Political Currency

Persephonica

Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. Join us every Thursday.

Send your messages or voice notes to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Find us on social media @polcurrency

Political Currency is a Persephonica production.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Our Editor's Take

Ed Balls is a former Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer in the UK. George Osborne was Chancellor of the Exchequer and First Secretary of State. Together, they host the Political Currency podcast. Here, they combine their experience with politics and economics. The two discuss what is happening in Great Britain and the world.

The funny thing about this pairing is that Ed and George were political rivals for a time. Ed is a Labour Party member and George is in the Conservative Party. Ed once referred to George as the Sheriff of Nottingham. George said getting advice from Ed about balancing the books would be like getting advice from Dracula about running a blood bank. They agree that the House of Commons made everything confrontational and feisty. Discussions are more civil on Political Currency.

The podcast covers both current events and political history. There is a multi-part special on the 2010 Coalition Talks. Ed and George recall the five days between the general election and the formation of the first British Coalition Government. Ed's old boss, Gordon Brown, resigned after a long period on top of British politics. George's friend David Cameron became prime minister. The hosts agree that this history of a hung parliament could repeat itself.

Ed and George sometimes invite guests with particular expertise. They speak with former Vote Leave co-convenor Michael Gove about Brexit. The hosts play clips from the news of that time. Michael is reluctant to discuss the topic, but he trusts the hosts. He tells them that he had always been a "Euroskeptic." He was always going to advocate for leaving.

Some episodes follow an "EMQ" format—Ex-Ministers' Questions. Ed and George answer questions from their listeners. One asks George about the origins of the Conservative "minister power stance." Both hosts have a good laugh about this one.

Political Currency is informative and engaging. The podcast often releases two new episodes a week. Episodes usually run between 30 minutes and one hour.

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Introducing... Political Currency

Introducing... Political Currency

Welcome to Political Currency! Before we bring you our first episode this Thursday, 14th September, we thought we'd tell you what our podcast is all about.Ed Balls and George Osborne will take you behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor are now meeting in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets. Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics - and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control.If you have questions for Ed and George, email: questions@politicalcurrency.co.ukFind us on social media @polcurrencyPolitical Currency is a Persephonica production. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

EMQs: Will the government support British farmers?

EMQs: Will the government support British farmers?

With incensed British farmers set to descend on London in protest to the government’s new rules on inheritance tax for agricultural property, Ed Balls and George Osborne consider the likelihood of the Treasury reversing course. What made George change his mind on the so-called “pasty tax” in 2012 - and will Rachel Reeves consider a similar u-turn? This past week marked a special anniversary – the day George thought the UK would go to the polls. Should Rishi Sunak have let his run go a little longer? Author and journalist Tim Shipman, who has examined the issue of Sunak’s timing in his latest book Out: How Brexit Got Done and the Tories Were Undone asks George and Ed their view on when the Tories should’ve called the election. They also consider: does Donald Trump’s election, and his love of protectionist policies, make the idea of the UK joining the European Union Customs Union more justifiable? And… exactly what is Gerrymandering? Professors Balls and Osborne are here to explain. You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who should be the UK’s ambassador to Trumpworld?

Who should be the UK’s ambassador to Trumpworld?

The second era of Trump is a little over a week old, and the president-elect is making waves with his cabinet appointments. An attorney general who has been investigated by the House ethics committee for sexual misconduct allegations (which he vehemently denies)? Welcome, Matt Gaetz. Trump’s pick for defence secretary? Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host who’s a proponent of American-made ammo.George Osborne and Ed Balls consider what the spillover will be for the UK. Will the recently cooked-up Chagos Islands deal get messy? And will Britain find itself more exposed to America than the US itself when it comes to the economic fallout?And while Nigel Farage still appears to be jostling to become UK ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson is strongly tipped for the job. Do unusual times call for an ambassador with a little ‘British allure’?Back home, and the Labour government has increased tuition fees for the first time since 2017. With that, and the cut in the winter fuel payment, George says he’s really starting to get on board with the Starmer government…Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall, Rosie Stopher and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Is there a silver lining in Trump?

EMQs: Is there a silver lining in Trump?

Donald Trump’s return has provoked days of soul searching among Democratic voters. But the pollster with one of the most accurate predictions of the outcome, James Johnson of JL Partners, has asked George Osborne and Ed Balls to shake off the gloom and consider any positives. Is there a silver lining in a second Trump presidency? George has some ideas, while Ed is struggling… Votebeat editorial director Jessica Huseman asks: does the world see the US as an international example of democracy any more? Did it ever? And Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain has rung in to ask what Trump’s re-election tells us about what voters truly want.Plus: with Kemi Badenoch now leading the Tories, George and Ed answer the question: what does the shadow cabinet …actually do? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump 2.0: The economic fallout

Trump 2.0: The economic fallout

It’s beginning to sink in: Donald Trump 2.0 is now upon us. George Osborne and Ed Balls think seismic shifts in the global economy could be ahead. Could his aggressive trade policies chip away at the UK’s growth plans?Trump has also claimed he could end the Ukraine war in a day. Does that mean a peace deal – or appeasement? Meanwhile Nigel Farage is offering up his services as a British ambassador to Trumpworld. Would despatching Farage to Mar-a-Lago be a relief for Keir Starmer?And the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, faced her first PMQs this week. Ed and George review her debut performance at the despatch box.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Mikey NissenbaumProducers: Miriam Hall and James ShieldExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOT TAKE: Donald Trump is President

HOT TAKE: Donald Trump is President

Donald Trump is set to make his return to the White House after a stunning overnight victory against Kamala Harris in the US election, just as George Osborne and Ed Balls predicted. But was this just a simple case of ‘It’s the economy, stupid!’Ed thinks the Harris loss could be a warning to UK’s Labour party members – if they don’t get UK living standards up, could they go the way of the Biden Democrats too? George, meanwhile, thinks Trump’s win exposes a fundamental challenge for the Left that it is now too focused on identity politics and not on people's living standards.They also question: will Donald Trump seek vengeance for Labour’s ill-advised involvement in the election? Nigel Farage was the only British politician with a major presence in the US overnight. Does his time at the Trump victory party mean Reform will be getting some help from Trump in years to come? Thanks for listening. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Mikey NissenbaumProducers: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Can you revamp a political image?

EMQs: Can you revamp a political image?

Rishi Sunak spoke at his last PMQs. But George Osborne reveals why it may not be the last time we see him in No 10... He and Ed Balls discuss whether perceptions of politicians can ever change.Former cabinet member Caroline Spelman asks if a spoiled ballot is a waste of time. And Laura Trevelyan, co-host of the podcast Heirs of Enslavement asks whether countries should apologise for their role in the transatlantic slave trade.Plus - Love the pod? We thought so. Ed and George clarify whether a declaration of love at the top of your question is a prerequisite for getting a spot on the show...Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and Danny GarlickExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What did Rachel Reeves’ Budget miss?

What did Rachel Reeves’ Budget miss?

The dust has settled on Rachel Reeves’ budget, and despite a strong performance from the Chancellor, George Osborne and Ed Balls have noticed a few glaring omissions. Child poverty? Didn’t really rate a mention. How about some of the New Labour classics like getting people back to work? Pensioners? Nope. So how did this crucial economic pitch to the nation stack up? Ed and George consider how the fallout might impact Labour all the way to the next election.Meanwhile, the polls are telling us the historic US election is set to be a squeaker, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in a dead heat. The betting platforms and markets are telling a different story, however. George has the latest on who the world’s major financiers are expecting to be in the White House come January … And speaking of going to the polls, Japan’s snap election just backfired – did anyone in the UK notice? Ed and George question if we should be paying more attention to this major world economy.Remember, you can catch up on our Budget Hot Take here: tr.ee/pc-liveBecome a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and Danny GarlickExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Budget Hot Take: Rachel Reeves’ Tax Raid

Budget Hot Take: Rachel Reeves’ Tax Raid

Has Rachel Reeves done enough to get away with announcing £40 billion of new taxes? In a special YouTube LIVE episode, Ed Balls and George Osborne give their immediate reaction to the Chancellor's first budget. Was it “big and bold and historic” or a “cross your fingers and hope for the best" moment?Who wins and loses from the budget? And how big a gamble is it for Labour's fortunes?Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and Danny GarlickExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Budget traditions, Briefings and Brits for Trump

EMQs: Budget traditions, Briefings and Brits for Trump

Has the reaction to the Winter Fuel Payment cut scared Labour from making more big budget moves on welfare? And what ever happened to the tradition of the Chancellor knocking back a brandy while delivering the Budget? Ed and George discuss the best drinks of choice when outlining an economic plan to the nation… and what other Treasury traditions are in place. Plus, is it a brief, is it a leak or is it just a plain old trail? The pair breakdown the terms and mull some of the most famous, career-ending leaks in British political history. And with the US election just over a week away, what is the level of support for Donald Trump amongst the UK population? Do more Brits than we think secretly admire the Republican nominee’s approach? Finally, for all you listeners desperate to join our Record Club, Ed has followed up his first suggestion of Kuunnelmia by Jukka Perko with another Scandi recommendation: Hoven Droven.You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick Executive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who is George Osborne backing for Tory leader?

Who is George Osborne backing for Tory leader?

Drumroll, please. After keeping his cards pretty close to his chest throughout the Tory leadership campaign, George Osborne is ready to name who he thinks should seize the Tory crown. With the race now whittled down to just two people – Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick – George explains why a possible exit from the European Convention on Human Rights has swayed his choice and what might put him off voting Conservative at all... Meanwhile, members of the Labour party are in hot water after Donald Trump accused them of election interference. Ed Balls thinks the party’s decision to get involved in a foreign country’s election could be described in a few ways (mainly as naive, gauche and definitely a mistake.) And, less than a week away from the first Labour budget in 14 years, has the party done enough to convince voters, the markets and business leaders there’s a plan for economic growth? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Miriam Hall and Danny GarlickExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Can you have friends in politics?

EMQs: Can you have friends in politics?

Frenemies George Osborne and Ed Balls talk about great political friendships and rivalries. What was the unspoken understanding between former Prime Minister David Cameron and George that made their allegiance last? And which Conservative friendships were soured by Brexit?They answer the question: Are economists just making it up as they go along? How can Rachel Reeves just change the definition of fiscal rules? And with questions from all over the world this week, Ed and George ponder: should we be rethinking about how we teach second languages? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny Garlick Executive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to plug a £40bn black hole

How to plug a £40bn black hole

How can Rachel Reeves solve her £40 billion budget gap without breaking Labour’s manifesto promise? Ed Balls and George Osborne take a deep dive into the tax hikes she has and hasn’t ruled out - and whether she can fairly class raising employer National Insurance contributions as manifesto-friendly.Elsewhere, Labour continues to woo the business community - this time at its International Investment summit. But can an event like this overcome the very real barriers to growth that the UK faces? And, with the passing of controversial SNP titan Alex Salmond, Ed and George look back on his legacy, and the state of his former party. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidTechnical Producer: Oliver GeraghtyProducers: Rosie Stopher, Miriam Hall and Danny GarlickExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Can HS2 be revived from the dead?

EMQs: Can HS2 be revived from the dead?

The killing of HS2 was one of the defining features of the former government’s final days but there’s now talk the high speed rail line to Manchester might happen after all. Northern Powerhouse Chief Executive Henri Murison asks what Ed Balls and George Osborne make of the chatter that it could be revived, in the form of the so-called ‘HS2 light’.How should we truly define a “pensioner”? Does it just mean someone who is actually receiving a pension, or someone who is of pension earning age? And should pensioners with wealth be treated in the same way as those without?Plus, Ed and George share their favourite moments of political barb and banter. What was George’s scariest moment as a politician? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cleverly: What went wrong?!

Cleverly: What went wrong?!

James Cleverly has made a stunning exit from the Tory leadership race, leaving Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick as the final two to duke it out. George Osborne and Ed Balls consider if that’s thanks to some cunning political strategising or just a good old-fashioned cock up. Now, of the two who is more likely to take the crown? George thinks Jenrick is more “malleable” – is that what an opposition leader needs to be? Is Badenoch Mrs T(hatcher) or T(russ)? Meanwhile, the lead up to the budget is intensifying with the IFS Green Budget being published this week. Can Rachel Reeves change her fiscal rules without spooking the markets? Finally, what is the role of Downing Street’s Chief of Staff? With Sue Gray's departure, what can Morgan McSweeney learn from his predecessors to right her wrongs and rebuild the government’s image? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: Political regrets? We have a few

EMQs: Political regrets? We have a few

Ed Balls and George Osborne consider their biggest political mistakes and their proudest moments in office with a question from former Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey. What tax move did George make – against all prevailing advice, mind you – that he remains pleased with to this day? And what would Ed have done differently in the handling of the Baby P tragedy? Speaking of mistakes, some of our attentive listeners have sent in a few corrections for Ed and George to face. In a move unfamiliar to most politicians, they’re willing to admit when they are wrong, judiciously of course… And live from the Tory party conference this week, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley Ben Houchen asks if Rachel Reeves is really supportive of devolution? Sounds like the jury is still out as to whether or not the Treasury is really behind it… You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Labour made a political scandal worse

How Labour made a political scandal worse

Keir Starmer has caved and returned thousands of pounds in freebies given to him by a Labour donor, in an attempt to close a rather embarrassing chapter for the government. But has he successfully hosed it down? Ed Balls and George Osborne consider whether it's a textbook case of what not to do when you have a PR snafu on your hands. Meanwhile, tensions are escalating in the Middle East. Is there a risk of the conflict intensifying, or is the situation under control? And what does it mean for the West?And with the highly anticipated budget now merely weeks away, they take a look at what Rachel Reeves has on her plate. Is this shaping up to be the “relaunch” budget Labour needs, or are we on the verge of a new era of anti-growth…Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam HallExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HOT TAKE: James Cleverly: Next Tory leader?

HOT TAKE: James Cleverly: Next Tory leader?

Has the Tory leadership contest just been decided? Our man on the ground George Osborne is reporting directly back to Ed Balls from today’s Conservative Party Conference leadership hustings. Is the crown James Cleverly’s for the taking after a storming speech? Plus, George is joined by Tory watchers-extraordinaire, Michael Gove and Danny Finkelstein, for their post-hustings analysis.Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyVideo Producer: Mikey NissenbaumProducer: Rosie StopherExecutive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino SofosPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EMQs: What’s your unpopular opinion?

EMQs: What’s your unpopular opinion?

Ed Balls and George Osborne open up this week on their most ardent, contrarian views. Is reincarnation real? Political reincarnation, perhaps. George shares how his thoughts have moved with the times and how he has reached some fresh conclusions on cannabis – conclusions with which, it turns out, Ed completely disagrees. And, they field questions straight from the Labour party conference. Tips for the new Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones? Ed and George are happy to oblige. And what do they make of the demands for food security and environmental improvements amid rumours about cuts to the agricultural budget? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free!Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaidProducer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Technical producer: Ollie GeraghtyExecutive Producers: 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. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Which Tory will get the Boris blessing?

Which Tory will get the Boris blessing?

Who’s hungry enough to seize the Tory crown? As the Conservative Party Conference nears, the leadership contest is heating up. Of the four hopefuls, who will get the backing of the party’s elder statesmen Michael Gove and Boris Johnson? George knows who Boris wants as leader, and that person isn’t currently in the race… Labour’s wrapped up its party conference, which was light on announcements and heavy on gloom. Both George Osborne and Ed Balls are wondering why so sad? A trip to the UN seems like a break at this point for Keir Starmer, so what can they do to turn those frowns upside down?And across the Atlantic, it's a story of Trump’s tariffs and Kamala’s capitalism – with the US presidential race reaching the pointy end, how much is the economy playing a role in the campaign? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs.Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProduction support: Caillin McDaidProducers: Rosie Stopher and Miriam HallTechnical producer: Ollie GeraghtyExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONFERENCE HOT TAKE: Protestors disrupt Rachel Reeves’ speech

CONFERENCE HOT TAKE: Protestors disrupt Rachel Reeves’ speech

Rachel Reeves took to the stage at the Labour Party Conference in a wet and gloomy Liverpool, hoping to brighten her party’s fortunes. After a tumultuous few weeks for the new government with rows over ‘Keir’s gear’, Sue Gray and the Winter Fuel Payment, the new chancellor hoped to prove that after 14 years of the Tories, Labour were all set to deliver a bright new future. But it was a speech that was heavy on rhetoric, light on policy and disrupted by a pro-Palestine protestor. Has she done enough to shake off accusations that she’s the next ‘austerity chancellor’? Ed Balls and George Osborne pick over her speech and ask whether she’s managed to convince voters they’ve made the right choice… Our next episode of EMQs will be a Labour Party Conference special - Political Currency Gold subscribers get first dibs on questions. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrencyProducer: Rosie StopherExecutive Producers: Ellie CliffordPolitical Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.