Coffee House Shots

What does it take to become a successful political leader – and are Britain’s politicians getting the training they need?
At Conservative Party Conference, Michael Gove was joined by former deputy PM Thérèse Coffey to ask how Britain can develop politicians fit for the future.
The conversation was organised in collaboration with the Institute for Government and was chaired by director of the IfG Academy, Vicky Elliott.
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Kemi Badenoch has just delivered her conference speech, bringing Conservative Party Conference 2026 to a close.
She very nearly almost announced the inheritance tax policy many had expected – instead beefing up the Tory offer to homeowners with a pledge to abolish inheritance tax on the family home. Beyond that, it was relatively light on new announcements: Kemi could hardly be accused of ‘policymaxxing’.
What was clear from the Leader of the Opposition’s rhetoric, however, was that there is now plenty of clear blue water between the main parties – setting British politics up for an intriguing run-in. Has Kemi finally found ‘the right way’?
Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman, James Heale and Lara Brown.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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James Heale is joined by Tim Shipman, Michael Simmons and Lara Brown from the second day of Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. They discuss shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith’s pitch for a low-tax, low-regulation economy, Kemi Badenoch’s new ‘Britannia Shield’ defence proposal and whether the Tories are starting to recover some confidence. As Kemi seeks to assemble a more credible frontbench team, to what extent is this conference the beginning of a genuine Tory revival?

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
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James Heale, Tim Shipman and Tali Fraser record live from Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. As we pass the two year mark of Kemi Badenoch's leadership of the Tory Party, the panel discuss whether she has done enough to win voters over and whether the party is ready for an early general election. Did Kemi miss a trick in not pressuring new Prime Minister Andy Burnham for one – and could Kemi survive an election defeat?

Plus, the panel answer a variety of audience questions including: how to make Conservatism more attractive to younger people, how much the Manchester City scandal could tarnish Brand Burnham – and whether the pensions triple lock should be abolished.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.
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Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.

Andy Burnham wants to scrap the pensions triple lock, and he's reopening the Brexit debate.
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