In The Room
By The Independent / Next Chapter Studios
Two former Westminster insiders reveal how politics and power really work.
Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at No 10? Or who’s the first person on the phone when a Prime Minister lands themselves in hot water?
Each week former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former political advisor to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, dissect the week’s biggest news, revealing how decisions get made, why they go wrong, and what should happen next.
In The Room is straight-talking, insider analysis with a dose of humour, every week.
This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episode
-
Mandelson files: 1,504 pointless pages?
After 83 days of waiting, the government has finally released the second tranche of files on the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador to Washington. The first tranche was already heavy on the filler, but the latest set of documents take… -
Ex-SNP chief’s embezzlement scandal and the shady role of money in politics
A Dyson floor lamp, a £4,000 fountain pen, boxsets of Scandi noir TV dramas. These are just a handful of the items that former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell purchased with the £400k he embezzled from the party over the course of a decade. The … -
Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest
With the writing seemingly on the wall for Keir Starmer, two contenders have already thrown their names into the ring for his job. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an appeal to heartland Labour voters, suggesting he might be vyin… -
Bonus episode: Burnham's long path to power
It’s hotting up in the bid to become Labour leader. Angela Rayner’s tax affairs are cleared up, Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary and Andy Burnham has found a route back to Westminster. But Keir Starmer is resolutely staying put – for… -
Streeting, Burnham, Rayner: Coming for Starmer's job?
Keir Starmer is still clinging to power. But when this morning’s 9:30am cabinet meeting began, that outcome looked far from certain. More than 81 MPs have now called for him to step down - the number required to trigger a leadership contest - but … -
Local elections: Reform's big day out spells more trouble for Starmer
Labour is losing votes to the Greens and seats to Reform. Across England, Scotland and Wales, the electoral map is shifting in ways not seen for years. The foundations of the two-party system are looking more fragile than ever.In this b… -
Local elections: Green vs Reform heats up as Starmer comes out swinging
Local elections are often a stick used to beat the government with. That’s never been truer than in this Thursday’s contests. Across the country, voters are expected to desert Labour, exposing the real dividing lines in British politics that have … -
Keir Starmer vs the world: How the PM made his job so much harder
His own MPs are turning on him, the civil service are raging at him and, at next week’s local elections, the public will likely express their unhappiness too. All of this has made Keir Starmer’s job a lot harder.Today, we analyse how St… -
10. Does Olly Robbins' testimony signal the end for Starmer?
Westminster watchers have had their popcorn out over the past 24 hours.On Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was grilled by MPs for two hours. A day later, Sir Olly Robbins, the sacked Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign Offic… -
Bonus episode: Has Keir Starmer made a huge mistake sacking Olly Robbins over Mandelson vetting?
There’s a new development in the Mandelson-Epstein-Starmer scandal – and as usual, it raises more questions over No. 10’s dealings than it answers. In this emergency broadcast Helen and Cleo break down the newest revelations about Mande…