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Political Currency

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Rating
★★★★☆
4.3
from
48 reviews
This podcast has
351 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Persephonica
Explicit
No
Date created
2023/09/08
Latest episode
2026/10/29
Average duration
53 min.
Release period
3 days

Description

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 [email protected] Find us on social media @polcurrency Political Currency is a Persephonica production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Will Burnham risk it all on an early election?
2026/10/29
The Budget is over, and John Healey may want you to forget about it already. That’s what Ed Balls and George Osborne debate on this week’s episode, where they interrogate whether this Budget was biding time until an election or a sign that the Burnham government is even more hemmed in than previously thought. Will they go early and risk losing their majority? Or are they going to whittle through with a manifesto and global environment that makes big changes near impossible? While the Budget should have been this week’s big story, Andy Burnham himself stole the spotlight by further indicating he wanted back in the EU. Is he flying kites and testing the ground for the next election? Or, is this vibes based comms strategy authentic Burnham? If so, will it backfire in a crisis? George argues it leaves him open to parody, while Ed believes Burnham cannot only communicate through social media. Finally, they turn to the king of vibes: Donald Trump. The midterms are days away, and it’s set to be a bruising result for the Republicans if polls are to be believed. With Trump spending the last week of campaigning feuding with Obama, are the last two years of his Presidency set to be a deadlock? George argues this could benefit Republicans in 2028, while Ed suggests the next Democrat candidate may emerge next week. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty, Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOT TAKE: Was Healey’s Budget inconsequential?
2026/10/28
Ed and George went live this afternoon to give their Hot Take on John Healey’s Budget. They concluded the new chancellor was comfortable in his style, but the substance was not there. George declares it an inconsequential Budget, and wonders if Healey’s plan is to do nothing. Ed speculates if this looks like a pre-election Budget. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: Are the Tories against welfare cuts?
2026/10/26
After the great response to Ed Balls’ scepticism on Burnham trying to rejoin the EU, former Labour MP Gloria De Piero got in touch. She asks Ed and George Osborne just how they would make the case for rejoining, to their former constituents. With Gloria’s seat now held by Lee Anderson, it’s clear that the case in some leave voting areas will be a hard one to make… Then, Times writer and former Spectator editor Fraser Nelson asks if the political costs of welfare cuts outweigh their benefits. George explains how it was the right, not the left, who prevented him making greater cuts while in office. Ed cautions that for the Milburn reforms to work, a careful line will have to be taken by the government. Roads minister Justin Madders then attempts to correct George on the situation surrounding driving tests and takes a trip down memory lane. He was the Labour candidate against George in 2005 and asks if any candidates the pair beat in elections went on to great or surprising things. Ed recalls he beat one Andy Burnham in the 2010 Labour leadership race… Finally, off the back of their angelic renditions of hymns last week, a listener submits a favourite hymn of their own, and shares a story of a young George Osborne encountering a future Labour cabinet minister… We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Healey’s budget burst the Burnham bubble?
2026/10/22
The Budget is less than a week away, and the pressure is on for Andy Burnham and John Healey to deliver. Ed Balls and George Osborne debate whether the right moves are being taken for the new chancellor’s first budget, or if the bold rhetoric from the PM will not be matched by what is set to be a small Budget. George is in Paris this week, days after the media was dominated by scenes of rioting across France. What impact will these events have on the forthcoming Presidential election? Does it shore things up for Le Pen on the far right? How is it impacting Europe more broadly? Will it complicate Burnham’s position in the forthcoming EU summit? Finally, the scenes in France last weekend are not unheard of in Britain.The Brixton riots in 1981, fuel protests in 2000, and the London riots in 2011. Ed and George were in government for the latter two, and know what it’s like to be in the room for these moments of high tension on the streets. How should a government react in these moments? Should the PM get directly involved? Can you address the concerns of rioters without being seen to capitulate? We’re going LIVE next Wednesday at 3pm, on YouTube, to give our Hot Take on the Budget, so make sure to stay tuned for more information on that. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: Who Lifts Heavier, Ed or George?
2026/10/19
Author Philip Delves Broughton asks Ed Balls and George Osborne whether Britain could survive an energy shock like the 1973–74 oil crisis, which ended with a three-day week and the fall of the Heath government. George warns of voters blaming the government while Ed argues that the real danger, like in the ‘70s, is the energy shock landing alongside other collapsing post-war assumptions. They then debate who is more of a gym bro, and reveal which politicians are the most ripped. Ed shares Gordon Brown’s fitness regime as chancellor, while George reveals an unexpected training partner - David Beckham! A listener challenges Ed and George’s stance on Kemi Badenoch's proposed inheritance tax. As a divorced mum in a modest home in the South East, she explains why the tax isn’t just for the wealthy. Finally, off the back of Ed attending the 100th anniversary of the BBC broadcasting Choral Evensong, the pair share their favourite hymns and choral music. They even perform a few renditions of their own… Make sure to listen to Bridget Phillipson on Dig It with Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball, alongside Mariella Frostrup, here: 👉 EXCLUSIVE Bridget Phillipson MP & Mariella Frostrup: Menopause, Misogyny & Missing School We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton & Annie Ackerman Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Does Burnham have a foot in mouth problem?
2026/10/15
International politics can disrupt the best laid plans of any government, and this week was no different. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into a week that has been dominated by the war in Ukraine, and how Andy Burnham has chosen to navigate it. Donald Trump has made a deal with Russia on diesel, which Zelenskyy said was a betrayal. Burnham has to walk a careful line to side with Ukraine, but not anger the President. Has his diplomacy worked? An attack in Saudi Arabia at the weekend only highlights how precarious the whole Middle East is, which draws attention back to the price of oil. This is a tough background for John Healey, with the budget less than two weeks away. Healey is attempting to spin the positive message, but is this the right strategy? Ed feels the messaging needs to be tough, and that selling hope won’t help with heating costs. Of course, one way to counterattack the challenges Healey and Burnham face with growth is establishing closer ties to Europe. Burnham has continued to make those gestures this week, while also suggesting Russia interfered with the results of the EU referendum. After revising and walking back the statement all week, this is the latest in a series of off the cuff remarks from the PM. Is he going for a Trumpian approach of speaking freely? Is this the right approach for a British leader? Can Andy be Andy, without needing to issue so many corrections? We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton & Annie Ackerman Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Oliver Geraghty & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: The truth about government war gaming
2026/10/12
Money saving expert Martin Lewis sends in a question for Ed Balls and George Osborne this week, all about the tiny fixes. He tasks the pair with contributing to his new Small Ideas Initiative, proposing their own solutions to the most annoying problems in Britain. Ed goes for football tickets, while George hits on driving tests. They then turn to a former FT colleague of Ed’s, who asks whether the biggest decisions a chancellor makes happens between budgets. They weigh up the case for and against this, hitting on some of the biggest economic moments in recent decades. A fan from Instagram then asks if Andy Burnham has failed the Makerfield test, with George feeling his constituents wouldn’t be taken by PR or rejoining the EU. Fellow podcaster Abbie Bennington then asks them about wine and Brexit, off the back of George appearing on her show. Finally, they reveal their experience with war gaming. How much does the government prepare for the worst? Does it work in the end? Ed reveals one instance that left the government much more prepared for the financial crisis than they otherwise would have been… Make sure to listen to George’s appearance on Vintage Politics here: 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/george-osborne-candid-conversations-on-brexit-ai-the/id1881977789?i=1000793761417 We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have Burnham & Badenoch restored two-party politics?
2026/10/08
Party conference season is over, and it went out with a bang. The Greens have been engulfed by controversy over Zionism, and the Tories have been repositioning as the leading party on the right. Ed Balls and George Osborne delve into what the troubles for the Greens means for Labour, who now couldn’t do a deal in the event of a hung parliament. George argues the Greens are now diminished post-Starmer, and have lost their purpose amidst various controversies. Fortunes are higher for the Tories, with Kemi Badenoch cementing her control over the party. The pair praise their mock Bayeux Tapestry, and their sense of confidence, and the new strategy Badenoch has taken on Reform. With Burnham moving back the 70s in his rhetoric, they observe that Badenoch will feel comfortable fighting the next election on a Thatcherite economic message. Finally, prompted by the new book ‘Generation Maybe’, the pair touch on the declining birth rate worldwide. The book is written by Camilla Cavendish, ex-Cameron policy adviser and colleague of Ed’s at Harvard, and looks at this tough area with no easy answers. Is it the government's place to act on this issue? Do measures tackling the birth rate ever really succeed? If you want to read Ed’s new Harvard paper on AI in policymaking, you can find the link here: 👉 Exploring the Role and Limitations of Generative AI in Policymaking: Initial Findings and Next Steps We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: Should John Healey recruit ex-chancellors?
2026/10/05
A questioner from Instagram takes Ed Balls and George Osborne back 20 years in this week’s EMQs, reminiscing on fringe events at party conferences that drew no audience. They reflect on how to handle hosting a sparsely attended event, and the awkwardness George got into when asked a question about his childhood. Natalie Livingstone, author of the new book The Nuremberg Women, then asks how we can ensure young people continue to learn about the Holocaust and Nuremberg trials. The pair share the importance of incorporating the Holocaust into the curriculum. George also informs Ed of a viral TikTok on the price of coffee at Auschwitz. A fan from YouTube then proposes a star chamber of ex-chancellors & economists as a measure John Healey should take. George explains how he did something similar whilst in No. 11, but why it shouldn’t be a public group. Finally, the pair recall impromptu run-ins with famous people, which spurs Ed to explain how he played football with the captain of the England team, and how George introduced Boris Johnson to Monica Lewinsky… We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton & Nina Marinkovic Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Burnham’s big and bold speech backfire?
2026/10/01
The dust has settled on Andy Burnham’s conference speech, and the verdict is positive. However, there are lingering questions. Ed Balls and George Osborne, fresh off their Hot Take, set out to answer the most pressing ones. Is the PM moving too early on the triple lock? Has the National Care Service been thought through? Should he be taking inspiration from George on Brexit? Does all of this play into Reform’s hands? The Tories will be laying the groundwork for their conference this weekend, with Kemi Badenoch attempting to rain on Burnham’s parade. But can she? George lays out the tough position she’s in, with no clear lane for the party to stake out, she still risks being outflanked by both Labour and Reform. Can she create a strong position on the economy, the EU, and immigration? Or will the message to voters be ‘vote Tory, get Farage’. Finally, the beginning of the week was dominated by the uncertain headlines surrounding the potential attack on RAF Fairford. But what actually happened? Is this part of a larger proxy war, with states like Russia and Iran targeting Europe? How should Britain respond? Is Wes Streeting right to say we’re closer to war with Russia than any point in the last 50 years? We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton and Nina Marinkovic Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOT TAKE: Our verdict on Burnham’s conference speech
2026/09/29
Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference speech was pitched as a break from your standard conference speech, but did it deliver? Ed Balls and George Osborne went live earlier this afternoon to give their verdict on the speech. How will reform of the triple lock work? Has he sewn up a coalition with the Lib Dems? Is his social care plan too ambitious? All of this and more is answered on this Hot Take episode. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: Biggest conference clangers
2026/09/28
In a star studded edition of EMQs, Sky News political editor, and rival podcaster, Beth Rigby asks Ed Balls and George Osborne for their biggest party conference c**k-ups over the years. George takes us behind the scenes and back to 2007 to a moment that could have ended his and David Cameron’s careers, while Ed recounts the moment that changed British political history. Labour’s party Chair, Bridget Phillipson, asks a more upbeat conference themed question: Which are Ed and George’s favourite speeches? This takes them from Thatcher’s triumphant defence of her policy in 1980, to Tony Blair in the wake of 9/11. Elsewhere they discuss measures to combat inflation and the far-right in France working with Reform. Plus ex-MP Robert Buckland asks if a decisive win for Labour, in the Holborn and St. Pancras by-election, could prompt Andy Burnham to call an early election. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor:Louis Norris & Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can the Burnham & Trump love-in last?
2026/09/24
Andy Burnham has finally met Donald Trump, and George Osborne concludes it went as well as it possibly could. He and Ed Balls delve into the two leaders’ meeting in New York this week, and just how Britain navigates the rising tensions around AI in the wake of Australia’s health data breach. George also proposes Trump’s meeting with President Xi could be the start of a global consensus forming on AI regulation. The walls could close in very quickly on Trump, however, as we race towards the midterms in November. Heavy losses could see him lose both chambers of Congress, and render his last two years in office a lame duck. The pair cast ahead to some key races, including a potential future President in Jon Ossoff. While fortunes are rising for the US Democrats, the Liberal Democrats are in a tough spot. Their party conference was overshadowed by Royal controversy, and increased pressure on Ed Davey. Is his strategy working? Would a Charles Kennedy-esque leader make a bigger impact? How prepared are they for a coalition after the next election? We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to [email protected] and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid Video Editor: Louis Norris & Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
EMQs: The challenges criticising Netanyahu with rising anti-semitism?
2026/09/21
How do you unite leaders to come together and work for a common goal? Tom Fletcher, who works for the UN on Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, asks this very question to Ed Balls and George Osborne on this week’s EMQs. As part of the Be Hope podcast takeover, Tom asks the pair how to make a global philanthropic message land in a divided, economically challenged world.  Off the back of Ed’s reminiscence about Dolly Parton, someone from Dollywood corrects the record on the civil service’s more pessimistic view of the Imagination Library. She details just how effective the initiative has been and explains the impact it has had on children’s lives. An Israeli listener then questions George on his comments on how some British Jews are reacting to the sanctioning of West Bank settlements. Ed and George debate the challenge of navigating criticism of the Israeli government amidst rising anti-semitism.   Ed’s King’s College colleague, Nick Butler, then asks how the Burnham government can continually delay a decision on North Sea drilling and if it is really all part of a play to win over Green voters. Finally, the music of Centrist Dad inspired a listener to ask when music has had a real impact on politics. This takes the pair from the French Revolution all the way to Britain joining the EU… This episode is part of the BE HOPE Podcast Takeover, bringing podcasts around the world together to explore the theme of hope and how we can continue to make progress in a rapidly changing world. We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid  Video Editor: Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Has Burnham wasted his honeymoon?
2026/09/17
The budget crunch is on for Andy Burnham’s new government, with Ed Balls and George Osborne warning that the economic outlook has got much worse from when the new PM entered No. 10. The Fed raising interest rates, and the Bank of England likely to follow this autumn, create a stark picture for Burnham and John Healey. George reports a lack of confidence internationally, and wonders if the honeymoon period has been wasted. George is just back from Canada, and reports on the confidence stirred up by their PM Mark Carney. Carney has just met Burnham, and is in talks to join the EU as a new associate member. What lessons should Burnham draw from Carney? Will closer ties to the EU place pressure on Burnham to follow?  And finally, are we heading for an AI apocalypse? Warning shots were fired last week, from an ex-Anthropic employee, with a 10% chance of humanity being extinct in a decade. George pours some cold water on this, but the pair agree the pressure is on to regulate this rapidly accelerating tech. How can governments regulate without losing their edge to China? Should Burnham follow in Sunak’s footsteps as a leader in this area? Is AI the biggest threat to humanity since the atomic bomb? We love hearing from you, so please don’t forget to send all your EMQs to questions@politicalcurrency and make sure to include a voice note of your question or send a question to our social media handles: 👉 X 👉 Instagram 👉 TikTok Thanks for listening. To get episodes early and ad- free join Political Currency Gold or our Kitchen Cabinet. If you want even more perks including our exclusive newsletter, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: 👉 patreon.com/politicalcurrency 👉 Apple Podcasts Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon. Credits: Production: Sam Burton Producer: Caillin McDaid  Video Editor: Sam Gruet Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

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4.3 out of 5
48 reviews
★☆☆☆☆
Gageueheuege hi geeheyeh 2025/02/21
Poor man’s TRIP
A pod clearly established in response to the success of Rest is Politics. But George Osborne’s defense of the ultra nationalist Trump /Vance/Musk gov...
★★★★★
PortSaid56 2024/11/28
President Biden - Ukraine Nov 28, 2024
Thanks for a great podcast. Love the in-depth analysis of how government works or should work. On Ukraine, President Biden, who is a zealous institu...
★★★★★
Jbr1111 2024/06/11
Far superior to The Rest is Politics
This is the premier division for British political podcast particularly compared to the The Rest is Politics. George and Ed have superior insight and...
★★★★★
'Cesca 1234 2024/02/29
Informative, Witty, and Entertaining!
As former opponents facing each other across the despatch boxes in Parliament, George and Ed, ex-Chancellor and ex-Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer,...
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