The answer to this question is hugely significant. Look back and mid-term Prime Ministers fall out badly with their chosen Chancellor - too often Labour Prime Ministers seek to reassure the media and the markets with their choice, only for both to turn on the Chancellor that is supposed to bring ‘stability’.

To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com

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Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free.

Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.

An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.

Written and presented by Steve Richards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I revisit an interview I did with Andy Burnham before the general election, when there was no leadership speculation as Keir Starmer was so obviously heading for victory.

We explore where power lies, where power should lie, where he feels he has always stood on the political spectrum, why this is a different landscape to 1997 and much more. It gives a sense of what his priorities are likely to be as he heads towards Number 10.

To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com

• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20

Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free.

Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.

An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.

Written and presented by Steve Richards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election by a triumphant margin. What does that mean for the government, and for Reform?

To join in the never-ending debate in the Rock & Roll Politics co-operative, email steveric14@icloud.com

• Special offer! Get 20% off any vehicle history check at carVertical.com/steve20

Subscribe to Patreon here for exclusive extra content and bonus episodes, plus the regular podcast a day early and ad-free.

Dates for the diary: Rock & Roll Politics is live at the Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham on July 1st. Tickets on the Ropetackle website.

An extra Rock & Roll Politics Special is live at Kings Place in London on Monday July 13th - get your tickets here.

Written and presented by Steve Richards.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.