Political Currency

Can Sir Ed Davey really take the fight to the right when it comes to the next election? In this special episode of Political Currency, Ed Balls speaks to the Liberal Democrat leader - and his politician of the year from 2024. In this wide-ranging conversation, the two Eds talk about Ed Davey’s passion for care provision and his deeply personal connection to the issue. Ed Balls also asks Ed about his time in the Coalition government with George Osborne and they reflect on their shared school days - including time spent out of the classroom. But will Ed Balls finally return the history notes he lost?Plus, with Nigel Farage’s Reform rising up the ranks, Ed Balls asks Ed Davey if he would go into a coalition with Nigel Farage at the next general election. Don’t forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award’s People’s Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug: tr.ee/gift-pc👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Production: Paige Reynolds and Caillin McDaidVideo Editor: Avi AsherExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever had caught on camera? Good Morning Britain’s Susanna Reid asks George and Ed to walk down an excruciating memory lane. And she puts a question from ChatGPT to them, in light of George’s new gig. But which question is better?George reveals William Hague’s incredible method for making sure meetings run on time and Ed helps a Gold listener finally understand the joke at the front of the show? Why on earth would George think he was on the Titanic?A listener shares their experience as a Jewish person in the UK, after the attack on Bondi Beach. And, Nick Thomas-Symonds, cabinet member and famed biographer of Harold Wilson compliments George on his impression of the former Prime Minister - though makes a slight correction. He wants to know when Ed and George think the leaders they served were most resilient. Finally - seeing as it’s nearly Christmas - Ed and George muse on where Santa does his Christmas shopping… Don’t forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award’s People’s Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Plus, why not give the gift of Political Currency this Christmas! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Paige Reynolds and Eve JonesVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How has 2025 changed the outlook for Britain’s political parties? George Osborne and Ed Balls reflect on the events that have defined public opinion and led to unprecedented changes in the polls. What went wrong for Keir Starmer’s government? Why does Kemi Badenoch’s leadership now look more stable? They also name what could potentially be the four most influential moments of 2026. Are losses in the Scottish, Welsh and local elections inevitable for Labour? Will the US mid-terms signal a resurgence or decline for Donald Trump? Could US-China state visits present an opportunity for a stronger relationship between the countries? And just how significant will the first OBR forecast since the Budget be, when it arrives in the spring?Finally, Ed and George crown their Politicians of the Year, and take a look back at some of the best, worst, and most surprising political moments of 2025.Don’t forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award’s People’s Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Plus, why not give the gift of Political Currency this Christmas! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Paige Reynolds and Eve JonesVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Osborne and Ed Balls reminisce on their most challenging interviewers…school children. George recalls being asked what seven times eight was, while Ed recounts misfires over school lunches. They also speculate on which Tory MP was glad to be sacked by Rishi Sunak…Elsewhere, they look at the peculiar case of the Canadian Conservatives where election loser Pierre Poilievre has continued on as leader, and wonder if there are any British equivalents. This allows George to show off his unexpected Harold Wilson impression. They also question Labour’s continued refusal to consider rejoining the Customs Union, and whether the US/India trade deals are an acceptable substitute. Finally, they give Keir Starmer some benefit of the doubt, as a passionate listener makes the case for Labour’s vision and successes from their first year in government.We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/politicalcurrency Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!Thanks for listening. Remember Kitchen Cabinet members get exclusive access to live EMQs recordings, briefings from the team, and an exclusive Political Currency mug PLUS a very special Christmas card from Ed and George: tr.ee/gift-pcCredits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Ellie Jay Video Editor: Danny PapeExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the White House really think about Europe? George Osborne and Ed Balls take a look at President Trump’s new national strategy. George plays devil’s advocate for the plan, while Ed suggests that it could reveal JD Vance’s big strategy for 2028… They then turn to the US domestic agenda, and weigh up whether the Trump economy really is A+++. They look at the impact of the tariffs, the upcoming appointment of a new Federal Reserve chair, and how rising prices could cost the Republicans in the midterms.Finally, they look at Hollywood and shine a light on Trump’s role in Netflix and Paramount’s bidding war for Warner Bros. They weigh up the impacts of these bids, the role of Jared Kushner, and why something similar couldn’t happen in the UK…Don’t forget to vote for us as the Political Podcast Award’s People’s Choice of the year. Follow the link to vote: https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ And we love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question.Why not gift the gift of Political Currency! Kitchen Cabinet members get a Christmas card from Ed and George, a Political Currency mug and even more exclusive perks including our newsletter and access to live events. Sign yourself or a loved one (or an enemy) up today: tr.ee/gift-pcCredits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Ellie Jay Video Editor: Danny PapeExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will any government be brave enough to abolish the triple lock on pensions? The cost-saving case has been made by many, but Ed Balls and George Osborne explain why it could be politically calamitous to try and ditch it. They debate William Hague’s theory that, were Rachel Reeves sacked, Keir Starmer would follow and look back at how chancellors and Prime Minister’s fates have been intertwined. Plus - why is Keir Starmer always doodling during PMQs? Is he following the brilliant debate strategy of Obama, or easily bored when being questioned?Finally, in a preview of our upcoming ‘What If’ EMQs, Ed and George imagine how the 2024 election could have gone, had Reeves followed a path like John Smith in 1992. Would she have avoided her budget nightmares? Or, would we still have Rishi Sunak as Prime Minister?Don’t forget to send in questions for our upcoming Christmas and ‘What If’ themed EMQs episodes. You can send those to questions@politicalcurrency, and make sure to include a voice note!Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Jack BoswellVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The drama rages on, one week after Chancellor Rachel Reeves stood at the dispatch box to deliver her second Budget. Richard Hughes has resigned as OBR chair following the catastrophic budget leak and calls for Rachel Reeves to do the same have not let up. Ed Balls and George Osborne look at the “shambolic” fallout of the budget, and how Labour have once again grasped defeat from the jaws of victory in yet another communications disaster for the party. Then, the pair discuss David Lammy’s drastic measures to scrap juries for the majority of cases in England and Wales. Is this the biggest change to our justice system since the Magna Carta or a necessary step to solve the mounting backlog of cases, bringing the courts to the brink? And why on earth didn't anybody prepare the ground for it?Finally, Ed and George look across the channel to the rise of the far right in Germany and France. With the AfD and National Rally looking on the cusp of electoral victory and Reform’s path to power looking inevitable, what lessons can Keir Starmer learn from his European allies to stop Nigel Farage securing the keys to No 10? Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsCredits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid & Jack BoswellVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How many times did Gordon Brown save Tony Blair from a calamitous decision? Ed Balls and George Osborne recount the times chancellors stepped in to save their PM from disaster. Does George wish he'd done it a bit more with David Cameron?And why does the Opposition leader respond to the budget and not the shadow chancellor? Ed and George try to work it out, but are not quite sure themselves - please write in! They also delve into the minimum wage rise from the budget, and signal pressing issues Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves must tackle down the line.Finally, the pair share their dream jobs - other than Prime Minister, of course - with Ed’s being a suitably political answer and George’s being typically wide-ranging from his previous roles.We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question. Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid and Paige ReynoldsVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Rachel Reeves have a credible plan for growth? One day on from her Budget Statement, George Osborne and Ed Balls debate her headline measures and ask if she’s built enough of a narrative to save her job. Health Secretary Wes Streeting asks about two Osbornian policies: the sugar tax and two-child limit. How can Labour win the argument?They also talk about the disastrous OBR leak, whether anyone will be sacked, and ask how it stacks up to some of the biggest leaks in budget history… Is it worse than Ken Clarke in 1996? Or the Evening Standard beating George to the punch in 2013?Finally, they briefly turn to the war in Ukraine and debate the peace negotiations. The big question now is whether Putin has been strong-armed into signing a peace treaty, and if that means a lasting cease-fire is in sight.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Research: Sam BurtonProduction: Caillin McDaid and Paige ReynoldsVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After months of speculation, briefings and leaks, Rachel Reeves has finally delivered her fated second budget. Has she done enough to save herself, Keir Starmer, and the Labour government?In a special YouTube LIVE episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their immediate reaction to the Chancellor's budget. They dive into who the budget was for, the overtly political tone, and whether Reeves stood by her manifesto pledges.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon!Credits:Researcher: Sam BurtonAssistant Producer: Caillin McDaidVideo Editor: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With politics fraying and radical parties growing in strength, could the Tories and Labour come together and merge into a grand coalition of the centre? Surely George Osborne and Ed Balls have proven on this podcast that great things can happen when the two parties come together… And, as budget week looms, former Treasury civil servant Jill Rutter asks how Ed and George would get themselves out of the hole Rachel Reeves is in IF there were no political repercussions? And they wonder whether we are still feeling the effects of the mini-budget or if it’s unfair for Rachel Reeves to continue blaming Liz Truss for the economic woes? Plus, they explain why too much preparation ahead of a great speech can actually be a bad thing. ~Do you want the opportunity to own a piece of British political history? In memory of the brilliant civil servant Chris Martin, a magnificent Jeroboam of Pol Roger, Winston Churchill's favourite champagne bearing the signatures of all nine living British Prime Ministers is being auctioned to raise money for Sarcoma UK. Place your bid here: https://astarauction.com/Chrismartinquiz The link will remain open until 10:30pm on the 27th November.~Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsCredits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dramatic U-turn from Labour has stopped them from breaking their manifesto, but it has also left the Budget looking messy and wide open to risk. The expected income tax rise has been shelved in favour of what some insiders call a “smorgasbord” of smaller taxes. In this episode of Political Currency, Ed Balls and George Osborne dig into whether this was a rushed scramble or a smart political play. - and the extent to which it has knocked Rachel Reeves off the story she had been shaping in the run up to Budget week.Away from the Budget noise, all eyes turned to Shabana Mahmood and her sweeping overhaul of the asylum and refugee system. The announcement has split Labour supporters. Is this the arrival of what some are already calling "Mahmoodism"? And will these measures work in practice, or just push parts of the left toward the Greens or the Lib Dems?Finally, George and Ed look from Tehran to California, where George’s former colleague Steve Hilton is suddenly leading the race for governor. Can his Trump style rhetoric, polished social media - and even the promise to control the weather - deliver an upset in a solidly Democrat state?You can access the link to the Chris Martin auction here: https://astarauction.com/Chrismartinquiz The link will remain open until 10:30pm on the 27th November.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the real purpose of Prime Minister's Questions? As an ‘infuriated’ listener asks why the Speaker can't force politicians to answer, George Osborne breaks down why PMQs is ‘political theatre’ and what most people misunderstand about it, while Ed Balls explains why David Lammy’s recent performance revealed the real procedural power the Speaker holds.Then, prompted by a question from Shadow Cabinet minister Victoria Atkins, the pair break down when cross-party support actually works, and when it’s just a ‘bear trap’ for the opposition.And, reporting from the COP summit in Brazil, the hosts of the Outrage & Optimism podcast ask why the UK failed to put money into the 'Tropical Forests Forever' facility, leading Ed and George to discuss the 'crumbled' political consensus on foreign aid.Finally, the pair delve into the reality of rejoining the EU. Could the UK get the same deal as before? And what's the real obstacle to rejoining - could it be the Euro, the non-negotiable issue of free movement, or something else altogether?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bizarre briefing war has exploded in Westminster, with Wes Streeting accused of plotting a coup against Keir Starmer. Ed Balls and George Osborne analyse the ‘toxic culture’ in Number 10: who was really behind the briefing, and has this ‘self-destructive’ move inadvertently strengthened Streeting while fatally weakening the Prime Minister?Meanwhile, the BBC is in turmoil, with its Director General and Head of News resigning over the Donald Trump Panorama controversy. With George himself now tipped for the top job, the pair unpack the corporate governance collapse. And, can Donald Trump really win his $1 billion lawsuit against the British broadcaster?Finally, Ed and George turn to Donald Trump snubbing the G20 over his claims of a "genocide" in South Africa. They explore the deepening divisions in the MAGA movement over controversial figures like Nick Fuentes, and ask if this identity politics of the "woke right" is a brand that Nigel Farage is about to import to the UK.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha AlbadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What political rival would you share a 12-hour flight with? Ed Balls and George Osborne dive into this very question, revealing the old foes and opposite numbers who would make the best long-haul companions.And can an unpopular leader tank a popular policy? The pair debate how a leader’s image affects a government, and whether an unpopular messenger will derail a popular message no matter what. They also examine the meaning of 'fairness' in politics, and whether Labour or the Tories can truly lay claim to the term.Finally, Ed’s new title as a "Lifelong Learning Ambassador" sparks a discussion on the 'Cinderella service' of adult skills and why no government can seem to get it right.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Reeves has set the stage for a dramatic Budget, seemingly signaling a "massive political gamble" by preparing to raise taxes on working people. Ed Balls and George Osborne analyse her pitch-rolling: has she boxed herself in, becoming the market's "guarantor" against her own party? And can she possibly sell this to an already-squeezed public?Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch marks one year as Conservative leader - but, despite her sharp "waffle bomb" attack on the Chancellor, her poll ratings remain dire. Ed and George assess her performance: has she successfully stabilised the party's finances, or did she waste a year on identity politics instead of the economy? Plus, the pair explore why even Nigel Farage is suddenly pivoting away from tax cuts.And, what can a "Democratic Socialist" mayor in New York teach UK politics? Ed and George debate the real lessons from Zoran Mandani's shock victory - is it about left-wing policy, or a masterclass in new communication and building the broad coalitions that Starmer, Badenoch, and Farage all need?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha AlbadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why won't Labour make rejoining the EU its new "silver bullet" against Nigel Farage? A listener challenges Ed Balls and George Osborne on tackling the "political third rail" of Brexit. Ed argues the EU wouldn't even want the UK back on its old terms - likely forcing the Euro and Schengen - while George predicts Britain will inevitably "creep back" towards the Single Market.Then, a direct question from the Gates Foundation confronts the former Chancellors on the 40% cut to foreign aid. George, the Chancellor who delivered the 0.7% target, blasts the "remarkably silent" and "compliant" aid community, delivering a stark warning to "get louder" or face even more cuts.Plus, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down, could Ed and George be the new hosts of Strictly Come Dancing? The pair reveal how unscripted the podcast really is, George shares his favorite TikTok restaurant reviewer, and Ed reacts to his "hot phase" going viral on social media…Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha Al-BadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has weathered one of the most brutal weeks of his tenure. The Caerphilly by-election collapse, a divisive Deputy Leadership election, and the mistaken release of a high-risk prisoner have ignited leadership speculation and exposed deep party tensions. Ed Balls and George Osborne debate where it's all gone wrong, and whether Starmer can hold on.The pair then look ahead to the Budget and Rachel Reeves's fiscal black hole. Can she uphold Labour’s 'tax lock' manifesto pledge, or will she be forced to raise one of the 'big three' taxes? Ed and George analyse a choice that could be make-or-break for the government.Finally, they dive into Donald Trump's whirlwind Asia tour. Following his major summit with Xi Jinping, they ask: is his tariff doctrine a chaotic madman theory, or is it successfully strong-arming new 'America First' trade deals?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Maha AlbadrawiExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the centre ground of British politics dead? A 15-year-old listener challenges George Osborne and Ed Balls on the surge of Reform and the Greens, forcing them to ask if the centre can truly fight back against populism.And why are bats, newts, and even spiders causing such chaos for British planning? The pair dive into the costly industry of species protection, discussing hundred-million-pound bat tunnels, a town centre stopped by spiders, and historic dockyards left unrenovated due to nesting birds.Plus, the real historical reason for Parliament's subsidised bars, ‘sleepovers with mummies’ at the British Museum and George sets the record straight on what he actually did in his second government job as First Secretary of State.Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Oliver GeraghtyExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares for a tough Budget, a new narrative is emerging: it's all Brexit's fault. Ed Balls and George Osborne examine whether the 'Brexit blame game' is a smart political strategy or a 'backward-looking excuse' that voters won't buy. And they discuss if it's too late for Labour to build a compelling economic story.Then, the pair dive into the 'appalling' turmoil inside Keir Starmer's No. 10. Are 'staggering' and 'juvenile' briefings against the new Cabinet Secretary a sign of a government in chaos? And as the Prince Andrew saga dominates the headlines, they debate the 'endgame' for the Senior Royal and why George believes it’s time for the Prime Minister to step in.Plus, with George reporting from San Francisco, the pair give their take on the AI boom. With 'eye-watering valuations' for companies like OpenAI, is the world on the verge of an AI bubble bursting?Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad-free join Political Currency Gold. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today:👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency👉 Apple PodcastsPlease note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon.Credits:Assistant Producer: Caillin McDaidSenior Producer: Silvia MarescaVideo Editor: Oliver GeraghtyExecutive Producer: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.