James O'Brien Daily

Today, James tackles the political bombshell shaking Labour: MP Josh Simons has resigned, clearing a path for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster - and potentially mount a future leadership challenge.
Is this a smart political move, blatant career choreography, or exactly what Labour needs right now? And if you’re from Manchester, why does Burnham remain so popular? From the Bee Network to his “King of the North” reputation, James asks what’s behind Burnham’s rising appeal and and whether that popularity could translate nationwide.
This episode was recorded on the 15th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Has Keir Starmer developed a credibility problem with the public? As frustration grows across the country and speculation intensifies over divisions inside Labour, is there actually a real appetite for a leadership challenge right now? And if change did happen, would any alternative genuinely connect better with voters, or risk making things worse?
Plus, the rumours and rising political pressure surrounding Wes Streeting, and the bigger question hanging over the party: would a new leader steady the ship, or plunge Labour into even deeper uncertainty at exactly the wrong time?
This episode was recorded on the 14th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Keir Starmer came into office promising a clean break. An end to the chaos, the incompetence, and the slow decay that’s defined British politics since 2016. But the sense of political rot hasn’t gone away. Public trust is still shattered, institutions are fragile, and voters across the spectrum are more cynical than ever. So what went wrong? Why hasn’t Starmer managed to turn things and now as he faces a leadership challenge, is it too late?
And, the King’s Speech today set out the roadmap for the country ahead - housing, immigration, energy, policing, and economic reform all on the table. But is this a serious plan for renewal, or just a familiar list of promises in a system already under strain?
This episode was recorded on the 13th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

The tide appears to have turned on Kier Starmer with reports that 81 Labour MPs want him to stand down. But Starmer says he won't go down without a leadership challenge. So, what’s actually gone wrong? And if Labour did move on from him, who could realistically step up and change the party’s direction?
Plus, Zack Polanski admits he made a mistake after failing to pay council tax, adding to a difficult few weeks for the Greens. As the party gains more attention ahead of the general election, so does the scrutiny.
This episode was recorded on the 12th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Keir Starmer is under pressure after Labour’s bruising losses last week.
In an impassioned defence of his leadership, Starmer insisted he is “not going anywhere,” warning Labour MPs that changing leader wouldn’t solve the party’s problems. He also laid out priorities including closer ties with Europe, taking control of British Steel in the national interest, and renewed support for working people and young families.
But with questions growing over leadership, is Starmer safe in his role? And can his message still rebuild trust before the next big political test?
This episode was recorded on the 11th of May. James O'Brien Daily is a Global production, available every week day on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.