The News Agents

It would be an exaggeration to say the vultures are already circling the wagon - but there are already conversations taking place about Keir Starmer's future. Bloomberg and Sky have both reported that sources in Labour are already contemplating the prospect of a move against the PM next May after the local elections. Absolutely crucial to those results will be Wales. Labour has never been out of power since devolution in Wales - more than a quarter of a century ago. But if polling is to be believed, that could. all be about to change. Reform and Plaid Cymru, the Welsh independents, both appear to be edging ahead of Labour. And if that happens it could be a huge problem - both an existential challenge for Welsh Labour, and possibly for the PM himself. The stakes couldn't be much higher. And with that in mind, Lewis sat down with Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales. In a wide-ranging interview, she talks frankly about her relationship with Keir Starmer, where she thinks Labour needs to move to stop the haemorrhaging of support, and gives one of the most frank assessments yet of Israel's actions in Gaza from a senior Labour figure. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/ [https://www.hsbc.co.uk/]

More bonus content from our new-look weekend edition! The British & Irish Lions are soon to face Australia in the big three Tests, after wrapping up their warm-up games. So Gabby caught up with former Lions & England flanker, James Haskell to talk about Henry Pollock, where the team need to improve, what it's like to get a late call up like Owen Farrell and almost killing Rory Best on Tour. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault support is available. You can contact The Survivors Trust on 0808 801 0818 or online for confidential help. You can watch our full episodes on YouTube here [https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod]! Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides Producer: Sophie Penney Video Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Calum Scotland Guest Booker: Kirsty Giddings Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents". The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here! [https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents]

Gregg Wallace’s friends have been telling newspapers that his "autistic hypersensitivity" meant that he had an “oddity of filters and boundaries", including an inability to wear underwear or any tight clothing. Gregg himself has complained that the BBC neglected its duty of care to him and his recently diagnosed autism. Fifty more people have come forward this week to complain to the BBC about his alleged over-sexualised behaviour on Masterchef. Does Gregg Wallace believe he’s the real victim here? Why is he selling wellness consultation? And why did those around him who saw what he was doing not stop him? Later, is Iran a threat to Britain on UK soil? How should the government respond to Iran - as diplomatic state or terrorist organisation? The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/ [https://www.hsbc.co.uk/]

Last night on X, Elon Musk's AI chatbot - Grok - started imitating Hitler in its responses to user questions. Was this intentional? Did Musk really command his AI tool to spew out anti-semitic takes? And will this lead to any sort of regulation over AI? Later, we discuss the upcoming doctors strike. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned resident doctors the public "won't forgive" them, and despite a pay rise of 29% over the last three years they will still walk out at the end of the month. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/ [https://www.hsbc.co.uk/]

The government has studiously avoided ruling out a wealth tax this week. Minister after minister has refused to knock down the suggestion, despite the Chancellor having dismissed the idea as recently as April. So what's changed? Could a levy on wealthy individuals be on the cards for October's budget? Would it even raise any money - or is Rachel Reeves in danger of scaring wealth creators out of Britain? We speak to the incoming director of the IFS, Helen Miller. And later, why the failure to produce an 'Epstein client list' is sending MAGA crazy - and why bad bosses who try and gag their employees are due a reckoning. The News Agents is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/ [https://www.hsbc.co.uk/]