Best Calum Macdonald Podcasts (2024)

1
Election Eve 44:28

7d ago44:28

44:28

The conversation discusses the upcoming general election and the expectations for the results. It highlights the lack of excitement and momentum in the campaign, as well as the messaging and strategies of the different parties. The conversation also touches on the challenges and complexities of implementing policies and delivering on promises. It c…

1
Polling, Kids' Takes and Energy... with Adam Bell 48:55

20d ago48:55

48:55

Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various topics related to the upcoming election. They talk about the length of the campaign, the impact of polling, and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. Kirsty also shares her experience at her son's school and discusses the views of children on politics. Adam Bell, former Energy SpAd and n…

1
Economy Pledges... with Giles Wilkes 40:56

25d ago40:56

40:56

The conversation discusses the recent TV moment where Beth Rigby questioned Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak individually. It explores the lack of inspiration and vision from both leaders and the sense of distrust and cynicism among the public. The conversation also touches on the manifestos of the Labour and Conservative parties, highlighting the Cons…

1
Housing... with Sir Brandon Lewis 41:30

1M ago41:30

41:30

The first TV debate between Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak is in the books, but what did we learn? Nigel Farage is firmly back in the UK political fray: what does this mean for the Conservatives? And former MP and housing minister Sir Brandon Lewis CBE joins to discuss how to fix the country's housebuilding problem, and why Labour might have taken a …

1
The Ming Vase Strategy and lack of policy 37:01

1M ago37:01

37:01

The conversation covers various aspects of the ongoing election campaign, including the performance of the Conservative and Labour parties, the impact of policy announcements, the handling of key issues such as Brexit and the economy, and the upcoming manifesto launches and leadership debates. The discussion also delves into the strategies and chal…

1
The Election is On 39:44

2M ago39:44

39:44

Jo Tanner joins Kirsty and Calum. The conversation discusses the announcement of the general election and the strategy behind it. It explores the mishaps and challenges faced by the Conservative Party, including the timing of the announcement and the optics of the Prime Minister speaking in the rain. The conversation also delves into the potential …

1
Analysing Sir Keir Starmer's Six Pledges 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

Kirsty Buchanan, former special advisor to Theresa May, and Calum Macdonald discuss the prison system in the UK, and Sir Keir Starmer's six pledges for the next general election. The conversation touches on the challenges of the prison system, the need for a fresh look at remand and recall, and the importance of rehabilitation and reform. It also e…

1
The Month of Own Goals 45:14

2M ago45:14

45:14

In this episode, Calum and Kirsty discuss the recent defection of Natalie Elphicke from the Conservative Party to Labour, the appointment of John Swinney as the new First Minister of Scotland, and the issue of antisemitism on university campuses. They highlight the controversy surrounding Elphicke's defection and the potential impact on both partie…

1
The Local Elections wash up 40:05

2M ago40:05

40:05

We discuss the local elections in the UK and their implications for the Conservative Party and Rishi Sunak. We consider the impact of immigration on the elections, the performance of Sadiq Khan in the mayoral election in London, the role of personality in local elections, and the support for Rishi Sunak among Conservative councillors. We highlight …

1
Local Elections and the £3000 trip to Rwanda 37:17

2M ago37:17

37:17

It's the eve of local elections across England and Wales, and Calum and Kirsty give the rundown on what to expect, and what they really mean. Plus as Humza Yousaf announces his resignation as First Minister, and John Swinney or Kate Forbes tipped to replace him, what comes next in Scotland? And the government announces the first departure of a fail…

1
Westminster Gossip, The Bute House Agreement and Rail 43:49

3M ago43:49

43:49

Kirsty's got fresh gossip from all of her swanky Westminster events about the timing of an election; Calum explains why Humza Yousaf might not be First Minister of Scotland for much longer; and will Labour be the Government to finally improve rail services? Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Host…

1
Another Tory Scandal, Drunk dogs, ping pong and Liz Truss's book 56:20

3M ago56:20

56:20

We're joined by James Price. The conversation covers various topics including the investigation into Conservative MP Mark Menzies, standards in public life, and the ongoing debate over the Rwanda deportation bill. The hosts and guests discuss the lack of action by the Conservative Party in response to the allegations against Menzies and the need fo…

1
UK Weapons Supplies to Israel and Four Years of Keir Starmer 41:13

3M ago41:13

41:13

Kirsty and Calum discuss the messaging around sending weapons to Israel after several aid workers - including three British people - were killed by the Israel Defence Forces. Plus, as Sir Keir Starmer rides high in the polls, what else should we remember on his fourth anniversary of becoming Labour leader? Support the podcast by becoming a member a…

1
How hard is it to be Prime Minister? And Privatisation 50:11

4M ago50:11

50:11

Calum and Kirsty discuss various topics including water companies and privatisation, Angela Rayner and housing questions, and Rishi Sunak's recent interview with William Hague. They also explore the challenges and optimism faced by being Prime Minister, the expectations placed on them, and the reality of being in that position. Support the podcast …

1
Psychodrama, Rwanda, Potholes 39:21

4M ago39:21

39:21

Conservative psychodrama: qu'est ce que? Can the Rwanda Bill make it out of Parliament? Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves gives another pragmatism-first speech: but has she wowed us yet? And is the mounting number of potholes in roads the perfect example of broken Britain? Calum and Kirsty pick apart the biggest political stories from SW1 and beyond.…

1
How To Fix Government 45:52

4M ago45:52

45:52

The centre of government has failed successive prime ministers. That's according to the Institute for Government think tank, which outlines 7 recommendations for "radical reform" to make our government function better. Programme Director Alex Thomas joins Calum and Kirsty to discuss why the Cabinet Office needs to dissolve, and why Number 10 should…

1
A Missed Opportunity? The Budget 41:01

4M ago41:01

41:01

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Chris Ward discuss the budget. Kirsty was a Special Adviser to Theresa May and Chris was an adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, working on several budgets with the Labour leader. The conversation discusses the recent budget and its implications. It explores the lack of impact and ill feeling within the Conservative Par…

1
All Eyes On The Speaker 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

We're joined by Director of the Project on Center-Left Renewal at the Progressive Policy Institute Claire Ainsley, who was policy director to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, to debrief on a chaotic week in Westminster and look ahead to what might come next. Did the last seven days descend into a worst case scenario for the Labour Party, or will the…

1
Kemi Badenoch vs The Post Office and Ceasefire Vote 33:44

5M ago33:44

33:44

This conversation covers the Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch's denial that the former Chairman of the Post Office had been instructed to stall payments in order to allow the government to "limp" into the next General Election, the potential for tax cuts being announced at the budget in March and what they mean for us. MPs are also debating a motio…

1
By Elections, Scottish Labour Conference 36:55

5M ago36:55

36:55

The conversation covers the Scottish Labour Party Conference, the performance of Scottish Labour, the recent by-election results, Labour's Green Prosperity Plan, Labour's relationship with business, Labour's economic challenges, the recession and the Conservative government, Reform UK and the Conservative strategy, and Labour's presidential electio…

1
Rishi Sunak, Piers Morgan, Wes Streeting, Liz Truss 47:31

5M ago47:31

47:31

In this episode, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss various political topics, including Rishi Sunak's interview with Piers Morgan, his admission of the government's failure on NHS waiting lists, Wes Streeting's vision for NHS reform, and Liz Truss's PopCon event. They also explore the potential for a split in the Conservative Party and the…

1
Anatomy of a U-Turn 49:24

6M ago49:24

49:24

Divisions within the Conservative Party and the shifting position of the Labour Party on green investment. The conversation highlights the importance of party unity and the impact of party divisions on electoral success. We also analyze Donald Trump's victory in the New Hampshire primary and his attack on Nikki Haley. The conversation explores the …

1
Whipping Votes... with Anne Milton 42:46

6M ago42:46

42:46

Kirsty and Calum speak to Anne Milton who was a Conservative MP - and a former whip and Minister of State for Skills and Apprenticeships… she left parliament as an independent MP in 2019 having lost the Conservative whip. The episode focuses on Rishi Sunak's week and the challenges faced by the Conservative Party. The lack of party discipline and t…

1
The Post Office Scandal...with Kevan Jones MP 41:25

6M ago41:25

41:25

Hundreds wrongly convicted in the Post Office scandal could have their names cleared this year, as emergency laws were announced to "swiftly exonerate and compensate victims". Postal affairs minister Kevin Hollinrake said that hundreds fell victim to a "brutal and arbitrary exercise of power". Kirsty and Calum are joined by Kevan Jones MP (Lab) who…

1
Humza Yousaf in conversation 1:35:26

6M ago1:35:26

1:35:26

A chance to hear an extended, audience-led conversation with Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf first recorded and published in August 2023 on the Holyrood Sources podcast. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The Security Election...and other 2023 bits 45:13

7M ago45:13

45:13

The conversation covers various topics, including the timing of the general election, negative campaigning, struggles to unite the Conservative Party, standout moments for Keir Starmer, and Rishi Sunak's challenges. Calum and Kirsty express their gratitude to the listeners and discuss the importance of policy discussions and focusing on security in…

1
Baubles of Policy... Rwanda and Cop28 37:33

7M ago37:33

37:33

Kirsty Buchanan and Calum Macdonald discuss Rishi Sunak's difficult week and the challenges he faces as Prime Minister. They explore the lack of vision and direction in the Conservative Party and the jockeying for position within the party. They also discuss the missed opportunities and the need for bold actions. Additionally, they touch on COP 28 …

1
Boris at The Covid Inquiry; Rishi's Rwanda deal 41:42

7M ago41:42

41:42

The conversation discusses Boris Johnson's emotional response during the COVID inquiry and the context in which it was given. It highlights the lack of empathy for bereaved relatives and the lack of self-doubt and introspection from Johnson and other key players. The conversation also explores Rishi Sunak's troubles and the Tory rebellions, as well…

1
Alistair Darling... and Matt Hancock 36:56

7M ago36:56

36:56

Calum and Kirsty discuss Alistair Darling. Both have personal memories of him and stories about him. And Calum was reporting from the Covid Inquiry today as Matt Hancock gave evidence. So we discuss him too. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform…

1
Autumn Statement and Migration 58:56

8M ago58:56

58:56

Former Treasury adviser Ian Mulheirn joins to discuss the autumn statement. Plus, the latest migration figures and trouble coming for Rishi Sunak at the Covid Inquiry. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Suella, Inflation, Rwanda, Ceasefire 24:47

8M ago24:47

24:47

Calum and Kirsty digest Suella Braverman's departure letter, inflation falling and Rishi Sunak hitting a target, the Rwanda policy ruled unlawful, and the House of Commons ceasefire vote that's resulted in sackings from Labour. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri…

1
🚨RESHUFFLE feat. David Cameron 37:40

8M ago37:40

37:40

Calum and Kirsty with a bonus episode after a reshuffle that sees David Cameron back in government Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
'Hate' Marches, the King's Speech and the Rise of the Sunakians 1:02:19

8M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Max Wilson, who spent over five years working for the Labour Party in several different roles including as Head of Campaigns for the Parliamentary Labour Party’s (PLP) Political Services Unit and as Senior Political Adviser in the Leader of the Opposition’s Office (LOTO). We discuss the ins and outs of the responses t…

1
Sir Keir on the Middle East 27:50

8M ago27:50

27:50

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Max Wilson from Whitehouse Communications. Max spent over five years working for the Labour Party in several different roles including as Head of Campaigns for the Parliamentary Labour Party’s (PLP) Political Services Unit and as Senior Political Adviser in the Leader of the Opposition’s Office (LOTO). We discuss Sir …

1
The Covid Inquiry 45:42

8M ago45:42

45:42

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Alex Thomas, - Programme Director at the Institute for Government and Former Principal Private Secretary to the Head of the Civil Service to discuss the Covid Inquiry hearing evidence from Dominic Cummings. Alex was also a witness at the inquiry so shares his experience. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: ht…

1
One Year of Rishi Sunak (and of this podcast) 1:03:11

9M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Scarlett Maguire from JL Partners, a leading polling company, for a forensic look at Rishi Sunak's first year as Prime Minister. Plus, how Labour are in a mess over their approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See …

1
Diplomacy in the Middle East... with Sir Simon Fraser 1:02:38

9M ago1:02:38

1:02:38

Sir Simon Fraser is a British former diplomat who served as the Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from August 2010 to July 2015. He joins Calum and Kirsty to discuss diplomatic efforts in Israel. Plus Calum debriefs on the SNP conference, and Kirsty analyses the upcoming by elections in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire. …

1
Glittering Keir & The Middle East 1:02:01

9M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Alice Perry to discuss the Labour Party Conference, Sir Keir Starmer's speech and the evolving conflict in Israel/ Gaza. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Rishi for Change? 47:05

9M ago47:05

47:05

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Anita Boateng. Anita served three Cabinet Ministers as a government special adviser from 2016-2019, including the defacto Deputy Prime Minister in the Cabinet Office, the Lord Chancellor and the Work and Pensions Secretary. Today, we debrief on Conservative Party Conference. Anita was there, Kirsty watched on tele, an…

1
Conference Season 52:17

10M ago52:17

52:17

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Jo Tanner, who has advised many politicians in Whitehall and elsewhere. Plus Pablo O'Hanna, a former Lib Dem adviser joins to review their conference in Bournemouth. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Net Zero, KamiKwaze and the Contaminated Blood Scandal 58:43

10M ago58:43

58:43

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Sam Richards - a former energy and environment adviser to Boris Johnson and founder of pro-growth campaign group Britain Remade… to react instantly to Rishi Sunak's announcements on net-zero. After 24 hours of chaos, Kirsty reflects on the comms strategy, and Sam analyses what this means for you, for business and for …

1
Why can't PMs deliver their vision? 1:14:03

10M ago1:14:03

1:14:03

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Chris Wilkins, who was Theresa May's Director of Strategy and David Muir, who was Gordon Brown's Director of Strategy during the financial crisis 2008-2010. We discuss the issues of the week: will either party commit to maintaining the triple lock on pensions and Sir Keir Starmer's illegal migration proposals. Plus, a…

1
Concrete comms; One Year Since Liz Truss 1:07:04

10M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

We’re back with a fresh start for the new parliamentary session. Calum Macdonald is joined by Kirsty Buchanan - former Special Adviser to Theresa May when she was Prime Minister - and Alice Perry, who was a Labour Councillor for 11 years; was on Labour’s National Executive Committee for eight years, including one as chair, and was involved in draft…

1
🚨RESHUFFLE (A mini one, anyway) 38:53

11M ago38:53

38:53

Calum and Kirsty rev their engines for a new parliamentary term, as Downing Street throws crime week out the window to announce a mini reshuffle. We talk about new Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, and new Business and Net Zero Secretary Claire Coutinho. Plus, the countdown to the new parliamentary term is well and truly on... Support the podcast by …

1
(not) Education week 46:53

11M ago46:53

46:53

Kirsty and Calum discuss education week, in light of A-level results and GCSEs as well - plus Sir Keir Starmer's claim that he couldn't afford to go to university nowadays. There's reaction to the Lucy Letby conviction and sentencing and what it should mean for the NHS. And will he or won't he? Rishi Sunak's reshuffle has bitten the dust...it would…

1
Will we all feel better off next year? 50:21

11M ago50:21

50:21

Rishi Sunak says we'll all feel better off next year. So we assess whether he's right or not. Plus, A-level results, First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, and Calum's extremely large mic muff. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Stop the Boats week 40:32

11M ago40:32

40:32

Calum and Kirsty discuss Stop The Boats week - as outlined by the government. Will it actually work? Kirsty brings some nerdy research to the pod and is available for Ted talks... Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
The Connectivity of Politicians 43:11

11M ago43:11

43:11

Calum and Kirsty are joined by Adam Bell, Director of Policy at Stonehaven, who used to be head of energy strategy at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to discuss Rishi Sunak's Energy Week - what are the big announcements and what do they mean? Plus, we talk about the PM appearing on a radio station no-one has ever heard …

1
Yet More Foot-Shooty 45:47

12M ago45:47

45:47

Calum and Kirsty are back to discuss the fall out of last week's three by-elections. Plus Nigel Farage brings down the CEO of NatWest in yet another influential victory. And Sir Keir Starmer discusses what a woman is: can this ever win votes, or is it an all out vote loser? With the Conservative Party's deep electoral troubles and a shift towards t…

1
A Standard Dangle Trick 33:04

12M ago33:04

33:04

Calum and Kirsty turn their attention to rumours of upcoming reshuffles for both the Labour Party and the Conservatives. While rules prevent us from discussing the specifics of the by-elections, speculation continues to circulate regarding potential changes within the main political parties. The Labour reshuffle is said to possibly occur in Septemb…

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Calum Macdonald Podcasts

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