With under a week to go until polling day, Lucy Fisher and her panel — the FT’s Miranda Green and Stephen Bush — pull together the threads of the campaign to explore the remaining ‘known unknowns’ in this election. They are joined by FT columnist Simon Kuper whose new book ‘Good Chaps’ looks at the disintegration of public service in our national life and examines how to rid our political system of sleaze.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:Reform UK activist calls for migrants to be shotA safe space at the eye of the storm: onboard Rishi Sunak’s battle busBlue Wall vulnerable to tactical voting as natural Conservatives turn against partyHow the Conservatives lost touch with England’s prosperous southSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich and Leah QuinnManuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservatives’ embattled campaign suffered yet another setback this week, as the betting scandal escalated and the party finally suspended two candidates ensnared by the row. But when did it first start to go wrong for the Tories? Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s chief data reporter John Burn-Murdoch, who charts the beginning of the party’s descent back to 2019. The pair are joined by Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and George Parker to discuss whether Britain’s “first past the post system” will lead to the biggest ever mismatch between parties’ share of the vote and their share of Westminster seats. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:How the Conservatives lost touch with England’s prosperous south No, Keir, the real opposition is behind you Brace for the most distorted election result in British historyThe seeds of the Tory collapse were sown in 2019Starmer will be centrism’s last chanceSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love and Audrey Tinline.Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An election-betting scandal is sending the Tory campaign into freefall. The latest blow to the Conservatives comes as some polls predict a wipeout for the party on July 4. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard to discuss this latest blow in a campaign littered with blunders. Plus, the team analyses the effect of the Reform party on the Tory vote and what might happen after the election. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Jim @PickardJE. Stephen @stephenkbWant more? Free links:Unusual burst of bets preceded Rishi Sunak’s election announcement‘Every Tory I know is angry’: betting scandal sends election campaign into ‘freefall’Potential routes forward for the Tories post-electionTory leadership hopefuls jostle to replace Rishi SunakKeir Starmer: ‘People need hope, but it needs to be realistic hope’Sketchy Politics: the extinction election?Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn and Josh Gabert-Doyon.Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is promising voters not to raise a raft of taxes, not to borrow to fund day-to-day spending and not to return to austerity with major cuts to public services. How will it manage this? Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves insists economic growth will square the circle. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher asks economics editor Sam Fleming, who interviewed Reeves this week, whether her plans to increase UK output stack up. Plus, Helen Miller from the Institute for Fiscal Studies think-tank joins with her assessment of the “conspiracy of silence” by both big parties over tax and spend after the election. Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Sam @Sam1Fleming, Helen @TheIFSWant more? Free links:A dash for growth: the shadow chancellor prepares for governmentRachel Reeves to seek ‘improved’ UK-EU trade terms if Labour wins election The Labour party’s uncertain certainty dividendLabour’s EU plan will have ‘minimal’ impact on cost of Brexit, says think-tankSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has unveiled Labour’s manifesto - declaring that his is the “party of wealth creation”. But while the plans combine sweeping aspirations for growth with modest tax and spending measures, there are a host of questions about how exactly a future Labour government would fix the public finances. The FT’s political editor George Parker is joined by colleagues Miranda Green and Rafe Uddin to scrutinise Labour’s pledges. Plus, FT consumer editor Claer Barrett gives her analysis of the levers Labour could pull if they need to raise more money - and who would be affected.Follow George on X @GeorgeWParker, Miranda @greenmiranda, Claer @ClaerB, Rafe @rafeuddin_Want more? Free links:Labour manifesto targets wealthy even as Keir Starmer woos businessKeir Starmer sets out plans to raise £8.6bn in tax at Labour manifesto launchParty manifestos and the British economic reality Have the Tories squandered their years in power?Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by George Parker. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has pledged more than £17bn in tax cuts as the Tories attempt to revive their stalled election campaign. But will it be enough to override questions about the party’s record in office, or the prime minister’s D-Day disaster? The FT’s Lucy Fisher fillets the Tories’ manifesto promises with colleagues Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard. Plus, what to make of the Lib Dem election pledges and their leader’s attention-grabbing stunts?Clips: BBC, ITNFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Stephen @stephenkb and Jim @PickardJEWant more? Free links:Rishi Sunak pledges £17bn in tax cuts to revive Tory election bidThe Lib Dem strategy to restore their third party statusTory ads warn voters of Labour landslide as election bid faltersSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morale within the Conservative campaign is low and was damaged further this week after the party chair became the fifth Tory MP to abandon his seat in the north to fight for a safer seat in the south of England. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher gets round the table with colleagues Robert Shrimsley and Jim Pickard to reflect on the damage done and on those tax claims made by Rishi Sunak during the first leaders’ TV debate. Plus, the FT’s Michael Peel joins to discuss how the rest of the world views the UK.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:‘Morale is shot’: Tory campaign mood sapped by candidate rowRishi Sunak apologises for leaving D-Day commemorations earlyKeir Starmer accuses Rishi Sunak of ‘lying’ over Labour £2,000 tax claimBehold the final casualties of Brexit More than half of British universities slip down global rankingsSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and audio mix by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s troubled re-election bid has been dealt a fresh double blow, as Nigel Farage seized the reins of Reform UK and announced he would stand as a candidate, while a new poll showed Labour could win the biggest majority of any party in a century. Lucy Fisher picks over the implications with political editor George Parker and politics correspondent Anna Gross. Plus, they talk about the Liberal Democrats’ campaign and the party’s pledge to offer free personal care to older or disabled people at home.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Anna @AnnaSophieGross, George @GeorgeWParkerWant more? Free links:Trio of Tory donors decide against funding election campaignTories promise to introduce an annual cap on immigrationTory election hopes hit after Nigel Farage decides to stand for Reform UKSketchy Politics: Starmy weatherSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner. Mix by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Power for Sale, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. In Untold: Power for Sale, host Valentina Pop and a team of FT correspondents from all over Europe investigate what happened in the Qatargate scandal, where EU lawmakers were accused of accepting payments from Qatar to whitewash its image.Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the gloves come off and the parties swing into full campaign mode, Lucy Fisher is joined by the FT’s Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to consider – with five weeks to go – who’s pushing ahead. Has Labour’s very public row over whether Diane Abbott should be allowed to stand dented its prospects? And Lucy takes a trip west, to test the water in Bristol Central, a seat the Green Party has firmly in its sights. The team asks: can the Greens pose a threat to Labour?Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:Greens aim to win voters ‘utterly uninspired’ by StarmerRishi Sunak’s spaghetti strategy‘True blue’ turns Green as party rides countryside waveSketchy Politics: Starmy weatherSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Philippa Goodrich with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music by Breen Turner and audio mix by Simon Panayi. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak shocked Westminster with the decision to hold a snap general election on July 4. As the parties launch their campaigns, Lucy Fisher assembles the Political Fix team to look ahead to the next six weeks. The FT’s Robert Shrimsley, political editor George Parker, columnist Stephen Bush and Political Fix regular Miranda Green have the inside track on how the race to Number 10 might unfold.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:Key moments ahead in the UK election campaignSunak suffers a series of setbacks on the first day of UK election campaignHow Rishi Sunak shocked Westminster with a snap general electionImproving UK economy does little to lift Tory hopes of victory in July election Tories scout for post-election jobs as UK parties dial up campaign mode TV debates can change election campaigns. Leaders should choose wiselySign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled his party’s six core pledges ahead of the general election – in the same week that Rishi Sunak claimed the country would be less safe under a Labour government. As both parties kick off their election campaigns, the FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Jim Pickard and Miranda Green to examine the battle lines being drawn up. Plus, the FT’s public policy editor Peter Foster outlines the dangers facing the UK’s university sector if the government decides to axe the graduate visa route that allows foreign students to stay on after graduation.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Peter @pmdfosterWant more? Free links:Keir Starmer unveils 6 election ‘first steps’ for a Labour governmentSunak claims UK will be less safe under Labour in pre-election speech The think-tank laying the groundwork for a Labour governmentUnion leader urges backing for Keir Starmer over diluted worker rightsSketchy Politics: Sunak’s sinking feelingEngland’s universities face ‘closure’ risk after student numbers diveThe State of BritainSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As politicians and commentators digest the disastrous Tory local election results, FT experts answer subscribers’ questions about what this might mean for the forthcoming general election – and beyond. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues Stephen Bush, George Parker and Camilla Cavendish for their take on the upcoming general election and the government that will take shape after it. The team tackle your toughest questions during a special FT Political Fix Inside Politics subscriber webinar.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherWant more? Free links:Are Labour and the Conservatives adopting ‘Heevesian’ economics?Labour defends decision to admit ex-Tory MP Natalie ElphickeWhat we learn from Andy Street’s narrow loss in the West MidlandsRishi Sunak told to show some vision as local polls leave Tories in a hole We’ve made this subscribers-only FT webinar free to everyone and you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/zp0UXwc7DTs?si=E3w2xBAEYfug00U6Sign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Andrew Georgiadis and Rod Fitzgerald were the studio engineers. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tories suffered sobering losses in local elections across England in the last big electoral test before a general election.Labour also trounced the Tories in the parliamentary by-election in Blackpool South - with Reform running a close third in that seat. The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to comb through the results.Plus, the team is joined by James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer at polling firm Focaldata to dive into the details.Join Lucy and colleagues for an FT subscriber webinar on May 8 to discuss what the local election results tell us about who will win the UK general election. Get your pass now at ft.com/ukwebinarFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, James @JamesKanagWant more? Free links:Rishi Sunak on rack as Tory election losses mountThe big messages from the local elections Is Rishi Sunak in trouble after the local elections?Political gravity catches up with the SNPSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Quinn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer.Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘In a world that is the most dangerous it has been since the end of the cold war, we cannot be complacent,’ Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said at a news briefing alongside Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg during a visit to Poland this week. The PM mentioned the threat from Russia but also from China and pledged to boost defence spending by £75bn over the next six years. Lucy Fisher is joined by colleagues George Parker and Jim Pickard to discuss whether this pledge will lead to deep spending cuts to unprotected government departments and James Kynge, the FT’s China editor, drops in to talk about allegations of Chinese espionage in the UK and beyond. Plus, will Labour’s plan to fully renationalise the UK’s passenger rail network if it wins the next general election translate into better train services for customers?Join Lucy and colleagues for an FT subscriber webinar on May 8 to discuss what the local election results tell us about who will win the UK general election. Get your pass now at ft.com/ukwebinarFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, George @GeorgeWParker, Jim @PickardJE, James @JKyngeWant more? Free links:Labour plans to retain key private sector role in nationalised railwaysSunak pledge to boost defence spending raises prospect of cuts elsewhereFormer UK parliamentary aide charged with spying for ChinaSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer with production help from Leah Quinn. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has had an eye on his legacy this week with his flagship smoking ban clearing another hurdle in the Commons – though not without a Tory backlash. Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars Miranda Green and Stephen Bush to discuss what Sunak will leave behind if he loses the election. The group also turns its attention to two very different former PMs, as the FT publishes major interviews with both Liz Truss and Gordon Brown this week. Political editor George Parker reveals what he learned during a Norfolk pub lunch with Truss, while the FT’s chief features writer Henry Mance talks about his impressions of Brown during a day in Fife.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParker, Stephen @stephenkb, Henry @henrymanceRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The raw sewage being pumped into rivers and seas in England has become a seismic election issue. The musician turned environmentalist Feargal Sharkey joins the FT’s Lucy Fisher, George Parker and Robert Shrimsley to assess how we got here, while the FT’s infrastructure correspondent Gill Plimmer analyses Thames Water’s woes. Plus, the team looks at scandals in Westminster and considers how much William Wragg’s honeytrap debacle and allegations that Angela Rayner failed to pay the right tax on a former house sale – which she denies – might damage their parties’ chances in this election year.Since recording, Greater Manchester Police have launched an investigation into allegations that Angela Rayner potentially broke electoral law by failing to properly disclose her main residence in official documents.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, George @GeorgeWParker, Gill @gillplimmer1, Feargal @Feargal_Sharkey,Want more? Free links:The great stink of Thames WaterRaw sewage discharges in England and Wales hit record levels UK seeks to quell public anger on sewage with £11mn restoration fund Senior MP quits Tory parliamentary party amid sexting scandalLabour’s Angela Rayner refuses to publish tax records as police probe house saleSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many ‘red wall’ constituencies across northern England, the Midlands and north Wales switched from Labour to the Conservatives in the 2019 general election partly thanks to then prime minister Boris Johnson’s energetic pledge to revitalise struggling communities outside the south-east. It was a seismic shock to Britain’s political landscape but can the Tories hold on to these seats in May’s local and mayoral elections and in an upcoming general election? Host Lucy Fisher, the FT’s Whitehall editor, discusses with colleagues Jim Pickard and Stephen Bush, and is joined by Luke Tryl, the UK director of More in Common, a strategy and communications consultancy focused on explaining public opinion to policymakers.Want more? Free links:Will the ‘red wall’ reshape British politics again?UK’s electoral landscape swings into volatilityOnly 10% of UK levelling up funds spent, say MPsSketchy Politics: can anything save Sunak?Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_FisherSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government is preparing a crackdown on Chinese entities operating in the UK, following malicious cyber campaigns linked to Beijing. But there are tensions among ministers over how to protect the UK’s national interests without heavily damaging trade with China. The FT’s Lucy Fisher is joined by Political Fix regulars George Parker, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green to discuss the government’s tricky balancing act. Plus, as the political term draws to a close, it’s time to mark Rishi Sunak’s report card.Want more? Free links:Rishi Sunak promises ‘careful’ crackdown in wake of China cyber attacksUS and UK accuse China of cyber attacks on politicians and companiesRishi Sunak’s attempt to boost Tory morale hit after two ministers resignMPs clock off early as length of Commons work day hits record lowThe frightening chill on free speechFollow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Robert @robertshrimsley, Miranda @greenmiranda, George @GeorgeWParkerSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister is urging his MPs to unite or face electoral defeat. Rishi Sunak has rallied backbenchers to hold their nerve, as he cleaves to the prospect of an improving economy rescuing the Tory party’s fortunes. But in a week where the government’s flagship Rwanda policy faced more hold-ups, will rumours of plots against Sunak die down? The FT’s Whitehall editor Lucy Fisher is joined by FT colleagues Miranda Green, Jim Pickard and Anna Gross to discuss the week’s events in parliament. Plus, a look at what Labour is promising to deliver for the NHS.Follow Lucy on X: @LOS_Fisher, Miranda @greenmiranda, Jim @PickardJE, Anna @AnnaSophieGrossWant more? Free links:Rishi Sunak urges Tories to unite as he bets on an improving UK economyRachel Reeves pledges to borrow only to invest under Labour fiscal rulesUK’s electoral landscape swings into volatilityUK civil service boss and spy chief quit male-only Garrick ClubSign up here for 30 free days of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter’ award. Presented by Lucy Fisher. Produced by Audrey Tinline with Leah Qiunn. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.