EMQs: The reality of reshuffles

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard is our first questioner on this week’s EMQs, asking whether other MPs will follow in Andy Burnham’s footsteps and leave Westminster to become mayors. Ed Balls and George Osborne speak about the career opportunities that could come with these positions and how they can uniquely prepare you for No. 10 more than any cabinet role can.

A civil servant then enquires why Burnham’s reshuffle took so long, and what MPs are thinking during the tense hours that follow one. Ed recounts his own anxiety when first entering government, while George explains the complications in moving ministers who are not keen for new jobs and how governments stop the house of cards from toppling.

They also give advice on how to pick the right college at Oxford, recalling their own time at school. The pair then reflect on the behind the scenes debates that led to the vote for equal marriage in 2013, with George venting long held frustrations at some MPs for their opposition...

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Credits:

Research: Sam Burton

Producer: Caillin McDaid

Video Editor: Sam Gruet

Executive Producer: Henrietta Harrison

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