Politics At Sam and Anne's

It’s budget day and it’s a critical moment for Chancellor and the UK economy. So, what are the plans to ease the squeeze on household bills and the cost-of-living crisis? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the high-stakes decisions facing the government and how John Healey plans to raise billions in additional revenue through increasing tax. With tough choices delayed, fiscal headroom shrinking and Whitehall budgets stretched to breaking point, will this budget fix Britain’s problems or simply kick them down the road? And, will this budget reveal who really runs the government - No 11, No 10 or the markets?

It’s budget eve but can the Chancellor really deliver a ‘breathing space’ budget? With living standards under pressure, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy explore the trade-offs John Healey must balance between the cost-of-living crisis, the government’s plan for growth and whether ministers can convince voters that they’re easing the pressure. Plus, Sam heads to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport where a bold bet on devolution could deliver where the private sector failed.

At its core will this be a John Healey or Andy Burnham budget – and will it deliver any real breathing space? With the biggest fiscal event of the year looming, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine some of the cabinet divisions across a range of topics including oil drilling, migration policy and a new relationship with Europe. Plus, is the Prime Minister reopening Labour’s battle over Europe and free movement? Where are the red lines for the party, Andy Burnham and the country?

Can the government find more cuts across Whitehall to fund its NATO defence commitments? With less than a week to the budget, Treasury minister – Emma Reynolds – says squeezing more efficiency out of SW1 could free up cash for defence. But with public services already under pressure, where can the cuts be made without making things worse? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy crunch the numbers, look at which sectors are already flashing the warning signs and which policies the Prime Minister could scrap to score a political win. Elsewhere, is Education Secretary – Lucy Powell – planning on making shifts in the department after a luke warm response to keeping Sir Martyn Oliver as the chief inspector of OFSTED?

The Jackdaw gas field has been approved by the government. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh says the decision will support the country’s energy security and that it is compatible with legally binding climate commitments. Critics say the move breaks the spirit of the 2024 Labour manifesto – and makes Andy Burnham look likes he’s living in a “parallel universe” after the hottest summer on record. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy discuss how he goes about squaring the circle of gas drilling with potential budget cuts to green projects?

John Healey’s first budget is shrouded in secrecy so how come we know he won’t be touching capital gains tax? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ponder whether the Treasury is worried about growth and discuss how Kemi Badenoch is trying to get the Conservatives on an economic front foot. Plus, they pull apart the weekly polling numbers, and Sam’s got a story about the wait times for parents of SEND children.

Having more than a million young people not in education, employment or training is an “economic catastrophe” according to the prime minister. So, what will the government do about it? With Alan Milburn’s long-awaited review due next month, is Andy Burnham laying the groundwork for tougher benefit conditions in the budget – as ministers look to rein in the spiralling welfare bill? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine how the report’s findings could complicate the government’s plans for reform. Plus, Anne has the latest on the protests in France and a stark warning over the political cost of attempting to shrink the size of the state.

Is Reform facing another growing crisis over alleged racist, sexist and violent language within its ranks? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess what the latest claims within an ITV News undercover investigation mean for Nigel Farage and whether more damaging revelations are still to come. Reform say there is “no room for racism” within its party. Elsewhere, President Zelenskyy says Donald Trump cut Ukraine’s access to vital satellite technology – Starlink – claiming it cost lives. If America can switch off vital military technology, how safe is Britain’s growing reliance on Elon Musk’s satellite networks? Plus, is the cabinet office heading for an historic re-brand and who will hold the power at the heart of government?

As President Zelenskyy arrives in Downing Street, is the balance of the Ukraine war shifting? Andy Burnham will reaffirm Britain’s support for Ukraine after Presidents Trump and Putin diesel deal – but can the UK make a difference without putting its relationship with Washington at risk? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the Prime Minister’s delicate balancing act as questions mount over America’s commitment to Ukraine. Elsewhere, has the government headed off a rebellion over the Courts Bill - and is its plan to build its way out of the prison crisis already unravelling? Plus, with the budget looming, economic critic Lord Jim O’Neill faces the Treasury Select Committee. Could his intervention create more headaches for John Healey?

Reform is under pressure again - but could the coming weeks prove make-or-break for Nigel Farage’s party? With fresh undercover filming threatening to cause trouble and a crucial report into the £5m gift looming, how serious could the fallout be? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy also unpack the latest polling: is Kemi Badenoch enjoying a post-conference bounce, or are internal divisions across the political landscape reshaping the race? Elsewhere, the battle for the Budget narrative is heating up, and Sam has some intel on why business leaders could be getting extra attention from No 10. Plus, with a date set for an EU-UK Summit, Anne gauges the opinion across the continent.

With the budget barely a fortnight away, chancellor John Healey is warning of mounting economic headwinds. Can he ease the pressure on the public finances without loosening the purse strings? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy test the tightrope Healey is attempting to walk ahead of a major speech to the International Monetary Fund. Elsewhere, is Donald Trump’s energy deal with Vladimir Putin putting the UK’s support for Ukraine to the test? And why has Andy Burnham chosen now to confirm Russian interference in the Brexit vote? Plus, Sam has an exclusive on how the promise of more money for regional mayors might not be worth as much as they were hoping.

With conference season in the rear-view mirror, Andy Burnham jets off to Germany for his first European trip as PM - but how much do Anglo-German relations matter right now? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look ahead to his meeting with German chancellor Friedrich Merz as the countries attempt to align ambitions and maybe find an avenue to rejoin the EU. Elsewhere, an MP gets in touch to ask whether the government is trying to curb transparency and scrutiny.

She promised a “battle for the soul of the nation” – but can Kemi Badenoch turn her vision for the Conservatives into an electoral revival? In a special debrief episode from the Tory conference in Birmingham, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the big pledges in the leader’s speech – from abolishing inheritance tax on family homes to her deeply personal intervention on race, identity and her own mixed-race children. Has Badenoch now drawn a clear enough dividing line between her party, Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage?

It’s Kemi Badenoch’s big day at Conservative conference - but it’s not just the adoring party faithful she has to impress. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at how the leader’s speech will land with both voters and party donors – in what she’s calling a “battle for the soul of the country”. There are already signs the Tories’ finances are not in the shape they need to be to fight an election on two fronts – with our hosts picking up clues from the conference hall in Birmingham. Plus, Sam and Anne check in on the state of the Green Party, after delegates adopted a motion declaring Zionism as a form of racism. What does it mean for leader Zack Polanski? You can find the candidate standing in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election here. Sam and Anne will return later for a special de-brief edition following Kemi Badenoch speech, which will be released mid-afternoon.

The ‘Burnham Bounce’ is extending Labour’s lead in the polls – so are the Conservatives anywhere near ready to challenge? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the latest polling numbers and what they mean for Kemi Badenoch as the party struggle to define its offer on the economy, triple lock and social care. Back in London, Chancellor - John Healey - meets Britain’s biggest banks ahead of the Budget, amid growing speculation over tax rises and a key intervention from a former chief of staff to Rachel Reeves. Plus, as the United States pull out their bombers from RAF Fairford, just how serious is the threat?

Is Andy Burnham an easier opponent for the Conservatives than Keir Starmer? At Tory conference in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch’s team sniff a chance to attack the Prime Minister – with a particular chance to seize and attack his economic argument. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy pore over Badenoch’s ‘The Right Way’ pamphlet and how she plans to take the fight to Reform in the north and the Liberal Democrats in the southeast. Elsewhere, Anne has been speaking Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary – Helen Whately – who has a couple of blunt messages for Andy Burnham. Plus, are the Conservatives truly over Robert Jencrick after his defection to Reform?

As Labour attempt to reshape the political debate, can the Conservatives seize back the headlines? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy are on the conference floor in Birmingham, asking whether Kemi Badenoch can carve out a distinct Tory agenda – or whether the party is still playing catch-up. From the pension triple lock to European Union membership, how can the Conservatives wrestle the narrative away from Andy Burnham? And does Kemi Badenoch have to become the Queen of Mean to do so?

Labour conference is over and the opposition parties are already on the attack – despite a ringing endorsement from Oasis’ Liam Gallagher. As the Conservatives head to Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch has branded the Prime Minister’s plans as “Corbynism with better packaging.” Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether the Tories are embracing a more aggressive style of politics – in stark contrast to Burnham’s call for a more consensual approach. Elsewhere, Europe is back at the centre of the debate, but what are they realistic options on the table? Plus, is the PM starting to wind up MPs outside mayoral regions with his targeted plans?

A lot has been said about the prime minister’s first speech as leader to the Labour party conference. But what didn’t Andy Burnham say? Have the public understood the new PM’s big policy offer? And why was there nothing substantial on welfare reform? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the headline polling on the Burnham speech – wondering if the public back his triple lock ‘adjustment’ to fix social care and whether the numbers add up. The duo also focus on why the prime minister has turned to reddit to get his message over – in a bid to beat the AI algorithm. Remember you can catch up on the latest de-brief edition of Andy Burnham’s speech here.

An hour-long emotional address promising to “break the mould” of British politics – but will Britain buy Andy Burnham’s vision? In a special de-brief episode from Liverpool, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the big pledges – from challenging the triple lock, creating a national care service to electoral reform and a new relationship with the EU. Has Burnham already set his sights on his political opponents – and begun the long campaign for the next general election? Have the targets for the opposition parties already been placed and has the PM already started his campaign for the next general election? With no personal mandate and little money to spend, can the PM use his political goodwill to take people with him?

It’s the new prime minister’s big day in Liverpool – but will he explain what Labour conference slogan “hope again” actually means? After a series of major speeches with little substance so far from his cabinet colleagues, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy wonder whether Andy Burnham is saving all the juicy details for himself. Could there be some policy surprises – with the pensions triple lock seemingly on the table? And with Reform inching back ahead in the latest polling, the duo ask who Labour views as its main opponent heading into the next election: Reform or the Conservatives? Plus, Sam has a scoop on the PM’s latest plans to bring back drinking at the footie. Remember, Politics at Sam and Anne’s will be back later with a special de-brief edition on the Burnham speech.

Labour conference enters day two under the shadow of a suspected terror plot at RAF Fairford and whether the Iranians were involved. As Donald Trump offers his account, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the conflicting version of events, the emerging security concerns around the Gloucestershire airbase and the political reaction. Meanwhile in Liverpool, the chancellor takes centre stage but why is he keeping a low profile? Sam and Anne discuss the building economic tensions between No10 and the Treasury on the approach to the economy, investment and fiscal rules. Plus, with John Healey’s headroom getting squeezed further, how much appetite is there within Labour for another big tax-raising budget?

A conference of pure vibes? Or is there some substance behind the Andy Burnham’s slogan of “hope”? And how will that go down with his party? As the Labour party conference kicks off in Liverpool, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy have a special Sunday look ahead to a critical week for Andy Burnham’s premiership... and they’ve got their hands on some of the Burnham merch that's already selling out. So can the PM use the political capital to his advantage, or will he risk a backlash further down the line on his plan to tackle social care reforms?

Is the Burnham bounce starting to show? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy dig into a mega poll – projecting Labour as the largest party at the next general election – but still 85 seats short of a Commons majority. What do these numbers mean for Andy Burnham, Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage? And how could a split on the right of British politics help Labour keep the keys to No10? Plus, has Tony Blair’s call to rejoin the EU made things awkward for Andy Burnham ahead of Labour conference in Liverpool?

Is Britain about to re-engage with the world in a more meaningful way than any time in the past decade? After a frantic 24 hours in New York, Andy Burnham declared to the UN: “Britain is back.” But what does that mean in practice? And after a rebuke over rhetoric on Russia from Donald Trump, is the new PM taking a different stance to Moscow from his predecessor? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy unpack the PM’s message on Ukraine, the US and the future of AI – and ask whether these themes will shape his first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister.

How on edge will Andy Burnham feel as he prepares to meet Donald Trump? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy assess the risks as the two met get together for the first time – where could the US President take umbrage? Also – why has Andy Burnham agreed to help Saudi Arabia with “defensive military support” against the Houthis? Sam’s been speaking to Liberal Democrat leader – Sir Ed Davey – as their conference wraps up in Brighton but why has AI, technology and social care become a major theme? And, why are Lib Dem candidates being told to ditch the suits for quarter zip tops?

Can the Liberal Democrats withstand the political turbulence around them? As delegates gather in Brighton for their party conference, Sam Coates gauges the pressure on Sir Ed Davey’s party as it faces a squeeze from the Greens and the Andy Burnham bounce. Elsewhere, the Prime Minister prepares to go to New York for the UN General Assembly, the duo look ahead to his first meeting with Donald Trump – can they find any common ground? Plus, Anne McElvoy - who's in Germany - reports on a disastrous set of regional elections for Friedrich Merz – but is he in a similar position to Keir Starmer post elections in May 2026?

What happens when the keys to No10 are handed back? Anne reports from a gathering of former Prime Minister’s - Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer - and reveals what life after power really looks like. Meanwhile, after some football diplomacy with Canadian PM – Mark Carney – could it offer a chance for Andy Burnham to unlock closer ties with the EU or has the reset hit another roadblock?

Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at how political communication has changed – from Keir Starmer’s government paying influencers to promote its message, to Andy Burnham putting himself front and centre of the social media operation. Sam has a scoop on how much it all costs. Elsewhere, former No10 chief of staff – Morgan McSweeney – has been speaking about his time in No10 and how he tried to launch a thinktank in Downing Street to develop policy. Plus, with energy bills forecasted to rocked up near £450 in January, how worried are the government and what can they do to help families?

As the TUC Congress continues in Brighton, some of Labour’s big beasts have been baring their teeth – with Angela Rayner using an after-dinner speech to land some blows on defence secretary Wes Streeting. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy reveal what was said and whether it was all taken in good fun.... Meanwhile, the economic picture looks bleak as John Healey prepares for his first budget. Sam has a scoop on how one economic forecast could make or break his spending plans. And Reform remains ‘100% confident’ two of the biggest donations in British political history were legal. But will that position shift as ministers face growing questions over how a proposed retrospective change in the law would work in practice?

Will a record breaking £72 million change the face of British politics? After receiving two of the biggest political donations in history - £36 million each from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harbone. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the political fallout - are the donations legal, will the government legislate to stop them and how does this vast sum of money influence British politics? Elsewhere at the TUC conference in Brighton, the unions are ramping up the pressure on the government to deliver more for workers. Plus, could former Prime Minister – Liz Truss – really be plotting a return to frontline politics?

Having spent the summer trying to ease the cost of living, is a new tourist tax about to hit domestic holiday makers in the pocket? The government is giving mayors additional powers to introduce a levy on hotel stays, with no cap on how much they can charge. With the tourism industry already angry, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the move and why the timing maybe a little uncomfortable for the government. Elsewhere, Sky News has uncovered more turmoil in Reform-run local councils. With the Metropolitan Police also widening their investigation into allegations of illegal foreign donations, how much trouble is Reform and leader Nigel Farage really in? Plus, the Assisted Dying Bill returns to parliament tomorrow – can it clear its first major hurdle for a second time? And Anne assesses the international fallout from the UK’s action over Israel. You can watch Cathy Newman’s full investigation into Durham's Reform-led Council here.

There’s fallout to the UK’s move to announce sanctions on illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israel is closing the UK’s consulate in Jerusalem and considering other measures. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy look at the reaction and wonder if the new PM should also be giving attention to other matters overseas. Elsewhere, Sam’s got a story about a big government growth initiative which, so far, hasn’t done much. And, is the bleak economic picture making John Healey’s budget harder by the day?

Britain is about to take its toughest stance yet against Israel – but will it make a difference, or will it leave the UK isolated on the international stage? Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband will unveil a package of sanctions targeting Israeli settlements in the West Bank, putting Britain at the forefront of the G7’s effort to pressure Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the move means in practice - and why the government has chosen to act now. But with tensions rising, will the move impact the UK’s relationship with the United States and Israel? Plus, after a turbulent conference, have Reform UK seen a bounce in the polls and could it give an early indication for the direction of travel for the Holborn and St Pancras by-election?

Can the chancellor deliver growth without breaking his own self-imposed fiscal rules? John Healey will set out his vision for the economy this morning, but with pressure mounting on the public finances, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy ask whether he is preparing to flex the rules to make it happen. Amidst an increasingly turbulent economic backdrop, the duo examine the warning lights beginning to flash – from the rising cost of borrowing to the instability of mortgage rates – and what it could mean for households and the government’s room for manoeuvre Plus, as the AfD romp to victory in the German state election, Anne gives her take on where it all goes next.

A launchpad for power – or a warning of problems to come for Reform UK? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy debrief Reform UK’s biggest ever party conference and ask if the past few days have marked a turning point in Nigel Farage’s political career. The duo examine the fallout from the Channel 4 investigation involving two of Farage’s closest aides - and whether it raises fresh questions about the party’s readiness for power. Behind the headlines, Sam and Anne also discuss the increasingly visible battle between Robert Jenrick and Zia Yusuf for the soul of Reform. Has Reform already peaked in its quest for power – or is Nigel Farage still on course to occupy No10? Reform’s Robert Jenrick spoke to Sky News about the Channel 4 claims on Saturday.

As Reform UK kick off conference season in Birmingham, Nigel Farage appears to have some work to do. The party has gone from dominating the political conversation to facing a fall in polling numbers, mounting scandals and fresh questions over Farage’s leadership. Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview a crucial three days for Reform, with major announcements expected on migration and the economy – while a French connection could be significant. Elsewhere, the Conservatives are ramping up the pressure on Andy Burnham over defence spending, unveiling their own plan on how they would cut welfare to fund more money for the military. Plus, ahead of Sunday’s state elections in Germany, Anne reports from the campaign trail on the rise of the far-right AfD party and her dramatic encounter at a rally in Lützen. Sam and Anne will return on Sunday afternoon for a special de-brief episode to reflect on the Reform party conference.

As Andy Burnham prepares for his first Prime Minister’s Questions, he faces a gathering economic storm. With markets driving up government borrowing costs and the prospect of another interest rate rise, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine what the turmoil could mean for mortgage holders, public spending and the government plans going forward. Could the chancellor be left with almost no room for manoeuvre ahead of October’s budget? The duo also look ahead to the looming Holborn and St Pancras by-election and whether the Green Party leader – Zac Polanski – will consider standing? Plus, as Emmanuel Macron arrives in Britain, why are the French taking such a keen interest in the new PM.

Parliament is back and the honeymoon is over - Andy Burnham now faces his first major test as Prime Minister. The PM will make his Commons debut as he promises to “bring back hope” and make life more affordable. But with pressure on public finances can he deliver on his promises to cut energy bills, cap bus fares and slash business rates? Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy examine the gap between Burnham’s ambitious promises and the tough reality facing the government. And the duo look at how Kemi Badenoch plans to puncture the Burnham bounce with her shadow cabinet reshuffle.

After a summer of setting out his stall, Andy Burnham now faces the hard task: turning ambition into action. In the last of the summer boxset, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy take a deep dive into five big challenges facing the government in the coming months. From defining the 10-year plan to unresolved pressure at home and abroad, the duo give their take and analysis for a critical parliamentary term ahead. With party conferences and a key budget on the horizon, can Burnham's government deliver on the change it has promised?

Is Britain ready for war? In the third instalment of Sam and Anne’s Summer Boxset, they’re joined by Sky’s Defence and Security Analyst Professor Michael Clarke to ask: can Burnham’s government keep Britain safe? From Ukraine to the Middle East, the trio examine the challenge facing Defence Secretary Wes Streeting and ask can the government afford what it wants to do on defence? They also ask whether Burnham will approach Trump differently to Starmer and what the possible blowback from providing Ukraine with weapons to strike Russia could be.

Artificial intelligence could transform the economy, the workplace, and even the way we think - but is Britain ready for it? And is Andy Burnham? In the second of Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy's summer box set conversations, they sit down with POLITICO UK tech editor Isobel Asher Hamilton to look at the choices facing the new prime minister this autumn. Should Britain be building the next OpenAI, or focusing on using AI to revive manufacturing? Can the UK compete with the US and China? And where will the government land on the biggest political battles ahead, from copyright and data centres to the future of work? Listen to the full episode of Jimmy’s Job’s of the Future podcast with Andy Burnham here.

Andy Burnham has promised to transform Britain, but can he afford it? This autumn, Chancellor John Healey will deliver the new government's first Budget, so what might it include? In the first episode of Sam and Anne's summer box set, they sit down with Sky News' economics editor Ed Conway to look at the spending choices facing the new prime minister. How will the government tackle the cost of living? What do the bond markets make of Mr Burnham? And how much control does any chancellor really have when conflict in the Middle East and global events are shaping so much of Britain's economy? Try Ed Conway's Stuff Matters podcast here

Andy Burnham has thrown the future of assisted dying into doubt. After telling Sam Coates that he does not want legislation to proceed until social care and palliative care are "fixed", supporters of the bill insist they are pressing ahead. But has the Prime Minister's intervention made its passage through Parliament far less likely? Sam and Anne examine what Burnham's comments mean for MPs ahead of the crucial September vote. Plus, new polling from POLITICO shows again the ‘Burnham bounce’ as his approval rating goes up in every demographic, except one – Reform voters. What will this mean in the long term? And, before Sam and Anne take some time off over summer, what do they make of Burnham’s first two weeks?

Anne shares what she's been hearing about the new top team at the Foreign Office and Ed Miliband reveals what his grandfather would have said about his new job. Meanwhile, can Andy Burnham really fix Britain's social care system? That's the big question as the new Prime Minister hosts cross-party talks on one of the country's biggest challenges. There's just one problem: the invitations only went out on Tuesday, and neither Kemi Badenoch nor Ed Davey will be in the room. The Conservative leader is sending the shadow health secretary in her place, while Davey will join by Zoom. Nigel Farage and the Green Party's Zack Polanski weren't invited. Sam and Anne dig into what, if anything, today's meeting could achieve.