Politics At Sam and Anne's

Keir’s succession: The field widens

In a special recess week edition of Politics at Sam and Anne, the pair look at who could replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister.Anne – who's in Munich – tells Sam how the Europeans view the Starmer government and if his vision of closer ties with Europe aligns with his EU counterparts.Back home, is the Peter Mandelson affair ramping up with a possible police interview under caution within the next 14 days?Plus, Nigel Farage will announce part of Reform UK’s shadow cabinet next week, but who will make the cut?

Revealed: Starmer’s three near-death moments

As the parliamentary recess approaches, questions are still being asked about the PM’s judgement – but will the break give him a chance for yet another reset?After a further week of jeopardy for the Starmer premiership, Sam has the inside view from Downing Street following several senior departures from No10.The pair also consider just how close the Prime Minister was to standing down – and what price might he have to pay for the support of cabinet colleagues as well as his former deputy, Angela Rayner.Plus, a bombshell Sky News interview with Sir Jim Ratcliffe - where he claimed Britain had been “colonised by immigrants” - has led to criticism and condemnation from across the political divide.

What did Starmer promise to buy loyalty?

Like MPs, Sam and Anne are staggering through until recess. It’s only Wednesday but they have the latest on Labour psychodramas.Today – who was it calling Anas Sarwar before his presser on Monday? The new suggestion is that it was Angela Rayner.But lots of eyes are still on Wes Streeting, who continues to deny that he isn’t backing Keir Starmer.Elsewhere, Labour suspend Keir Starmer’s former chief of communications – Matthew Doyle – over alleged links to a convicted sex offender.Plus, is the civil service about to get its first female leader?

Has Streeting painted a target on his back?

After a helter-skelter 24 hours - with calls for the PM to quit and another senior resignation from the heart of No10 – has Keir Starmer done enough to convince his party he is the man for the future, or has he simply just bought time?Sam and Anne reflect on a tumultuous day in Westminster and look ahead to challenges facing the Prime Minister in the coming weeks and months.Away from the psychodrama, the duo consider where this leaves Wes Streeting after he voluntarily shared his messages and WhatsApp’s with Peter Mandelson – it could lead to a spicy cabinet meeting.Elsewhere, could Unite the Union disaffiliate themselves with the Labour party over concerns that they are not delivering for workers or industries?Plus, Sam shines the light on the challenges around special educational needs provision.

Can Starmer live without Morgan McSweeney?

The Prime Minister starts the week without his right-hand man – Morgan McSweeney – following his resignation over the appointment of Peter Mandelson but, has that secured Keir Starmer’s survival?Sam and Anne mop up the reaction from Labour circles and break down a crucial 24 hours for the PM as he faces the markets. Will his own MPs restore confidence in his premiership after he addresses the Parliamentary Labour party?The duo also consider the psychodrama and positions of the Prime Minister’s potential challengers and whether any of them are in a more positive position as the new week starts.