Politics At Sam and Anne's

Can the chancellor deliver growth without breaking his own self-imposed fiscal rules?

John Healey will set out his vision for the economy this morning, but with pressure mounting on the public finances, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether he is preparing to flex the rules to make it happen.

Amidst an increasingly turbulent economic backdrop, the duo examine the warning lights beginning to flash – from the rising cost of borrowing to the instability of mortgage rates – and what it could mean for households and the government’s room for manoeuvre

Plus, as the Af...

A launchpad for power – or a warning of problems to come for Reform UK?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy debrief Reform UK’s biggest ever party conference and ask if the past few days have marked a turning point in Nigel Farage’s political career.

The duo examine the fallout from the Channel 4 investigation involving two of Farage’s closest aides - and whether it raises fresh questions about the party’s readiness for power.

Behind the headlines, Sam and Anne also discuss the increasingly visible battle between Robert Jenrick and Zia Yusuf for the so...

As Reform UK kick off conference season in Birmingham, Nigel Farage appears to have some work to do.

The party has gone from dominating the political conversation to facing a fall in polling numbers, mounting scandals and fresh questions over Farage’s leadership.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview a crucial three days for Reform, with major announcements expected on migration and the economy – while a French connection could be significant.

Elsewhere, the Conservatives are ramping up the pressure on Andy Burnham over defence spending, unveiling their own plan on how they would cut...

As Andy Burnham prepares for his first Prime Minister’s Questions, he faces a gathering economic storm.

With markets driving up government borrowing costs and the prospect of another interest rate rise, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the turmoil could mean for mortgage holders, public spending and the government plans going forward.

Could the chancellor be left with almost no room for manoeuvre ahead of October’s budget?

The duo also look ahead to the looming Holborn and St Pancras by-election and whether the Green Party leader – Zac Polanski – will consider standing...

Parliament is back and the honeymoon is over - Andy Burnham now faces his first major test as Prime Minister.

The PM will make his Commons debut as he promises to “bring back hope” and make life more affordable. But with pressure on public finances can he deliver on his promises to cut energy bills, cap bus fares and slash business rates?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the gap between Burnham’s ambitious promises and the tough reality facing the government.

And the duo look at how Kemi Badenoch plans to puncture the Bu...

After a summer of setting out his stall, Andy Burnham now faces the hard task: turning ambition into action.

In the last of the summer boxset, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy take a deep dive into five big challenges facing the government in the coming months.

From defining the 10-year plan to unresolved pressure at home and abroad, the duo give their take and analysis for a critical parliamentary term ahead.

With party conferences and a key budget on the horizon, can Burnham's government deliver on the change it has promised?

Is Britain ready for war?

In the third instalment of Sam and Anne’s Summer Boxset, they’re joined by Sky’s Defence and Security Analyst Professor Michael Clarke to ask: can Burnham’s government keep Britain safe?

From Ukraine to the Middle East, the trio examine the challenge facing Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and ask can the government afford what it wants to do on defence?

They also ask whether Burnham will approach Trump differently to Starmer and what the possible blowback from providing Ukraine with weapons to strike Russia could be.

Artificial intelligence could transform the economy, the workplace, and even the way we think - but is Britain ready for it? And is Andy Burnham?

In the second of Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy's summer box set conversations, they sit down with POLITICO UK tech editor Isobel Asher Hamilton to look at the choices facing the new prime minister this autumn.

Should Britain be building the next OpenAI, or focusing on using AI to revive manufacturing? Can the UK compete with the US and China? And where will the government land on the biggest political...

Andy Burnham has promised to transform Britain, but can he afford it?

This autumn, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the new government's first Budget, so what might it include?

In the first episode of Sam and Anne's summer box set, they sit down with Sky News' economics editor Ed Conway to look at the spending choices facing the new prime minister.

How will the government tackle the cost of living? What do the bond markets make of Mr Burnham? And how much control does any chancellor really have when conflict in the Middle...

Andy Burnham has thrown the future of assisted dying into doubt. After telling Sam Coates that he does not want legislation to proceed until social care and palliative care are "fixed", supporters of the bill insist they are pressing ahead. But has the Prime Minister's intervention made its passage through Parliament far less likely?

Sam and Anne examine what Burnham's comments mean for MPs ahead of the crucial September vote.

Plus, new polling from POLITICO shows again the ‘Burnham bounce’ as his approval rating goes up in every demographic, except one – Reform voters. What will this m...

Anne shares what she's been hearing about the new top team at the Foreign Office and Ed Miliband reveals what his grandfather would have said about his new job.

Meanwhile, can Andy Burnham really fix Britain's social care system? That's the big question as the new Prime Minister hosts cross-party talks on one of the country's biggest challenges.

There's just one problem: the invitations only went out on Tuesday, and neither Kemi Badenoch nor Ed Davey will be in the room. The Conservative leader is sending the shadow health secretary in her place, while Davey...

No wonder the new prime minister is feeling chipper. Labour and Reform are now neck and neck in the polls for first time in more than a year. The biggest change? Among young voters.

But the ‘Burnham Bounce’ doesn’t stop there – with the PM not only having the pleasure of meeting President Zelenskyy on a visit to a naval base but also our very own Sam Coates.

Sam tells Anne McElvoy about his time with Andy Burnham and how his positivity and communication skills are a clear change from some of his predecessors.

The du...

Andy Burnham came into office promising the biggest change in Britain for 40 years. But one week into his premiership, is Britain seeing transformation or just a different style of politics?

As Burnham unveils plans on social care, devolution and welfare, Sam and Anne ask just how big the policies announced by Burnham actually are. Is this just a continuation of Starmer with a new face?

They also discuss Burnham's foreign policy as he prepares to welcome Volodymyr Zelenskyy later today at a British naval base.

The latest policy announcement from Burnham’s new government is a 20% tax break for pubs, clubs and live music venues. That means that pub could save an estimated £1,100 a year.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details and again ask, how will this be funded?

The two also discuss Burnham’s communication style and if it might need more discipline now that he’s in No.10. This is in light of the new PM’s comments on a potential review of early prison release in England and Wales.

Also, the Foreign Office ha...

Andy Burnham wants to talk about his new bus fare cap but, and Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy point out, there isn’t much chance to talk about anything else without the Commons sitting.

They go through how the bus fare plan is funded. Chancellor John Healey says it will be “no burden to British taxpayers” but the small print raises questions about how the scheme will be funded.

At the Farnborough Air Show, there is chance to talk defence spending – and fresh questions about how to fill the funding gap from Keit Starmer’s pledges.<...

The Andy Burnham era is underway, and the new prime minister is kicking off with a bang – cutting VAT on electricity bills.

He promised the country some “breathing space” on the cost of living, but with prices still rising will anyone actually feel better off? And is it properly funded?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the announcement shows about Burnham’s direction of travel in government, as his new cabinet gathers for the first time.

Plus, the duo unpack the biggest cabinet appointments – from John Healey as chancellor to Wes Streeting at Defence...

The bloodless coup reaches its climax today as Andy Burnham is set to become the 59th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom - but does a new face mark a new era of British politics?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect the choreography of the handover, preview Burnham’s first words as PM and analyse the key cabinet appointments that will reveal the shape of his government.

Will anything really change?

The duo also consider how a small cosmetic change could signal a new way in which Andy Burnham wants to operate.

...

With just one day until Andy Burnham is crowned Labour leader, many are still scratching their heads – what will a Burnham government actually look like?

The incoming PM says he’s in no rush and will take his time over cabinet appointments – having already signalled a budget is likely in October.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess who could land the biggest jobs – especially at the Treasury, where Shabana Mahmood is emerging as the favourite for No11.

The duo also wonder if the announcement that British Steel is being renationalised will set Burnham up for a...

It’s Keir Starmer’s final PMQs so Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy wonder if he’ll get a softer side of Kemi Badenoch in the chamber today.

But, as Starmer picks up his engraved carriage clock gift from cabinet, there’s a shift in the chat about who Andy Burnham’s neighbour at number 11 might be.

Have Team Burnham gone off the idea of Ed Miliband as Chancellor because of soft left optics? And who else is in the frame?

Keir Starmer’s farewell tour is well underway – but is he destined to spend most of it out of the UK?

With an extra day in Paris for the Bastille Day celebrations and a possible dash state side for the World Cup final, Starmer is ending his premiership on the world stage – arguably his happy place.

Back in Westminster, Prime Minister in waiting – Andy Burnham – ramps up preparations for government, telling colleagues his cabinet will reflect a “broad church.” But with days to go, cabinet ministers still don’t know who will survive the reshuffle.

Sam Coates...

The political week starts with the shockwaves from the murder of Reform politician – Ann Widdecombe – which has put MPs security firmly back in the spotlight.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have the latest on the police investigation, Nigel Farage’s response and the wider political fallout. It comes as the row over political party donations intensifies, with Reform arguing that the current safeguards aren’t strong enough.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer enters his final week as Prime Minister, while his successor Andy Burnham faces another major test in front of the Parliamentary Labour Party.

Plus, wi...

The Andy Burnham era of politics is fast approaching – and the prime minister-in-waiting has finally set out some of his priorities for government.

As Labour leadership nominations open – with his last active challenger Al Carns officially stepping aside – Burnham’s path to power is now all but certain.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dissect his blueprint for Number 10, with a specific look at:

Plus, as...

Nigel Farage has triggered a political earthquake by quitting as an MP – but is he trying to get ahead of an inevitable scandal?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack why Farage has called a by-election in Clacton and why none of the major parties are standing against him – with some describing it as a “gimmick.”

The duo also examine whether his plans will have any material impact on the Parliamentary Standards investigation into his links with Christopher Harbone and George Cottrell.

And could this extraordinary political gamble end with a stranger twist of a second...

After new claims about Nigel Farage’s funding arrangements, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss the bits of the new allegations which are worrying Reform.

Plus, what will an Andy Burnham government actually be like?

On the Treasury, the reports that he might try to split it in two seem have gone quiet but there seems to be an appetite to go early for this autumn’s budget.

Anne has also been speaking to Burnham advisor, Jim O’Neill, about what the Burnham foreign policy vision might be.

Could Nigel Farage’s alleged financial relationship with a convicted fraudster come back to haunt him?

The Reform leader is already under scrutiny over his £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harbone and these fresh allegations about his association with George Cottrell will intensify the pressure.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political, legal and ethical questions at the heart of the claims and examine whether the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards could widen his investigation.

Nigel Farage insists he "has done no wrongdoing, followed the rules" and says he is considering legal act...

Andy Burnham could be just days away from entering Downing Street – but who are the winners and losers from the arrival of a new Prime Minister?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how Britain’s political landscape could be reshaped and what it means for the main opposition parties:

The duo br...

Team Burnham have been properly triggered over the Defence Investment Plan now they’ve found out £4.7bn of it is still to be funded.

For the first time in the transition, they’re feeling furious.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have news that the scale of the blackhole is even bigger than that.

Also - is a former Conservative mayor in the running to chair Great British Railways?

And can you have more Milibands than women in the great offices of state?

Will the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan be the Prime Minister’s final and most contentious act?

Months of delays, a multi-billion-pound funding gap and the resignation of his Defence Secretary has Keir Starmer done enough to satisfy his military chiefs?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the political and strategic stakes and assess how NATO allies, not least Donald Trump, will make of the plans.

Elsewhere, with the PM’s departure from No10 on the horizon, is Labour already seeing a polling bounce?

And, after more than two years of disruption has...

Barring any last-minute surprises, Andy Burnham will become Prime Minister three weeks today.

But what is his 10-year mission for the country and how will he achieve it?

In his first major speech in Manchester, Burnham will set out his plans for the economy, welfare and devolution with a pledge to deliver “good growth in every postcode.”

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine whether his promise of the biggest transfer of power out of Whitehall in modern times amounts to a genuine political reset.

Back in London, the battle for future cabi...

It could have been a messy transition, but the ease with which Andy Burnham has returned to Westminster appears to be the product of many months of careful planning.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy delve into the details of how Burnham’s expected coronation has been managed – and why Louise Haigh has emerged as a key architect behind the scenes.

Meanwhile, as Donald Trump breaks his silence on Keir Starmer’s likely replacement, his verdict is rather blunt.

The duo dissect the U.S. President’s first public comments on Burnham, who he labelled...

Andy Burnham appears to have taken another major step towards power, bringing in a big name from the Blair era – James Purnell – as his chief of staff.

What does it say about the Burnham operation and the government he is trying to build?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack a decades-long relationship, and discuss why it’s being welcomed by Labour MPs, business and the city.

Plus, as Starmer ally Darren Jones rules himself out of a leadership challenge, is the path now clear for a Burnham coronation?

And Anne has been s...

In less than a month, Britain is set to get its seventh Prime Minister in under a decade.

And barring a political earthquake, it's all but certain to be Andy Burnham.

But several questions remain about what the King of the North really stands for – he now has just over three weeks to turn by-election victory into a policy platform to govern the country.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at the fading prospect of challengers and likely coronation. Can he really steady the ship ten years on from the Brexit referendum?

...

Keir Starmer is on the brink of resigning – the only question left is when does the drama end.

After a tense weekend, the Prime Minister remains under intense pressure from his cabinet to quit, with Downing Street braced for the end of another short-lived premiership.

Meanwhile, fresh from his Makerfield by-election victory, Andy Burnham returns to Westminster. But can the King of the North pull off a smooth succession to No10?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from both the Starmer and Burnham camps on whether Labour can manage a seamless tr...

Andy Burnham has secured a thumping victory in the Makerfield by-election – but is it game over for Keir Starmer?

With a critical few days ahead, attention now turns to Labour’s cabinet ministers, MPs and party members. Who could make the first move to oust the Prime Minister?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have inside information from team Burnham and assess whether a ‘bloodless coup’ is really possible or whether rivals like Wes Streeting could disrupt the plan?

Is this really Labour’s last chance to reconnect with voters and could Andy Burnham reset the...

With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics.

The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring:

Away from the campaign trail, Anne brings the latest intelligence from the UK...

As world leaders gather at the G7 summit – what's Keir Starmer’s top priority?

With tensions in the Middle East, a trade dispute with China, a continuing war in Ukraine and Russia’s apparent involvement in arson attacks on homes and a car linked to Keir Starmer, the PM has his hands full.

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess whether Starmer can turn high-level diplomacy into meaningful progress.

The duo also examine the latest polling data, which suggests Andy Burnham remains the only Labour figure the public sees as a potentially stronger Prime Minist...

How is Keir Starmer planning to play this week?

The week which could end with Andy Burnham back in parliament.

We know the prime minister’s got a social media ban for under-16s to announce today and a G7 summit to attend.

But Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss what else is on his mind, particularly after the resignation of John Healey as defence secretary – and whether a stubborn attitude is the right way to be.

They also have word on who’s back advising Keir Starmer.

The full l...

Andy Burnham’s political opponents are finding plenty of attack lines to throw at him. So, are past comments and policy positions – from WASPI women to calls for an early election – coming back to haunt the Burnham campaign?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also wonder who is to blame for Keir Starmer’s troubles? Well, according to a focus group of Labour members – it's all the media’s fault!

The duo unpack the mood within the party and the continued paralysis at the heart of government – affecting everything from the delayed reset of relations with the EU to the...

Has the unrest in Belfast sparked a new political battle over Britain’s immigration system

Political leaders have condemned the violent overnight protest after a Sudanese national was charged with attempted murder of a man in the city.

With parties scrambling to seize control of the narrative, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the case has reignited questions about immigration, border security and the UK's system of indefinite leave to remain.

Elsewhere, Nigel Farage holds his first major news conference since the local and national elections. Will Reform face renewed scrutiny over im...

Is Andy Burnham having trouble putting clear teal water between himself and Nigel Farage, following comments calling for a tougher stance on immigration?

Sam Coates has more from Manchester on the state of the Burnham campaign and how his movements after the Makerfield by-election remain unclear.

Meanwhile, Anne McElvoy delves deeper into the defence dilemma – with military chiefs still reportedly in the dark over the contents of the Defence Investment Plan.

As Defence Secretary John Healey prepares to argue that Britain needs to build more military equipment at home, questions remain over whether th...