Whitehall Sources

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. Kirsty Buchanan worked with Theresa May as PM, and Liz Truss when she was Secretary of State. Jo Tanner is a political adviser and strategist who's worked with politicians from all parties. 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. Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

May 8, 2025 • 46 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the recent electoral successes of Reform UK, the challenges faced by the Labour and Conservative parties, and the shifting political landscape in the UK. They explore the implications of local election results, the strategic responses of the major parties, and the evolving perceptions of political identity among voters. The con...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, we're joined by Amy Koch who was the first female Minnesota Senate Majority Leader and was at the Inauguration of Donald Trump … she is currently a Republican strategist... and Chris Jackson who was chairman of his local Democratic Party in Tennessee, and was appointed by Joe Biden’s campaign to the DNC Platform Committee.


We discuss the first 100 days of President Trump's second...

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April 23, 2025 • 37 mins

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding gender identity and its implications for politics in the UK. They analyse the responses from key political figures, including Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, and the broader impact on public opinion and trans rights. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, accountability, and the role of activism in shapin...

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April 16, 2025 • 47 mins

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Maconald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, consider the Supreme Court ruling regarding the legal definition of a woman, which is based on biological sex. The discussion explores the implications of this ruling for trans rights and women's rights, the political responses from various parties, and the potential future of gender politics in the UK. The conversation highlights the ...

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April 9, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum MacDonald, along with guests Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner, and Lord Harrington, delve into the implications of Donald Trump's tariffs and the ongoing trade war. They discuss the immediate and long-term impacts of these tariffs on global economies, particularly focusing on the UK and US relations. The conversation highlights the need for radical changes in the UK economy, th...

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April 2, 2025 • 51 mins

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the implications of President Trump's impending tariffs on the UK economy and the global market. They discuss the political strategies surrounding these tariffs, the potential impact on trade relations, and the broader economic consequences. The conversation also transitions to the assisted dying legislation currently progressing through Parliament, highlighting the political d...

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March 28, 2025 • 21 mins

This conversation considers the challenges faced by individuals dealing with brain tumours, focusing on Sonia Khan's personal journey with her husband Dan's diagnosis and treatment. It highlights the emotional and financial struggles, the need for better healthcare strategies, and the role of social media in providing support and information. The discussion emphasises the importance of advocacy for brain tumour research and the nec...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the recent Spring Statement delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, analyzing its implications for the UK economy. They discuss the halving of the growth forecast, the government's economic strategies, and the potential political fallout from welfare cuts. The conversation highlights the importance of business confidence, the rising tax burden, and the impact of ...

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March 19, 2025 • 53 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts consider the recent overhaul of the UK welfare system, discussing the implications of proposed benefit cuts and the political dynamics surrounding them. They explore the challenges faced by individuals reliant on welfare, the impact of mental health on employment, and the reactions from the Labour Party and the public. The conversation highlights the complexities of welfar...

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March 12, 2025 • 37 mins
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March 5, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the significant political upheaval caused by Donald Trump, particularly in relation to Ukraine and NATO. We're joined by Mike Martin, Liberal Democrat MP, member of the Defence Select Committee and senior visiting fellow of War Studies at Kings College London. We explore the implications of Trump's actions on global politics, the current state of the conflict in Uk...

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February 26, 2025 • 46 mins
Calum, Kirsty and Jo discuss the once in a generation challenge of peace. Sir Keir Starmer has announced an increase in defence spending, and now he's off to see President Trump in Washington. What is the best he can hope to achieve?

Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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February 24, 2025 • 42 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, delve into the pressing issues surrounding online harms, particularly focusing on the risks posed by social media to children. We're joined by Jess Asato, Labour MP for Lowestoft. They discuss the need for stricter regulations, the role of parents and schools in safeguarding children, and the legislative measures being proposed, ...

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February 19, 2025 • 48 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts are joined by Sir David Manning to discuss the significant shifts in global politics following President Trump's pursuit of a Russia/Ukraine peace deal. They explore the implications for NATO, European security, and the dynamics of US-UK relations, while also addressing the internal tensions within the Trump administration and the role of the EU in the ongoing crisis. The ...

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February 12, 2025 • 56 mins
In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner delve into the current political landscape in Westminster. They discuss the leadership styles of Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch, focusing on Starmer's perceived lack of principles under pressure and Badenoch's recent performance at PMQs. The conversation delves into the current political landscape, focusing on the challenges faced by th...

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February 5, 2025 • 52 mins

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, delve into the current political landscape, focusing on key issues such as Donald Trump's controversial proposal for Gaza, the ongoing Chagos Islands dispute, and insights from a new book on Keir Starmer's leadership. The conversation highlights the complexities of international relations, the challenges faced by political leader...

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January 29, 2025 • 48 mins

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and - joining the podcast for 2025 and beyond - Jo Tanner, discuss Rachel Reeves' recent speech on economic growth, focusing on the controversial Heathrow expansion and the Labour Party's growth strategy. The conversation explores the implications of the speech, the challenges facing the government, and the potential impact on businesses and the eco...

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Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the recent Southport stabbings and the subsequent national inquiry into the failures of the Prevent strategy. They analyze the political implications of the tragedy, the responses from key political figures, and the broader societal impact of such events. 


Then we turn to the inauguration of President Trump.


Republican Amy Koch discuss the recent inauguration of Donald Trump as...

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January 15, 2025 • 35 mins
Kirsty and Calum are back to assess Labour's start to 2025. Rachel Reeves is the Chancellor but for how long? Tulip Siddiq is the former anti corruption minister forced out of office as she's under investigation for corruption and denies wrongdoing. Plus, why can't Keir Starmer manage the curve balls of politics?

Support the podcast by becoming a member at: https://plus.acast.com/s/whitehallsources.


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December 18, 2024 • 45 mins

In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, Calum McDonald and Kirsty Buchanan discuss the ongoing issues surrounding the Post Office inquiry, the WASPI women, and the broader implications for political accountability and integrity. They are joined by James Arbuthnot, a key figure in the campaign for justice for sub-postmasters wrongfully prosecuted due to a faulty IT system. The conversation explores the human cost of the sc...

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