Podcast · News

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

by Steve Richards · English · News

Based on his live one-man show Rock & Roll Politics, the broadcaster and author Steve Richards takes a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of UK politics and the media that shapes the way we view the epic political dramas. The future is ridiculously unpredictable and the past is so easy to misread. Subscr

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 44 minNew

Why is it time to talk about Brexit again?

The consequences of Brexit have been rarely explored since Lord Frosty Frost negotiated a trade deal that was agreed chaotically on Christmas Eve 2020. Now Andy Burnham declares Brexit has caused more harm than good, and most voters agree. What will happen next? The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday Dec 7th - tickets available from the King’s Place box office . Subscribe to Patreon here to join the next exclusive live event on October 29th, the day after the Budget. Plus, exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, and the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E448 · 9 Oct 2026 · 23 min
What next for Zack Polanski?
Labour has won the Holborn and St Pancras by-election… but what are the implications for the Greens? And was “Kemi”’s speech to the Conservative Conference really the centrist triumph that the media reported? The next Rock & Roll Politics live show takes place on Monday Dec 7th at Kings Place, London. Get your tickets from the King’s Place box office . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E447 · 6 Oct 2026 · 40 min
Is Kemi Badenoch the leader returning to the past?
The Tories and the media accuse Andy Burnham of taking Britain back to the 1970s. But is Kemi Badenoch the leader who is returning again - like all Tory leaders - to Thatcherism, at a time when voters are turning against the consequences of the 1980s? The next live Rock & Roll Politics show is on Monday December 7th - tickets available from the King’s Place box office . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E446 · 2 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
Rock & Roll Politics Live: What has Andy Burnham unleashed?
An epic Rock & Roll Politics Live at Kings Place, the night after Burnham’s speech. Listen now to the recording of a show. The next is live on December 7th, stay tuned for more details to follow. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E444 · 29 Sep 2026 · 44 min
Will the media allow Andy Burnham to generate hope?
Burnham is a natural, confident communicator - and he has promised change. including a National Care Service. But the media noise is about the need to be ‘realistic’, which usually means right wing. The noise is loud and will be difficult to overcome. Can he? The Rock & Roll Politics co-operative will be making sense of Burnham’s key speech to the Labour conference and much more - this coming Wednesday evening, September 30th, in the main concert hall at Kings Place. It’s also streaming live. A few tickets are left in the hall, you can get them here . • Find out if you’re owed on car finance…
S1 · E443 · 25 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
How Can Burnham Deliver the Biggest Change in 40 Years?
On the eve of the Labour conference I speak to the brilliant Michael Jacobs - former adviser to Gordon Brown, founder of Compass and supporter of Mainstream, an important platform for Andy Burnham as he moved towards Number 10. Michael has published an inspiring paper with more than sixty policy proposals that he argues are feasible, and that would deliver the radical change that Burnham claims to seek. Plus another lively episode of our never ending debate, and much more. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll…
S1 · E442 · 22 Sep 2026 · 47 min
What’s the most effective slogan in modern politics?
The Rock & Roll Politics co-operative continues our never-ending debate on the economy, defence and the Israeli government as I hail the most effective slogan in British politics for decades. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written…
S1 · E441 · 18 Sep 2026 · 53 min
The UK economic crisis - Does anyone know what they’re talking about?
The Greek chorus of experts condemn "another tax and spend socialist government”. What does that mean? They also call for "welfare reform" to produce instant big cuts. How? The lack of clarity fuels the hysteria about an economic crisis. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See…
S1 · E440 · 15 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Should Reform be allowed to spend the crypto-billionaires’ money?
Reform have received donations from crypto billionaires that amount to more than all the cash spent by the parties at the last election. Will it make a difference to the next election? Will it undermine Reform’s claim to lead ‘the people’s army’? Above all should the government stop it, even retrospectively? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here . • Find out if…
S1 · E439 · 11 Sep 2026 · 35 min
Is Ed Miliband a rare example of a foreign secretary changing foreign policy?
A cathartic moment: the British government announces sanctions against Nethanyahu’s government in Israel. Ed Miliband prepared the ground assiduously and acted. While most foreign secretaries are not significant change makers, Miliband can claim to be one already. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve…
S1 · E438 · 8 Sep 2026 · 46 min
How bold will John Healey be?
John Healey has made his first speech as chancellor, and therefore the biggest of his long career. Will he be part of the promised biggest change in forty years, or be closer to an echo of Rachel Reeves? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and…
S1 · E437 · 4 Sep 2026 · 22 min
Will the media ever allow an honest ‘tax and spend’ debate?
Westminster is staging another hysterical debate about tax and spend in which there is no coherence or honesty. They are all trying to woo the voters but it is the voters who lose out. RocknRoll Politics is live at Kings Place on September 30th. It's the first London show of the Burnham era and the end of Labour conference: https://www.kingsplace.co.uk/book-tickets/53601/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E436 · 1 Sep 2026 · 38 min
Are there worrying signs in Burnham’s honeymoon?
Andy Burnham has generated a sense of energy and purpose during the summer break - but is he in some key areas sowing the seeds of future trouble? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on Wednesday September 30th - at the end of Andy Burnham’s first Labour conference as Prime Minister. Get your tickets here . Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on…
S1 · E435 · 25 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Can Burnham revive Labour in Scotland and Wales?
The May elections triggered the ultimate drama – a change of prime minister. This meant reflections on the actual results were limited yet in Scotland and Wales they were of historic significance. The SNP rules again and now Plaid Cymru is in charge too. What does that mean for the Burnham ‘bounce’ and the impact of devolution on Labour? • Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA no. 8008114). Checking is free. A fee is payable only if your…
S1 · E434 · 18 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Will Andy Burnham call an early election?
It’s the question asked of all incoming mid term prime ministers - should they get their own mandate? Should they call an election during their early honeymoon? But the risks- always - are huge. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe right now - every day, including weekends - with a different show every day. Get your tickets here . • Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and…
S1 · E433 · 11 Aug 2026 · 35 min
What to read on our summer holidays?
At the height of summer here are some political book recommendations from the distant past. Plus: how to hold local councils and mayors to account, and can the co-operative sort out FIFA? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe from this Sunday August 16th, with 14 shows, and a different show every day. Get your tickets here . Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated by…
S1 · E432 · 4 Aug 2026 · 39 min
The right is split three ways. What are the consequences?
In the recent Greater Manchester mayoral contest the Conservatives finished behind Reform UK and Restore Britain. The right are split three ways for the first time in British political history, where usually the left vote fractures fatally. What are the implications as Andy Burnham makes his early moves? Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday 16th of August with a different show each day. Tickets are available here. • Find out if you’re owed on car finance at refundclub.co.uk/steve • Refund Club is a trading style of Sandsford Law Limited, authorised and regulated…
S1 · E431 · 28 Jul 2026 · 41 min
Can Andy Burnham deliver a National Care Service?
A whole series of prime ministers have promised a National Care service, but none have delivered. Can Andy Burnham? Plus brilliant questions in our never-ending debate on the opening of the Burnham era and the political drama in France. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday 16th of August with a different show each day. Tickets are available here. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
S1 · E430 · 24 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Are we going back to the 1970s?
Less than a week since Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister, the Greek chorus of commentators have warned that Britain is ‘going back to the 1970s’. But what do they mean, and does it make any sense? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Fringe from Sunday August 16th, with a different show every day. Get your tickets here . Written and presented by Steve…
S1 · E429 · 21 Jul 2026 · 24 min
Will Andy Burnham’s new cabinet deliver the biggest change in 40 years?
Andy Burnham has promised the biggest change in 40 years. Is his new cabinet ready to deliver - and does he know how to bring about the change he seeks? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock N Roll Politics is live at the Edinburgh Festival from Sunday August 16th. Get your tickets here . Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E428 · 17 Jul 2026 · 34 min
Was Keir Starmer more of a change-maker than he seemed?
Keir Starmer takes a bow amidst much talk that he lacked a mission and sense of governing purpose… but what happens if we follow the policy trail rather than all the noise around his leadership? In some respects he was more boldly radical than Tony Blair in his first two years as prime minister. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See…
S1 · E427 · 14 Jul 2026 · 32 min
What are the lessons in the fall and rise of Louise Haigh?
Louise Haigh is a key figure in Andy Burnham’s team and will be back in the cabinet next week when Burnham becomes Prime Minister - a remarkable comeback given she was sacked as Transport Secretary only months after taking up the post. Haigh was widely admired during her brief period in the job but was targeted by Number 10. Now those who targeted her are gone, and she is at the centre of the new regime. There are big lessons about leadership and conviction in her oscillating career. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected]…
S1 · E426 · 10 Jul 2026 · 33 min
Will a contest against Binface make Farage more prime-ministerial?
Farage faces Count Binface in his latest campaign. As a potential prime minister, isn’t there a better use of his time? Plus, Bridget Phillipson on how education can be an instrument of freedom, and the challenges of devolution. Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th, days before Burnham becomes Prime Minister - get your tickets here. Written and presented by Steve Richards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S1 · E425 · 7 Jul 2026 · 36 min
How much trouble is Nigel Farage in?
The Reform leader is facing more allegations about donations made before he was an MP. Can he lead a ‘people’s revolt’ when stories erupt around him that suggest he is far removed from ‘the people’? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20 Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th, days…
S1 · E424 · 3 Jul 2026 · 32 min
Eve of the Burnham era: Where does power really lie?
There’s a strong focus on Andy Burnham’s plans for devolution but he has identified a bigger challenge in what he has called ‘the outsourced state’, where unelected agencies and companies run much of Britain. Plus, was Burnham right not to take questions from political editors at the end of his speech earlier this week? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20 Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the…
S1 · E423 · 30 Jun 2026 · 34 min
Will Andy Burnham’s big idea work?
Andy Burnham has promised an historic transfer of power from the centre. Unlike some leaders who have made similar pledges he means it. But how will it work? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20 Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham this Wednesday July 1st. Tickets on…
S1 · E422 · 26 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Who should be Andy Burnham’s Chancellor?
The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with their choice, only for both to turn on the Chancellor that is supposed to bring ‘stability’. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20 Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a…
S1 · E421 · 22 Jun 2026 · 43 min
What does Andy Burnham really think?
I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory. We explore where power lies, where power should lie, where he feels he has always stood on the political spectrum, why this is a different landscape to 1997 and much more. It gives a sense of what his priorities are likely to be as he heads towards Number 10. To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at…
S1 · E420 · 19 Jun 2026 · 21 min
Andy Burnham wins - what follows?
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election by a triumphant margin. What does that mean for the government, and for Reform? To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email [email protected] • Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20 Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free. Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website . An extra Rock &…
S1 · E419 · 16 Jun 2026 · 44 min
What if Keir Starmer is right on defence?
Keir Starmer navigated around a reluctant Treasury and dissenting minsters to find a further significant increase in defence spending. It was not enough for John Healey and the mighty defence establishment, but where precisely would they find even more money? And would it be spent well? Rock & Roll Politics is live at Kings Place on the 13th of July to make sense of the fallout arising from this week’s historic by-election. Tickets are available on the Kings Place website here . Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle, Shoreham on the 1st of July. Tickets are available here .…

About Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards

Rock & Roll Politics with Steve Richards is a English news podcast from Steve Richards. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Steve Richards
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 38 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1384867286
Rights: Steve Richards / Podmasters 2020

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