The Downtown Den Politics Podcast

We turn now to the biggest test of public opinion between general elections, with full elections taking place in Scotland and Wales, as well as across all London boroughs, Birmingham and many other places across the country. It’s a big test for the Prime Minister, and for Reform UK, raising the question of whether Reform has peaked, while other parties and voters across the political spectrum also make their voices heard. 

We also ...

Publications from the left, right and centre agree that Keir Starmer has been, to put it kindly, underwhelming as prime minister.

They all conclude that the only reason he is currently surviving at No.10 is because Labour can’t agree on an alternative.

The left of the party are scared of Wes Streeting. The right are scared of Angela Rayner. The country is scared of Ed Miliband. 

Meanwhile, Labour’s most popular retail politician, A...

In this week’s episode of the Downtown Den, we unpack rising tensions in the Middle East as Donald Trump escalates threats over the Strait of Hormuz following failed negotiations, and what it could mean for global stability.

We also look at political change in Hungary as Viktor Orbán loses his grip on power after 16 years, and closer to home, what the local election campaigns could mean for Labour, the Conservatives, and the future...

With growing questions over President Trump’s fitness for office amid the Iran crisis, we ask whether his unpredictable style is becoming a real concern.

Back in the UK, cost of living support has kicked in but will the government get any credit as local elections approach? Not if the resident doctors have anything to say about it.

And as the Artemis moon mission makes headlines, are we forgetting to look after our own planet?

Jim ...

Is it peace talks going well, or are we about to see American troops invading parts of Iran? All of that remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is the serious economic consequences heading our way.

We are already noticing the rising cost of petrol, and so are farmers, facing soaring fertiliser prices. A war involving Iran could blow out of the water any hope of economic prosperity for years to come.

So what does that mean for...

Frank returns from MIPIM 2026 to join Jim and Jo for this week’s Downtown Den Politics Podcast.

They discuss the dramatic shift in messaging from Donald Trump after claiming victory in the conflict with Iran, before urging allies, NATO members and even China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

They also look at the paperback release of 'Get In' following the recent Mandelson scandal, and discuss the interesting questions surroundi...

Iran has a new Ayatollah, but is it simply a case of meet the new boss, same as the old boss? With Mojtaba Khamenei stepping into power, questions are growing about whether the US will step back from the conflict or escalate further.

As fuel prices rise and the economic impact of the war begins to bite, what does it mean for global stability and the UK’s political landscape? Jo Phillips, joins Jim Hancock to discuss the implication...

All the candidates have been selected for the Gorton and Denton by-election. In this episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Frank, Jim and Jo, preview what the final outcome of that particular contest may be.

They also be look at the fallout from The Epstein Files and Keir Starmer's trip to China, whilst telling you all about DIB's latest visit to Parliament and the Hospitality and Visitor Economy campaign.

This is the lates...

Plenty to has happened in the world of politics in the last seven days. And with too much to fit into one podcast, this week, Frank McKenna, Jim Hancock and Jo Phillips, focus on the BIG talking points from the past week.

Does Keir Starmer and the Labour Party fear Andy Burnham? Will there be a comeback for Andy Street? Should Andy Street and Ruth Davidson join the Liberal Democrats?

Plenty of theories and topics to discuss.

And th...

Happy belated New Year and welcome back to the Downtown Den Politics Podcast. We barely stepped away and the world went straight back to chaos with international tensions involving Iran Venezuela and Ukraine.

Closer to home we look at political U-turns including the government reversal on business rates for pubs. We also spotlight the Downtown in Business and Liverpool Business Improvement District campaign pushing for real support...

In this special episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast Frank, Jim and Jo, look back on some of the highlights from their involvement with politics throughout the years, answer listeners questions and put together their Fantasy Cabinets.

They look back at what they got right and wrong in their 2025 predictions, and share their predictions for 2026.

We hope you are all having a wonderful festive period and we will be back in 20...

Rachel Reeves tears at PMQ's, the resignation of the deputy prime minister, the huge losses in the local elections and constant speculation about Keir Starmer's future as leader, 2025 has been an annus horribilis for the Labour Party.

On the up, has been Nigel Farage and Reform UK winning control of councils, parliamentary by-elections and attracting a slew of Tory defectors, the right wing populist party has maintained a healthy l...

With the Sunday papers predicting a return to Westminster for Andy Burnham, Shabana Mahmood doing the keynote interview at the annual Tony Blair Christmas gig, and Wes Streeting featuring as the main interview in the New Statesman’s final issue of the year, what can Keir Starmer do to stop the speculation about his leadership?

Twelve months ago it was Kemi Badenoch who was under pressure; how has she turned this around, and can the...