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In The Room

Podcast by The Independent / Next Chapter Studios

English

News & politics

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About In The Room

Two former Westminster insiders reveal how politics and power really work. Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at No 10? Or who’s the first person on the phone when a Prime Minister lands themselves in hot water? Each week former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former political advisor to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, dissect the week’s biggest news, revealing how decisions get made, why they go wrong, and what should happen next. In The Room is straight-talking, insider analysis with a dose of humour, every Friday.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All episodes

18 episodes

episode Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest artwork

Burnham or Brexit 2.0: Inside the leadership contest latest

With the writing seemingly on the wall for Keir Starmer, two contenders have already thrown their names into the ring for his job. Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an appeal to heartland Labour voters, suggesting he might be vying to initiate a "Brexit 2.0." Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the "King of the North," has made it clear that if he wins the Makerfield by-election, he wants in at No.10. But do either of them have what it takes? This week, Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson discuss the two frontrunners for Westminster’s most coveted job, how Wes might have messed up his chances already, and whether Burnham can bring some of his Manchester magic down south. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here [https://instagram.com/intheroom.pod]. This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose Producer: Sam Durham ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

20 May 2026 - 40 min
episode Bonus episode: Burnham's long path to power artwork

Bonus episode: Burnham's long path to power

It’s hotting up in the bid to become Labour leader. Angela Rayner’s tax affairs are cleared up, Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary and Andy Burnham has found a route back to Westminster. But Keir Starmer is resolutely staying put – for now. Today, we analyse who really has the numbers, what the public thinks of all this and assess Andy Burnham’s chances of winning in Makerfield. Plus, Cleo gives her insider analysis on what it really takes to launch a leadership bid. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here [https://instagram.com/intheroom.pod]. This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose Producer: Sam Durham ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

15 May 2026 - 28 min
episode Streeting, Burnham, Rayner: Coming for Starmer's job? artwork

Streeting, Burnham, Rayner: Coming for Starmer's job?

Keir Starmer is still clinging to power. But when this morning’s 9:30am cabinet meeting began, that outcome looked far from certain. More than 81 MPs have now called for him to step down - the number required to trigger a leadership contest - but only if they unite behind a single challenger. For now, they remain split. And, in characteristically procedural style, Starmer has managed to buy himself another day. Today, we analyse the political manoeuvring of a thrilling few days in Westminster and give our advice to the runners and riders lining up to replace the Labour leader. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here [https://instagram.com/intheroom.pod]. This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose Producer: Sam Durham ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

12 May 2026 - 42 min
episode Local elections: Reform's big day out spells more trouble for Starmer artwork

Local elections: Reform's big day out spells more trouble for Starmer

Labour is losing votes to the Greens and seats to Reform. Across England, Scotland and Wales, the electoral map is shifting in ways not seen for years. The foundations of the two-party system are looking more fragile than ever. In this bonus episode, we ask: are voters sending a message Westminster still isn’t hearing? What does history suggest about Starmer’s chances of staying in power? And what do Labour’s losses to both the Greens and Reform reveal about the future of British politics? Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here [https://instagram.com/intheroom.pod]. This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose Producer: Sam Durham ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

8 May 2026 - 28 min
episode Local elections: Green vs Reform heats up as Starmer comes out swinging artwork

Local elections: Green vs Reform heats up as Starmer comes out swinging

Local elections are often a stick used to beat the government with. That’s never been truer than in this Thursday’s contests. Across the country, voters are expected to desert Labour, exposing the real dividing lines in British politics that have been emerging since before the 2024 general election. In this week’s episode, we reveal whether Labour can survive a two-front battle against Reform and the Greens, what happens when unvetted fringe candidates win seats, and whether projected election disasters will ultimately topple Keir Starmer's leadership. Find the best clips from the podcast and more from Helen and Cleo on the show's Instagram page here [https://instagram.com/intheroom.pod]. This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast Network and is produced in association with Next Chapter Studios Executive Producers: Olivia Foster and Carrie Rose Producer: Sam Durham ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

6 May 2026 - 35 min
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