Coffee House Shots

Nominations openned today for the next Labour leader and – spoiler alert – it looks as though Andy Burnham might clinch it. We strongly suspect he will be the only person to put his name forward, after Al Carns pulled out and rowed in behind the MP for Makerfield.
In the background, Burnham’s preparations for government are continuing, including a surprise intervention on foreign affairs and an email to the PLP setting out how he hopes to restore hope and a sense of togetherness to the Labour party. One key part of that plan is to soften the whips’ office into something resembling an HR department, under which MPs would be free to vote against the government if they wished. That will please a lot of MPs – but is it sustainable?
Noa Hoffman speaks to James Heale and Chris Curtis MP.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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Nigel Farage’s Clacton by-election gamble has not gone quite to plan: the major parties have called his bluff and refused to stand. Is this now a Potemkin by-election – or has Farage still succeeded in changing the narrative on Reform’s funding row?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale about whether Farage is returning to what he does best: insurgency, grievance and a fight with the establishment. Will Count Binface and Laurence Fox make the contest look ridiculous – or will Farage’s supporters still hear the tune he is playing?
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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Nigel Farage has resigned as an MP to force a by-election in Clacton, where he intends to stand again.
It comes as scrutiny mounts over Reform UK’s funding, the £5 million gift Farage received from the businessman Christopher Harborne and his association with the convicted criminal George Cottrell. So rather than wait for a ruling from the parliamentary standards commissioner, Farage will be out on the doorsteps in Clacton, fighting what he is branding a ‘people vs the establishment’ referendum. It is a risky strategy, but one that plays to Farage’s strengths as a campaigner. Will Labour and the Tories call his bluff and leave him with egg on his face? Or should we prepare for the by-election of the ages?
Noa Hoffman discusses the story with James Heale and William Atkinson.
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Nigel Farage is facing fresh questions over his finances, after reports about George Cottrell – ‘Posh George’ – and his role in funding staff and security for Reform before the 2024 election. The party says this was personal, not political – but could the row yet become a problem for Farage? And if he is suspended from parliament, would a recall petition be a disaster, or the perfect rallying cry?
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is preparing for government, but the size of the task is becoming clearer. With access talks under way, who will make it into his cabinet – and who will be his chancellor?
Tim Shipman speaks to James Heale.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows.

Nigel Farage is in the spotlight again over his finances. And Labour back Andy Burnham to deliver change.
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