Whitehall Sources

Top advisers to our significant political leaders analyse the successes and failures of today's politics, sharing their experiences of working in Whitehall. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties - she's Managing Partner at Rud Pedersen UK. James Nation was Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit, Special Adviser to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak and is now Managing Director at Forefront Advisers. Journalist and broadcaster Calum Macdonald manages their in-tray of talking points, U-turns and crises. From parties in Westminster to the tactics of SpAds, this is your exclusive insight into how politics is done and how politicians work. We welcome insiders and analysts to join the conversation each week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitehall Sources is a news podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 206 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Whitehall Sources, a news show with 206 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #38

  Farage wins (again)

  Aug 14, 202626 minS5

  Nigel Farage wins 63% of the vote in the Clacton by-election, but skips his own victory speech as security claims collide with police statements. Meanwhile, Count Binface takes second place, and the Parliamentary Standards investigation is officially back on. In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation break down the chaos behind the Clacton result, what it means for Reform UK’s upcoming conference, and how Prime Minister Andy Burnham is handling his first summer crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #37

  Is the "Burnham Bounce" Real?

  Aug 6, 202633 minS5

  Labour takes a lead in the polls, but is the "Burnham Bounce" here to stay? In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the team dissects a massive week in UK politics: The Burnham Factor: Why Labour defenestrated Keir Starmer, whether Andy Burnham’s strong approval ratings (+20) can hold up, and what happens when tough spending choices arrive. Opposition Struggles: How Conservatives, Reform UK, and the Lib Dems are adjusting to the new Labour leadership. The Prison Release Backlash: The severe political risks surrounding early prisoner release schemes and high-profile victim backlash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #36

  The Devolution Revolution?

  Jul 30, 202648 minS5

  In this episode of the Whitehall Sources Podcast, Callum McDonald, James Nation and Jo Tanner are joined and special guest Charlotte Pickles (CEO of ReState).   Together, they unpack Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s landmark announcements on fiscal devolution—giving local mayors control over income tax and business rates—and his bold strategy to finally fix adult social care in England.  What would a Social Care service look like and is devolution the answer to grow the UK economy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #35

  Live on Downing Street | Andy Burnham Becomes PM

  Jul 26, 20261h 1mS5

  Andy Burnham has officially become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, marking the country’s 7th PM since 2016.  Join host Calum Macdonald live from Downing Street on this special episode of The Sources Podcasts as we break down every moment of this historic handover of power. From Keir Starmer’s departure speech to Andy Burnham’s note-free address to the nation, we cover the immediate reactions, political strategy, and shock Cabinet appointments shaping the new UK government. In this episode: - Keir Starmer’s final speech and exit to Buckingham Palace. - Andy Burnham’s vision: Ending rough sleeping, re-industrialisation, and cost-of-living relief. - Expert analysis with Patrick Maguire (The Times), Cathy Newman (Times Radio/Sky News), Anna Mikhailova (Times Radio), Peter Cardwell (Talk), Alexander Brown (Daily Mirror), Stefan Boscia (The Times), Andrew Quinn (The Scotsman), and Kate Ferguson (Sun on Sunday). - Breaking Cabinet Announcements: John Healey as Chancellor, Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary, and Louise Haigh as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. What do you think of Andy Burnham's new Cabinet? Will his 10-year plan stabilise UK politics? Let us know Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more expert UK political analysis from The Sources Podcast network! #AndyBurnham #KeirStarmer #UKPolitics #DowningStreet #Number10 #BritishPolitics #LabourParty #UKPrimeMinister #TheSourcesPodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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  Episode #34

  Can John Healey Grow Britain's Economy?

  Jul 23, 202646 minS5

  Is Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s economic vision realistic, or is a fiscal reckoning waiting in John Healey's autumn budget?   In this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Jo Tanner, and James Nation discuss Andy Burnham's new cabinet... what will his new top-team mean for the country? Later they welcome Ben Zaranko, Economics Editor at The Observer, to break down the fiscal realities facing the new Burnham administration. From VAT cuts on energy and bus fare caps to personal allowance speculation, regional devolution, and Bank of England accounting hacks—we examine where the money will actually come from.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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