Politics At Jack And Sam's

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. Following the local and mayoral elections, Jack and Sam discuss how Rishi Sunak will try to get back onto the front foot and whether the Conservative rebels will continue to plot against him.     They also predict that the country will come out of recession and look forward to a new SNP leader in Scotland following the resignation of Humza Yousaf. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. The local and mayoral elections are trundling towards us, with Westminster set for the fallout. But don't expect Rishi Sunak to name the date of the general election anytime soon, despite rumours that some MPs are on manoeuvres - hear why on this episode. Plus, how will Labour use their predicted successes? And where will the other parties fall?To find a full list of mayoral candidates in each election, you can use the postcode search here.Heading north, Holyrood is also poised for an explosive week, with no confidence votes being put down against First Minister Humza Yousaf, and the Scottish government itself.Jack and Sam look how those votes could play out this week, and why former SNP leadership hopeful turned Alba MSP Ash Regan holds all the power.They also discuss deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell's big week, and why Monday could throw up a major hot button issue in the House of Commons.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk 

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.    This week, they react to MP Mark Menzies' resignation from the Conservative Party after facing allegations of misusing campaign funds, and look at what it might mean for the next election. Also this week, Rishi Sunak is packing his bags for Europe. Jack and Sam discuss what's on the trip's agenda, including highly anticipated announcements on the defence of Ukraine as well as the UK's wider defence and warfare strategy.   Mr Sunak's Rwanda plan could finally pass through parliament too, more than five months after he unveiled the emergency laws. Jack and Sam reveal the final stage will be far from straightforward though, with MPs told to expect a long night in the Commons.   Plus, Angela Rayner is standing in for Keir Starmer at PMQs this week, the first time she's been in the Commons since police announced they were investigating allegations see may broken electoral law over information she gave about her living situation a decade ago. Jack and Sam discuss how she'll deal with the mounting pressure.   Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.   With Parliament returning after the Easter break, this week Jack and Sam discuss the government’s response to Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel – and how it will get across that it supports Israel’s right to self-defence but also wants a de-escalation of tensions.   They also discuss where the claims about deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner’s tax affairs go from here.   They look forward to the final stages of the Conservative’s Rwanda Bill; the fallout from the Westminster honeytrap scandal; and a vote on anti-smoking laws are all up for debate this week. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics.  This week, Jack and Sam discuss why defence and security - both domestic and foreign - will be a big focus as they look at reaction to Friday's terror attack in Russia and claims that China has been behind cyber attacks targeting MPs and peers, threatening British democracy.  Plus, there's Rishi Sunak's final appearance before the Easter break as he faces questions from the liaison committee on topics including global issues, the economy and public services. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide you through their top predictions for the next seven days in British politics. This week, Jack and Sam discuss the building pressure around Rishi Sunak’s premiership, and how the ongoing tensions between the prime minister and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch may spill into events this week.Plus, they address the weekend rumours about Penny Mordaunt as a potential leadership rival.There's a big moment for shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves, as she delivers a speech at a major event for the world of banking. Will her plans for the nation, should Labour win the election, impress the finance sector?And – which shadow cabinet member do we see most often grilled by Kay Burley and the other breakfast shows while nursing our morning cuppa? Sky’s Izzy Loseff has crunched the numbers, and Jack and Sam tell you what it says about who the Labour leader trusts to deliver his message.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days.       This week, Jack and Sam discuss Communities Secretary Michael Gove's plan to change the definition of extremism and how important it really is. The current counter-extremism strategy is overdue an update, but the proposed new language seems broad.  Plus, the fallout from last week's budget - Jack and Sam explore the political landscape as it continues to reverberate through Westminster.  And with Ramadan beginning this week and no ceasefire in Gaza, how will the UK's support of a 'maritime corridor' for aid shape up? Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week – Jack and Sam do their best to predict what Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has up his sleeve for his second, and possibly final, budget statement on Wednesday. They discuss if national insurance or income tax could be cut and what language Mr Hunt might use about money for public services. Away from the budget – is the toxic mood of Westminster likely to ease at all this week as George Galloway makes a return to the Commons? Plus, the Rwanda bill in the Lords and Super Tuesday in the US.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Today, something different – we're bringing you the trailer of an exciting new podcast from Sky called Electoral Dysfunction.Beth Rigby. Jess Philips. Ruth Davidson.With polls suggesting trust in politicians is low, three political powerhouses unite to unravel the spin and explain what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.Every week, they will examine our political leaders and their policies – how they’re written, and how they’re sold to voters – as we prepare for a general election. With so much at stake, they will work out which politicians are coming out on top and who is having an Electoral Dysfunction – and what it all actually means for you.Here's the trailer. For more, follow Electoral Dysfunction now wherever you listen to podcasts.

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week Jack and Sam discuss whether Sir Lindsay Hoyle will be forced to bow out as Speaker of the House following his opposition day blunder over the Gaza ceasefire vote. As the SNP continues to push for another debate day with a meaningful vote, will he survive the political pressure coming at him from all sides? Plus, Jack and Sam look at increasingly tense public protests over Gaza, the growing safety risk facing MPs, how the Conservative Party will handle outspoken MPs accused of stoking racial divides and what the fallout will be after the Rochdale by-election on Thursday. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. It's looking to be another big week for foreign affairs. Jack and Sam discuss what Britain can actually do after the death of Alexei Navalny. Plus, what the fall of Avdiivka means for the war in Ukraine ahead of the two-year anniversary of the invasion this week. Meanwhile, after a tumultuous recess week, MPs are back. It's looking like a busy week ahead for Lord Cameron too, starting at the Munich Security Conference – but where was Rishi Sunak? Plus, what can we expect from parliament's newest members? Gen Kitchen and Damian Egan, who last Friday morning were elected the Labour MPs for Wellingborough and Kingswood respectively, will be sworn into the Commons.Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

A different week for Sky News’ Sam Coates and Politico’s Jack Blanchard as they preview and predict the biggest moments for British politics in the week ahead. As it’s Commons recess, they’re not together as they record the podcast – Sam is in a sauna in Finland and Jack is in his mum's spare room in Stockport. On this episode, what will the Tories’ mood be on Friday morning as they digest the by-election results from Wellingborough and Kingswood?Meanwhile, the spotlight is on Labour after comments made by the party’s candidate for the Rochdale by-election, which takes place later this month. You can find a full list of the candidates here. And could it feel like a bleak week for the economy with the prospect of inflation rising and the latest GDP figures possibly suggesting a recession at the end of last year. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visits Northern Ireland following the plans to restart Stormont and the swearing-in of Michelle O'Neill as the first nationalist first minister. After two years without a working government, how will the new dynamic with the new leadership look? Back in London, Rishi Sunak and the Home Office will need to deal with the spiralling political debate surrounding a chemical attack in Clapham last week, and how effectively the asylum system works. Plus, with more air strikes by the United States in the Middle East over the weekend, is Whitehall worried about sleepwalking into a war with Iran? And finally, the parties are warming up for an election - the Labour Party is approaching its deadline for submitting manifesto policies, and the Tories have a new faction backed by former PM Liz Truss. Jack and Sam look at how that might shape up. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week, the prime minister will be railing against the small group of ex-ministers and special advisers who are plotting to bring him down before the election. The campaign to oust Rishi Sunak has been bubbling below the surface since before Christmas, but Jack and Sam predict the movement to dominate the week ahead in Westminster. And, the Conservatives are not the only party with pre-election problems. Latest polls suggest the SNP will be trumped by Scottish Labour at the general election and will lose control of Holyrood in 2026. Jack and Sam discuss how Nicola Sturgeon will fare at her second appearance at the COVID inquiry this week. Plus, as Labour puts out its "party of stability" message again this week - with announcements on financial service and life sciences - Jack and Sam run through the party's own psychodramas. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. In the week after Rishi Sunak's Rwanda vote, Jack and Sam predict the Tories will try and move on to safer ground to talk about tax cuts and the economy, amid questions about how much longer Jeremy Hunt will remain chancellor. Meanwhile Sir Keir Starmer will be trying to take the headlines with his own agenda with a speech focussing on crime. Rwanda isn't forgotten, though – Jack and Sam talk about what's next for the policy that has divided the Conservative Party. Plus, there's even more pressure on Nicola Sturgeon after the COVID Inquiry revealed she had "deleted" all of her WhatsApp messages during the pandemic... Jack and Sam discuss what's next for the former first minister and the SNP. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News' Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week the Post Office will be expected to deliver answers when its chief executive faces the Commons business committee to discuss the Horizon scandal. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron said of UK action in the Red Sea: “We will be prepared to back words with actions”. How will that go down when the prime minister is in the Commons on Monday afternoon. And, standby for the return of the Rwanda Bill to parliament – Sam and Jack run through the amendments to watch out for. Plus, their predictions on the World Economic Forum in Davos and what will happen when the deadline for restoring power-sharing in Northern Ireland passes this week.On the Horizon scandal, the Post Office said: "We fully share the aims of the current public inquiry, set up to establish what went wrong in the past, and the accountability for it." Fujitsu, the company behind the IT system, said: "Fujitsu is fully committed to supporting the Inquiry in order to understand what happened and to learn from it. Out of respect for the Inquiry process, it would be inappropriate for Fujitsu to comment further at this time." Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. This week: As well as election fever ramping up as MPs return to Westminster, they look at what else is in store for Rishi Sunak. For starters, there’s a potential Tory backlash looming on government plans for more oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. Plus, ministers and rival factions of Tory MPs will start more talks over the controversial Rwanda bill. And, Jack and Sam discuss some of the biggest international issues facing Parliament – with Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton appearing at the Foreign Affairs select committee on Tuesday Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, usually guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days, but in this episode they attempt to predict an entire year... a year that's set to be the planet's biggest ever for elections. They start with the likely British election – looking at how Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer might play their cards, with predictions on the election date and what might happen with the Tory leadership. Plus, Jack and Sam look at elections in the US, Taiwan, and across Europe – and how they might impact domestic politics. And some familiar voices lend their predictions too; including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, the SNP's Stephen Flynn, Sky News's Kay Burley, and Politico's Rosa Prince. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days.Although Westminster is in Christmas party season the politics continues unbowed, with Parliament still sitting on Monday and Tuesday of this week. This week: what the Prime Minister might get ask by the Liaison Committee on Tuesday, Wednesday’s inflation figures and what Michael Gove might be saying about where new homes get built. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Two of Westminster's best-connected journalists, Sky News's Sam Coates and Politico's Jack Blanchard, guide us through their predictions of how British politics will play out over the next seven days. It’s looking like a tough week ahead for Rishi Sunak. Jack and Sam look to Tuesday’s crucial vote as the Prime Minister attempts to get his landmark Rwanda legislation through parliament. On top of that, Rishi Sunak will also be giving evidence at the COVID inquiry's final session of the year. Jack and Sam take us through what we can expect from his testimony. Plus Keir Starmer is due to give a big speech on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the 2019 general election. Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk