reflect on a month - primarily dominated by foreign issues and U-turns - and discuss whether if it was a missed opportunity for the government to push its priorities at home.

The duo also ponder the view of business on Starmer’s premiership and if they are calling for a change in leadership.

Plus, the peers in the Lords back a significant bill to ban social media for under 16s.

Sam and Anne reflect on his mega press conference prior to his departure – where he criticised Keir Starmer on the Chagos deal once again – and ask whether the PM will be missed in the Swiss Alps.

Anne has the latest on the ground, gathering intel from across the economic and political spectrum on Trump’s antics and the British position as well as the insane cost of a carafe of warm white wine.

The duo also consider if there’s division or unity on a response to potential tariffs over Greenland.

Plus, on the domestic front is yet another red-on-red battle about to commence?

And as they were recording – the latest Trump Truth Social post calls the UK Chagos Islands deal “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY”.

A move that’ll dominate the day – Sam explains how it’ll land in Westminster and Anne explains what people will be saying at Davos.

There’s also more u-turn talk after ministers confirm a consultation on banning social media for under-16s and Sam hears of possible changes to the plan to scale back jury trials.

Sam in London and Anne in Davos to go through what options Sir Keir Starmer has on the table and assess whether the PM should retaliate or find a diplomatic way through the choppy waters?

Back in the Commons, Sam has the latest on the row over the Hillsborough law as the government pulls the legislation amid a battle with campaigners over how “watered down” the bill would be.

Plus, what’s in-store on the defection front this week after a late night move by Andrew Rossindell to Reform from the Tories?

Sam has details of misery and irritation within the Labour ranks over plans to overhaul parts of the jury system to cut the courts backlog – but is another u-turn or rebellion on the horizon?

Elsewhere, will the assisted dying bill make it over the line before the Kings speech in May?

Is a former British Prime Minister about to be handed a senior role to oversee the governance of Gaza?

And, we get reaction from the shadow chancellor to the state of the UK's economy.

Sam and Anne also get you up to speed on another government idea that you’ll have heard a lot about before – rail investment in the north of England.

Can links between big cities ever be improved?

And why is the Chancellor trying to whip up excitement like it’s not been mentioned before?

After several policy U-turns and potentially more on the horizon – is the Prime Minister still in the driving seat and to what extent?

Plus, as Reform UK claims its most high-profile scalp so far in Nadhim Zahawi, why are the polls heading in the wrong direction and could the party be accused of being the “same team, new badge” equivalent of Boris Johnson’s Conservatives?

After a rollercoaster week of foreign events, and now the possibility of the collapse of the Iranian regime, Sam and Anne asses the perception of his actions on the home and domestic fronts.

Link to foreign affairs, Anne has some intel on defence spending and how the funding doesn’t match the UK’s intention to be involved in military operations across the globe.

Elsewhere, is the government about to ban X following a fallout from the usage of Grok AI to produce sexually explicit images?

Plus, what do Kemi Badenoch and Andy Burnham have in common in the social media sphere?

With a plethora of contentious legislation to get through ahead of the spring statement in March and the Kings speech in May - the duo forecast whether there could be more rebellions down the line.

The pair home in on the complicated problems facing Bridget Phillipson - how she deals with SEND reforms and the use of single sex spaces.

Will the government take on parents over statementing kids, how will it be funded and is the EHRC acting in bad faith?

What the government is having to deal with – the unpredictability of Donald Trump.

Just as Britain signs up to troops in Ukraine if there’s a peace deal, it’s having to use its best diplomatic language on what the President’s thinking about Greenland.

What the government wants to deal with – publishing the road safety strategy which is something every driver will have a view on.

What some government sources are thinking – Sam’s got a story about whether AI is to blame for a massive rise in the number of Written Questions in the Commons.

You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne’s in the people’s choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

Well, not very according to the first weekly check-in on the state of the polls in 2026 – as ‘Never Here Keir’ jets off to Paris for another Coalition of the Willing meeting.

Before that, it’s the first cabinet of the New Year – and Sam and Anne have exclusive news on a potential revolt over business rates, as well as threats to industry to lobby less aggressively if it wants a u-turn.

The Prime Minister is already under scrutiny, at home and abroad, to clarify his position on Donald Trump’s actions to strike and capture Venezuela’s President Maduro.

Can he ‘beige’ it out or will he bow down to the pressure from his opponents and critics?

Elsewhere, as MPs flock back to Westminster for 2026, is the PM premiership in a stronger or weaker position since the Christmas break? - Sam has all the behind-the-scenes reaction.

Plus, is deeper integration with the European Union on the cards?

You can vote for Politics at Sam and Anne’s in the people’s choice category at the Political Podcast Awards here - https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/

Sam and Anne make their predictions and get into the political meat and potatoes of 2026, focusing on:

1. If all the party leaders will still be in post?
2. Could the local elections force a seismic change in UK politics?
3. Does Britain still have a role in Europe and around the globe?

Politics at Sam and Anne’s returns for daily service on Monday 5 January.

The duo use their ‘glass half empty, glass half full’ approach to gauge if anyone can look forward to 2026 with pleasure or look back to 2025 in horror.

Politics at Sam and Anne’s will be back for a special look ahead episode to 2026 on Monday 29th December, with normal daily service resuming on Monday 5th January.  

The duo look at: 

• The man to beat in the race to become the next UK ambassador to the United States 
• Britain looking set to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme but how much will it cost the taxpayer? 
• Gossip and fallout from the Angela Rayner polling about how she’s perceived with Labour voters 

Sam and Anne pore over the details, look if things can get back on track or whether the President is meddling too much in UK political affairs.

Also, we have some exclusive polling from Labour voters on who they would prefer as leader of the Labour party if it wasn’t Keir Starmer.

Plus, Anne has an update on the talks held in Germany over a possible peace plan for Ukraine.

Sam and Anne discuss the priorities for Blaise Metreweli – identifying where the perceived threats are coming from and how Britain is being targeted.

Before he jets off to Berlin for more Russian-Ukraine peace talks, the Prime Minister will face the liaison committee as parliament begins to wind down for the year.

Plus, Rishi Sunak makes another appearance at the Covid Inquiry. 

Anne has been speaking to the Minister for European Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, to see if any progress has been made and whether Brits can avoid the queues at immigration over the festive period. 

Back in Westminster, with a week until the Christmas break there’s plenty of business for the government to get through but it’s not all plain sailing. 

Anne is in Brussels mopping up reaction from the “decaying" group of nations to that explosive interview from the President as re-connection talks between the UK and EU continues.

Elsewhere, Sam speaks to Kemi Badenoch about what success looks like for the Conservatives at the next set of local election – clue it may not be winning.

Plus, has the ghost of Andy Burnham returned to haunt Keir Starmer with a leadership challenge? 

Angela Rayner returns to the Commons with a loyal-but-lively defence of her watered-down Employment Rights Bill, but will Labour’s leadership jitters overshadow some rare good news for Rachel Reeves?

Plus, the government rolls out its Union Jack-branded Great British Railways reboot.

They worry that any attempt to oust Keir Starmer as PM could rattle the markets, weaken the pound and risk a Truss-style shock. As Labour Together, the group that campaigned for Starmer’s leadership, tests the waters for potential successors, Sam and Anne unpack what’s happening inside the party.

In Downing Street Starmer hosts a high stake gathering with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz, as Donald Trump publicly pressures Ukraine to accept his peace terms. Sam and Anne look at what could be unfolding behind closed doors.

Plus, in Clacton, Nigel Farage has been reported to police over his electoral expenditure. Reform UK denies the claims.

Sam and Anne discuss how the government will fund the additional defence spending and the rumblings of some unhappiness in the British deep state.

Away from defence, Sam hears of some tensions building between No10 and No11 over the handling of the budget as a formal leak inquiry is launched.

Plus, is the government machine grinding to a halt? 

Sam and Anne discuss what this potential pact could mean for the right of British politics and whether the move will be seen as weakness from Mr Farage, in essence admitting that he can’t sweep to power alone. 

Away from party politics – Anne has the latest on the seemingly never-ending talks to stop the fighting in Ukraine. 

He said it would be “reckless” to use Brexit as a template for foreign policy.

Sam and Anne discuss what the PM had to say. 

Elsewhere, how good is the UK-US zero tariff-drugs deal really and how are voters feeling about Labour as the budget dust starts to settle?

Anne has some intel on the race to replace Lord Mandelson as the UK’s Ambassador to the United States.

Plus, a listener asks why the PM didn’t dress properly for the Guildhall last night. 

Sam and Anne question whether Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves misled cabinet and the country to justify the smorgasbord of tax rises as pressure mounts across the political divide. 

Elsewhere, has the reset talks with the European Union hit the buffers over defence?

Plus, the spotlight is on the head of the Office for Budget Responsibility as the investigation into the budget leak is given to the treasury. 

Sam and Anne look behind the headlines and dive deeper into items which were not noticed as much in the Chancellor’s budget, questioning whether it could be seen as a return to austerity. 

Plus, the duo also consider the practicalities of some of the new taxes and how they will be collected and monitored. 

Away from Westminster, Anne has an update on Ukraine and the push for a peace deal. 

We knew Rachel Reeves was taking taxes to an all-time high before she was even on her feet in the Commons - thanks to the full budget being published by mistake on the Office for Budget Responsibility’s website - but what else was announced, and what didn't she say?

 Sam and Anne break down the budget and talk about:

• The smorgasbord of tax rises - taking it to an all-time high 

• Britain's economic outlook and downgrading of growth 

• The opposition's response to "the worst chancellor in history"

• A potential rebellion from her own MPs

So, who is the 2025 Rachel Reeves budget for and why?

Sam and Anne assess how MPs and the markets will feel against voters and businesses. 

Politically, the giveaways look like they’re worth every penny – but, ultimately, it’s a tax raising budget that will hit everyone somehow. 

There are two episodes for budget day - Debrief on what’s happened in the budget without episode out around 6.30pm on Wednesday. 

Sam and Anne assess Rachel Reeves’ position, her pitch roll to Labour MPs and her potential smorgasbord of tax rises. 

Plus, the duo issue a warning about increased tariffs from China ahead of Christmas. 

Sam and Anne consider whether Rachel Reeves could make this budget for business a “death by a thousand taxes.” 

Elsewhere, Sam has a scoop on the OBR’s growth forecasts and how they could impact the budget. 

Plus, Anne has the behind the scenes take from the talks to end the war in Ukraine. 

Back home, is a massive political row about to erupt over the use of single sex spaces?

Plus, there could be some uncomfortable reading for some in Westminster later, as Baroness Hallet presents her report into the UK’s decision making and governance during the Covid pandemic.

Sam and Anne assess the current economic outlook and explore what tax options are on the table for Rachel Reeves and whether a set of announcements could alleviate some of the pressure on her. 

Elsewhere, the Westminster village braces itself for the political report into the UK’s decision making and governance during the Covid pandemic. 

Plus, how significant is it that the government has named China in the latest attack on the British political system to recruit potential spies? 

Back home, he leaves grumpiness and angst about next week’s budget – Sam tells Anne he’s hearing about the challenges of squeezing every last penny out of Whitehall departments.

Is this the first budget that’s unravelled before it’s delivered? 

And with auditions becoming a theme of the Labour front bench, did the Home Secretary pass on her big day?

Plus, is there a quiet man elsewhere in cabinet who is turning up the volume? 

Sam and Anne discuss Shabana Mahmood’s plan to overhaul the asylum system – inspired by the Danes – and whether it will cut through with the voters. 

Plus, they also consider the implications of the Chancellor’s decision to not raise income tax and where the ‘smorgasbord’ of other tax rises will come from. 

In a tumultuous 24 hours, Keir Starmer has been forced to refer himself to the ethics advisor over the appointment of the new football regulator. 

Elsewhere, Sam has an exclusive on the links between a lobbying firm and Downing Street’s chief of communications, Tim Allen. 

The duo also consider if a former Labour leader could return to the top job and whether calls from cabinet ministers and backbenchers to sack the PM’s chief of staff – Morgan McSweeney – have any substance. 

Sam and Anne share notes on the late night WhatsApps chats following a day of briefings about Keir Starmer’s future (and the WhatsApps keep coming as we record) 

The message from the PM’s team was if there’s a leadership challenge (from the someone in his own cabinet or elsewhere) - he’d stand and fight. 

Allies of Team Starmer have pointed a finger at Wes Streeting.  

He’s denied any plot and has got an opportunity of the morning round to bolster that. 

As one government figure said to Sam - “bonkers”. If the PM doesn’t trust the Health Secretary – how does he stay? 

And with 15 days until Rachel Reeves’ budget, Matthew McGregor - CEO of campaigning organisation 38 Degrees and a former digital strategist for both Labour and Barack Obama - takes issue with Sam’s take from yesterday and sends in a voice note. 

 And Sam and Anne discuss the latest twist in the Your Party saga, and it’s all about money. 

Budget speculation continues, and specifically – who is and is not a “working person”? And, should it occur, what would the consequences be of breaking a manifesto commitment? How perilous a moment for Starmer could this be? 

And after the BBC’s Director General and CEO of News resign, what does Starmer now say about the organisation? And who will come next in the top BBC job? 

He’ll join Prince William and the King out in the Amazon – at the same time as considering rolling back on some of the government’s climate commitments. 

Back home, Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces criticism over her warnings for the next budget, while she brings in experts to school Labour MPs on how budgets, debts, and deficits actually work.  

And there’s a mini recess for Westminster, so Sam and Anne have an extra few days off. They return on Monday. 

Sam and Anne consider why Rachel Reeves is doing it now and how budget preparations have changed since Liz Truss’ days. 

We’re not expecting new policy from the Treasury, more an event which tries to prepare voters for tax changes. 

Elsewhere in Westminster, Conservative leader – Kemi Badenoch – is out and about attacking the government’s spending on the welfare bill. 

Plus, we have our weekly check-in on the state of the polls. 

Sam and Anne discuss how and where Nigel Farage will pitch his party on the economic front ahead of a key speech in the city, described by some as “bombproof."

The duo also consider which sectors could be impacted by the upcoming budget and how the government might sell potential tax rises to voters.

Plus, Sam’s been inside the Spectator Awards, where Lucy Powell and Shabana Mahmood jovially took aim at some of their Labour colleagues - and Nigel Farage vowed to take on Westminster's elite. 

With four weeks to go to the budget, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ponder what she might be up to. They also have some sums on how the government might fill a black hole coming in above £30bn. Will Labour manifesto pledges be breached?

Elsewhere, Keir Starmer chooses a Labour veteran to lead their election campaigns next May. Spencer Livermore will take on the task. 

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy break down the day’s biggest stories in British politics. 

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack what went wrong, as a damning report on the asylum system slams the Home Office. 

Plus, Lucy Powell makes her debut as Labour’s new deputy leader Chancellor Rachel Reeves has left the country to try to push through a Gulf trade deal. Will she be successful?

• What vision Mr Burnham has for the country? 
• Can the PM match him and how could he respond? 
• How much will it impact political and policy narrative ahead of Labour’s party conference in Liverpool next week?

• What’s the tone on the issue? 
• What happened in Keir Starmer’s first new-look cabinet meeting? 
• What influence is the new environment secretary having? 

• If more needs to be done to stop migrants crossing the Channel.   
• What policing reform could look like.   
• Whether there is a plan to lower violence against women and girls.