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

Episodes

July 8, 2025 49 mins

In a world often clouded by political uncertainty, the upcoming deal between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron offers a glimmer of hope. This landmark agreement, set against the backdrop of post-Brexit relations, promises to redefine migration policies and strengthen UK-French ties.

The Promise of Cooperation: As President Macron visits the UK, the focus is on a one-in-one-out migration agreement. T...

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The conversation explores the political landscape a year after Keir Starmer's election as Prime Minister. It delves into the challenges faced by Labour, including managing expectations, the significance of key flashpoints, and the importance of relatability in politics. The discussion also highlights the struggles of the Conservative Party and the potential impact of Robert Jenrick's approach. Ultimately, the focus is on the need f...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan and Jo Tanner, assess the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the implications of a reasoned amendment in the UK Parliament regarding welfare reform. The conversation highlights the complexities of political strategy, the challenges of governance, and the importance of effective communication in policy-making.


  • Tensions in the Middl...
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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political climate in the UK, focusing on the Israel-Iran conflict, recent changes to abortion legislation, and the inquiry into grooming gangs. They analyze the implications of these issues on society and the political landscape, highlighting the roles of key figures like Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful co...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner analyse into the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. They discuss the implications of the CSR on various government departments, the political context surrounding it, and the public's perception of the Labour government's fiscal policies. Key themes include the allocation of funds to the NHS...

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June 4, 2025 47 mins

The conversation analyses the UK's Strategic Defence Review, exploring the implications of military funding, readiness for modern warfare, and the political landscape surrounding national security. The speakers discuss the perceived threats, the public's response to defence spending, and the challenges of aligning military needs with fiscal realities. They also reflect on historical context and the necessity for a robust defence st...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, the hosts discuss the current political landscape in the UK, focusing on the Labour Party's challenges, the upcoming spending review, and the rise of Reform UK under Nigel Farage. The conversation highlights the internal dynamics within Labour, the pressures from backbenchers, and the implications of government policies on public services and welfare. The episode concludes with a lo...

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Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner discuss the U-turn on winter fuel payments for pensioners, the implications of this decision, and the broader context of UK politics. They reflect on the Labour Party's performance, the economic situation, and the upcoming EU-UK reset deal, highlighting the challenges and pressures faced by the current government. We're joined by Alexander Stafford, a former Conservative MP and former...

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In this episode of the Whitehall Sources podcast, host Calum Macdonald, along with Kirsty Buchanan, Jo Tanner and Mark Simpson, delve into the current political landscape surrounding the UK-EU relations, particularly focusing on the upcoming summit and the implications of Keir Starmer's leadership. The discussion covers various topics including migration, trade agreements, and the challenges of public perception regarding the gover...

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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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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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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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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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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

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

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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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