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Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes the stage at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, setting out a bold 10-year vision for the UK. In this special episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever report live from the conference floor to analyse Burnham’s landmark speech, key policy announcements, and reactions from across local government and industry. Plus hear Kevin's interview with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Lowick Hedry's Associate Director, Stephen Gregory, speaks with Liberal Democrat London Mayoral Candidate, Sarah Olney, and Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Bridget Smith, live from the party's conference in Brighton. This episode also explores the recent international and domestic political events, including UK Prime Minister's UN visit, UK party conferences, and the strategic insights from political leaders. It offers a detailed analysis of political diplomacy, party dynamics, and future campaign strategies. 🔔 Subscribe to Political Business, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Kevin joins Nathan from One World Trade Center in New York during UNGA week to share exclusive insights on how US investors view the UK’s shifting political landscape—and why a "delivery problem" is stalling transatlantic business. Back in London, Nathan breaks down the massive £72 million funding package for Reform UK from mega-donors Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. Is this a game-changer for Nigel Farage, or will it create hidden pitfalls? Plus, an in-depth preview of the high-stakes Holborn and St Pancras by-election following Keir Starmer's departure. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take an exclusive look into the massive transformation planned for London’s iconic Oxford Street. With the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) stepping in as the local planning authority, major changes are coming to one of the world's most famous retail and commercial hubs, with Nabeel Khan of the Oxford Street Development Corporation. From closing the street to vehicle traffic by the end of the year to creating a mixed-use, experiential destination, learn how local authorities, businesses, and global inspirations (from New York to Tokyo) are shaping the future of the West End. Key Topics Covered in This Episode: The 2028 Vision: Moving Oxford Street from a high-traffic transit route to a high-dwelling experiential destination.Fast-Tracking Planning Powers: How OSDC built a Local Planning Authority (LPA) function in just six months.Traffic-Free Phasing: The strategy behind closing the street to vehicles, live "test and learn" trials, and managing complex underground infrastructure.Accessibility & Servicing: Nuanced approaches to disabled access, local bus routes, and store delivery logistics.Global Inspiration: Lessons learned from Times Square (NYC), Tokyo, Bordeaux, and Lyon.The Next Generation of Retail: Attracting major flagships (Liverpool FC, Warner Bros. Harry Potter, Pinterest) and balancing retail with F&B/leisure. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever dissect a chaotic week in UK politics following the Reform UK conference in Birmingham. From internal power struggles and donation scandals to the physical assault of a protester, is Nigel Farage’s leadership on fragile ground—and is Zia Yusuf quietly preparing a shadow leadership bid? Plus, the hosts break down the Chancellor’s latest growth speech on business regulation, Ed Miliband’s foreign policy maneuvers, and the newly announced England tourist tax (overnight levy) powers for regional mayors. Stay tuned until the end for an exclusive sneak peek of our upcoming interview with Nabil Khan, Chief Executive of the Oxford Street Development Corporation, on the future vision for London’s iconic high street. 🔔 Subscribe to Political Business for weekly expert analysis on UK policy, devolution, and election trends. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan sits down with Reform UK's candidate for the 2028 London Mayoral Election, Laila Cunningham, at the party's annual conference in Birmingham. Laila reflects on her ambitions for mayoralty, outlines her pitch to the capital's businesses and voters and addresses the recent controversy surrounding the party's donations. Nathan and Kevin also discuss the political landscape surrounding the upcoming by-election in Holburn and St Pancras, how Reform's leadership might navigate the donations controversy engulfing the party, and the damage it could inflict politically. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Political Business, Nathan sits down on the 17th floor of City Hall with Councillor Paul Swaddle, Leader of Westminster City Council. Paul reflects on his journey in Conservative Party politics—from joining during the 1997 general election defeat to serving on the party board and earning an OBE. Now over 100 days into his leadership, he addresses the massive challenges facing Westminster, including a £160M budget gap driven by government funding cuts, proposed council tax increases of 75% to 100%, and the crackdown on dockless bikes. He also sets the record straight on the recent "vertical drinking" media storm, outlines his stance against Sadiq Khan’s Oxford Street Development Corporation, and explains his vision for bringing a fast-paced, private-sector ethos to local government. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Political Business! After a couple weeks off, Kevin McKeever and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt look at the changing UK political landscape following a high-stakes summer. From Andy Burnham’s first weeks in office and Labour’s strategy to Kemi Badenoch strengthening the Conservatives and the internal battles facing Reform UK, we break down where every major UK political party stands heading into party conference season. Plus, we preview what’s next for the budget, the government's 10-year plan. Where do both the Left and the Right of British politics sit as the summer recess ends and parliament gets set to return? *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Reform UK starting to fracture from within? In this week's episode of Political Business, hosts Kevin McKeever and Nathan Parsad-Wyatt dive into the shifting dynamics of the British right wing, Kemi Badenoch’s recent leadership missteps, and whether prime ministers should actually take summer breaks. In this episode: • Reform UK & Rupert Lowe: Is Nigel Farage losing control as Restore Britain pushes the party further to the right?  • The Clacton By-Election & Farage’s Future: Is Farage an electoral asset or an emerging liability? • Kemi Badenoch’s Controversial Week: Assessing the Conservative leader's political judgment after a council candidate backlash and her "bins" comments. • Summer Recess Debate: Why media attacks on politicians taking holidays (like Andy Burnham & David Cameron) are missing the point. 🎙️ ABOUT POLITICAL BUSINESS Bringing you insider analysis on UK politics, party strategy, and political comms every week.  #UKPolitics #ReformUK #KemiBadenoch #NigelFarage #ConservativeParty #PoliticalBusiness #UKNews *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham’s First 14 Days as PM: Poll Bounces, No. 10 North & Strategic Masterplans Has Andy Burnham completely flipped UK politics in just two weeks? Join Nathan Parsad-Wyatt (from Southwold) and Kevin McKeever (from Manchester) as they break down the turbulent first fortnight of the new administration. In this episode of Political Business, we take a deep dive into: The "Burnham Bounce": How Labour's polling is shifting and why favorability ratings are up 19 points.Number 10 North: Symbolic branding or real decentralization?Policy Blitz: Electricity VAT cuts, bus caps, and the battle over adult social care.The Greater Manchester By-Election: Why Reform UK activists shifted focus and what Bev Craig's campaign signals for Labour's northern footprint.Summer Reading List: Must-read political books (featuring Head North and Lee Kuan Yew’s From Third World to First).*** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has arrived in Downing Street, and has unveiled his top team. What does this massive political shift mean for UK business? Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down the figures at the forefront of Burnham's cabinet, what kind of administration will they help shape? They also examine reaction from opposition parties and wonder where UK politics stands following such a change. Finally they discuss the importance of political security and safety, having experienced, how do we keep public servants safe? *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is officially the new Labour leader and will be the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. In this special edition of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever consider the remarkable 10-year journey that brought Burnham to the Number 10. Kevin shares his personal backstory—from joining New Labour in 1997 to breaking away from the "Westminster bubble" tribe in 2015 to back Burnham’s anti-metropolitan vision. They break down what a Burnham administration will look like, address past controversies, handle the rampant media speculation surrounding Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor, and explain why communication is just as important as policy substance. 🔔 Subscribe to Political Business for weekly political insights and insider analysis 📰 Read Kevin’s full reflection and sign up for the weekly Lowdown political update: 👉 Visit https://www.lowickhedry.com *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can a Lib Dem-Green coalition fix London’s housing crisis, or will a £85 million budget black hole stand in their way? In this episode of Political Business, host Kevin McKeever sits down with Councillor Victor Chamberlain, the newly appointed Deputy Leader of Southwark Council and Executive Member for Strategic Planning. Following the historic May 2026 local elections, Southwark’s political landscape has completely shifted. For the first time in 16 years, Labour has lost its majority, giving rise to a joint Liberal Democrat and Green Party administration. Victor opens up about the reality of running a major London borough, how they plan to tackle the housing crisis, why they are supporting a judicial review against the Mayor of London's affordable housing cuts, and what the new political landscape means for property developers, local communities, and the wider UK. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Political Business, Kevin and Nathan are live from Cambridge, England and from Cambridge, Massachusetts. They discuss another big week in Westminster politics, with Labour Party leadership sit to close next week, what's next for the soon to be Prime Minister? Has Farage played a blinder by triggering a by-election... or has he shot himself in the foot? ... and a critical dispatch from Harvard Business School on why British firms are falling behind on AI. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The City of London’s flagship blueprint for growth, the City Plan 2040, was complete and ready to adopt, until a sudden intervention from Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook halted it in its tracks. In this special episode of Political Business, host Nathan Parsad-Wyatt sits down with Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee. Sleigh suggests the government's decision to force new hearings over the plan's impact on the Tower of London is "unnecessary and anti-growth." We consider what this delay means for international investor confidence, why stripping floors off future skyscrapers could permanently "sterilise" the UK’s most productive land, and what the City's ultimate message is to Downing Street as the UK navigates planning reform. If you want to understand the reality of the UK planning system and the delicate balance between preserving world heritage and building a modern economic powerhouse, this conversation is a must-watch. *** Want to work with us? Click: https://hedry.co.uk/ to get in touch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.