Politics At Sam and Anne's

Andy Burnham says Britain needs a “circuit breaker for politics” as he plots his return to Westminster. But with Labour sources putting his chances of success in the Makerfield by-election at less than 50:50, will his plan to stand for PM unravel before it’s begun?
Sam and Anne unpack the political chaos consuming Labour, including the growing speculation about Sir Keir Starmer’s exit timetable, and Wes Streeting reigniting the row over rejoining the EU.
Will voters see Burnham as Labour’s saviour or a man who pushes the party deeper into crisis? And does the reopening of the Brexit wars play into Reform UK’s hands?

Is the Labour leadership contest about to get messy and plunge the party into chaos?
Sam and Anne start the day expecting Wes Streeting to resign as Health Secretary to spark a contest, but an early intervention may have swung the momentum.
Angela Rayner has come out saying a HMRC investigation into her tax affairs is over, paving a way for a challenge but will she join the contest? Can Andy Burnham find a way to enter the fray?
So, as the Prime Minister vows to fight any competitor the leadership discussions are heating up.
The duo analyse the developing situation and ask whether it will be straight forward or complex showdown with the PM.

Will it be a ‘showdown’ when Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting meet today? Or does the King’s Speech calm Labour’s passions for 24 hours?
Sam Coates and McElvoy wonder if any Labour leadership has got a bit stuck after a dramatic day of resignations. Because if Streeting doesn’t have the numbers and Andy Burnham doesn't even have a Commons seat – what can anyone do?
Plus, amongst the pomp and pageantry the duo look at the substance of the King’s Speech – what bills are the ones to look out for?

Will today’s cabinet showdown push Keir Starmer to make a final decision on his future?
And will that mean Wes Streeting starts a leadership campaign?
Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy go over the dynamics of the cabinet meeting and who of the 32 is thinking what – with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood the most blunt so far about the PM needing to go.
They also go over what they’re hearing from those who want any contest to be quick – and from those who want a longer game, with Andy Burnham involved.

A speech which could define the Keir Starmer premiership – but can he reset or will it be another underwhelming relaunch?
With Labour MPs on edge, leadership contenders circling and worries over what stalking horse – Catherine West – will do next, Sam and Anne look at how quickly it all could spiral out of control if the PM fails to land his message.
But could a quick contest potentially backfire on some of the rivals hoping to storm Number 10? The duo discuss why a delay in any leadership election might end up suiting the likes of Andy Burnham.
Plus, away from the Starmer drama, is Nigel Farage about to face an investigation from the parliamentary watchdog over Christopher Harbone’s £5 million donation?