Bonus episode: Burnham's long path to power

Ex-SNP chief’s embezzlement scandal and the shady role of money in politics

A Dyson floor lamp, a £4,000 fountain pen, boxsets of Scandi noir TV dramas. These are just a handful of the items that former SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell purchased with the £400k he embezzled from the party over the course of a decade. The full list is even longer. Murrell has been remanded in custody and likely faces lengthy prison time.  Ever since the eruption of the 2009 MPs’ expenses scandal, there’s been a dark cloud of mistrust over politicians. Yet some politicians still play fast and loose with public trust, morality and transparency.  Today, we discuss the shady world of money in politics. We'll also debate whether MPs ought to have a pay rise - and you might be surprised about the outcome. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.