Join the Whitehall Sources podcast as we dive deep into Westminster politics. This week, Calum, Kirsty, and Jo, with a special guest appearance from James Nation, ex-Special Advisor to Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

We discuss:

The shocking mistaken release of a migrant sex offender and the fallout at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).

David Lammy’s handling of the situation and the questions it raises about accountability in government.

Behind-the-scenes insights from PMQs, including the “Rolls Royce” briefing operation and what might have gone wrong this week.

Labour’s budget strategy, Rachel Reeves’ tax plans, manifesto pledges, and the political impact of potential income tax rises.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), Treasury decision-making, and what ministers can and cannot do to influence forecasts.

Unpacking the challenges of fuel duty, public spending, and the UK’s fiscal outlook ahead of the next budget.

Whether you’re a political junkie, policy nerd, or just want insider analysis on Westminster chaos and the upcoming budget, this episode breaks down the biggest political stories of the week.

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This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 special adviser), and political strategist Jo Tanner dissect an explosive week in Westminster — from the Home Office’s “not fit for purpose” report to Keir Starmer’s looming tax U-turn.

👉 Part 1: The Home Office is back in crisis — migrant release blunders, asylum chaos, and Labour’s struggle to get control of small boats.

👉 Part 2: Labour’s credibility crisis — has Keir Starmer already broken his biggest promise not to raise income tax? Kirsty calls it “political suicide.”

🎧 Expect sharp analysis, insider detail, and genuine frustration at a government struggling to deliver.

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This week on Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner unpack the political crisis surrounding the Grooming Gangs Inquiry — after victims resigned and its chair Jim Gamble stepped down. With Jess Phillips under pressure and Baroness Louise Casey drafted in, can the government restore trust?

Then: the rise of the Green Party. New leader Zack Polanski has lifted the Greens to record polling numbers. Pollster Luke Tryl from More in Common explains the data — and Green councillor Hannah Spencer joins to describe how the party is winning over disillusioned voters.

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In this week’s Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald and Kirsty Buchanan are joined by Lord Walney (John Woodcock) — former extremism adviser to the government — for a deep dive into two major stories shaking Westminster.

👉 First, the China spying scandal: Why did the case against alleged spies collapse? Did the government withhold key evidence? And is the UK’s economic relationship with China compromising national security?

👉 Then, a wide-ranging discussion on political extremism, protests, and the rise of populism. Lord Walney explains why Britain feels more divided than ever, what’s wrong with current protest laws, and whether politicians are fuelling dangerous rhetoric.

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🎙️ Whitehall Sources takes you inside Westminster for an unfiltered debrief on the Conservative Party Conference 2025 — and asks: Can Kemi Badenoch save the Tories from collapse?

Calum Macdonald plus Kirsty Buchanan, former adviser to Theresa May, and Jo Tanner, political strategist, unpack:

• Kemi Badenoch’s leadership test after the Manchester conference
• Her new economic pitch — scrapping stamp duty and business rates
• Whether the Tories’ “sound money” strategy can outflank Labour or Reform UK
• Why the Conservatives risk alienating One Nation voters
• The age gap and energy on the conference floor — are the young Tories back?

🗳️ Plus: How both Labour and the Conservatives are trying to solve their Nigel Farage problem, and what this all means for next year’s local elections.

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Sir Keir Starmer leaves Labour’s party conference in Liverpool with a bold new strategy: frame the fight as Labour vs Reform UK. But is calling Nigel Farage’s immigration policies “racist” a huge political risk?

On this episode of Whitehall Sources, Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan (former No.10 adviser to Theresa May) and Jo Tanner (political strategist) break down:

• What really happened at Labour conference – and why the media narrative may differ from the inside story.
• The launch of Senedd Sources – completing the “Sources family” across Westminster, Holyrood, Stormont and now the Welsh Senedd.
• Why Wales could deliver the biggest shock of the May 2026 elections if Labour loses power for the first time.
• Starmer’s strategy against Reform UK and Nigel Farage – smart politics or a dangerous gamble?
• Reform UK’s rapid pushback, claiming Labour’s rhetoric endangers Farage’s security.
• How this all shapes up for Labour ahead of the looming Budget and next year’s elections.

👉 Subscribe to the Sources network: Whitehall, Holyrood, Stormont & Senedd Sources – taking you inside politics across the UK.

In association with Electrify Britain.

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The latest Whitehall Sources episode is packed with political drama. 🚨

👉 Keir Starmer’s government drops a bombshell: Digital ID cards could soon be mandatory to work in the UK. Is this about immigration, security—or just a desperate attempt to change the headlines?

👉 A mega poll (MRP) of 10,000 voters puts Reform UK on the brink of a parliamentary majority—yes, you read that right. Could Labour really be swept away just months after their landslide?

👉 Meanwhile, Andy Burnham stirs the pot ahead of Labour conference with provocative interviews and speculation about a leadership challenge. Is he positioning himself as the next Labour leader?

Calum Macdonald, Kirsty Buchanan, and Jo Tanner break down the biggest stories shaking Westminster. From the cybersecurity nightmare that could derail digital ID, to the battle for Labour’s soul, to the rise of Reform UK—this episode has it all.

📲 Get involved: WhatsApp us on 0333 404 6507 (start your message with “Whitehall”).

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Donald Trump’s UK state visit dominates Westminster this week — and the Whitehall Sources team take you inside the drama.

🎙️ Calum Macdonaldm, former No.10 adviser Kirsty Buchanan and political strategist Jo Tanner break down:

• The pageantry of Windsor Castle and how the royals played a key role in shaping Trump’s mood.
• Trump’s joint press conference with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers — including clashes over immigration, Ukraine, Gaza and free speech.
• Why Trump’s suggestion that the UK military should tackle illegal migration caused such controversy.
• The “Epstein question” — and how aides on both sides likely pre-planned the response.
• Whether holding this state visit so early in Trump’s second term was a risk for the UK.

Plus: chaos on the British left. Jeremy Corbyn and Zara Sultana’s attempt to launch a new party has descended into a public bust-up, with accusations of sexism, unauthorised membership drives, and comparisons to The Life of Brian. What does this tell us about the prospects for a genuine left-wing alternative to Labour?

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