Guardian Politics Weekly

Tax cuts, jokes and pig-wrestling: Badenoch’s attempt to save her job

Loading player...
The Conservative leader used her conference speech to announce plans to scrap stamp duty and launch an attack on Labour, but why was there so little mention of the biggest threat facing her party? And will her performance be enough to stave off leadership rival Robert Jenrick? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey talk through the speech and ask where the Conservatives go from here. Plus, they speak to Luke Tryl from More in Common about whether any moments from conference season have moved the dial in British politics -- Send your thoughts and questions to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
8 Oct 2025 English United Kingdom News

Other recent episodes

How is Britain supporting US airstrikes in Iran?

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss Keir Starmer’s announcement that British bases in the UK and in the Chagos Islands would be used by the US in their strikes in Iran. Their use is for ‘limited defensive purposes’ but is that enough to stop Britain being dragged further into war?…
2 Mar 21 min

No more safe seats: the Greens take Gorton and Denton

In a stunning setback for Labour, the Green party has decisively won the Gorton and Denton byelection, with Reform UK finishing second. Does this result signal the end of Labour’s safe seats? And could it mark the beginning of the end for Keir Starmer? John Harris, Pippa Crerar and Kiran…
27 Feb 38 min

Send provision and student loans: will Labour’s changes backfire?

As the dust settles on the government’s landmark changes to children’s special educational needs and disabilities provision, what will their impact really be on young people, their families and schools? John Harris and Kiran Stacey look at what we know so far. And, a growing backlash from graduates over student…
26 Feb 27 min

Major changes to the Send system - can the government win over MPs and parents?

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s long-awaited plans for the special educational needs and disabilities system. Can the controversial overhaul convince parents and MPs? Plus, the latest on the Gorton and Denton byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod
23 Feb 24 min
All episodes