Coffee House Shots

Today, Rishi Sunak faced another round of questioning over the two ongoing Tory sleaze scandals. What is it about these stories that infuriate voters, and can the Prime Minister close the chapter on them as he promised to do? Max Jeffery talks to Katy Balls and pollster James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners.Produced by Max Jeffery and Cindy Yu.

This morning government minister Chris Philp gave a less than convincing defence of former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi as the row over his tax affairs continue to cast a cloud over Rishi Sunak’s government. Does he have to go?Also on the podcast, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy will lay out Labour's foreign policy plans today at Chatham House. What can we expect?Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. 

Having just recovered from his own seatbelt fine saga, Rishi Sunak spent the weekend fighting two more Tory sleaze scandals. First over the ongoing investigation into Nadhim Zahawi's taxes and the second linked to the BBC chairman Richard Sharp's £800,000 loan guarantee. Both stories link back to Boris Johnson's time as Prime Minister, but how much damage could this do to Rishi Sunak?Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. 

Isabel Hardman brings you the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Guests featured today include James Cleverly, Nicola Sturgeon and Rachel Reeves. 

Kate Andrews talks to Fraser Nelson and the New Zealand based journalist and author Andrea Vance about the surprise announcement from Jacinda Ardern that she will be leaving the world stage next month.

Rishi Sunak may be facing a fine from the police for not wearing a seatbelt in the backseat of a car on his tour around the country yesterday. Is this all a storm in a teacup or is there a legitimate point to the row? Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson debate on the podcast, hosted by Katy Balls.Produced by Cindy Yu.

Rishi Sunak faces the fury of Red Wall MPs and other Tories today as he announced the distribution of the second round of the government's levelling up fund. Of all the regions receiving money, the southeast will in fact receive the most (£210 million), while the government would rather point to the fact that, on a per capita basis, the North and Wales benefit more. Cindy Yu discusses with Katy Balls and James Heale.Produced by Cindy Yu.

In today's Prime Minister's Questions, Rishi Sunak went heavy on accusations that Keir Starmer cannot be trusted, having flip-flopped on various policy positions throughout his time in politics – 'he is not just for the free movement of people; he also has the free movement of principles'. On the podcast, Katy Balls discusses with Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman whether that's such a bad thing.Produced by Cindy Yu.

Westminster and Holyrood are going head to head on Scotland's newly passed Gender Recognition Bill. Last night, the UK government blocked the legislation from Edinburgh, citing that the powers it gives – requiring those identifying as a different gender to only live in that gender for three months, and reducing the age of self-identification to 16 – would contravene the UK's Equality Act. In the end, it may be the courts that decide. Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.Produced by Cindy Yu.

It's looking like a busy week in Westminster. So busy in fact that prime minister Rishi Sunak will not be attending the annual Davos meeting, organised by the World Economic Forum. His opposite number Kier Starmer will be making the trip however, is this a shrewd move from Labour? Also on the podcast, amended plans to widen police powers when it comes to public protests are being introduced to parliament today, what impact will the Public Order Bill have on civil liberties? Will the government come to regret this? Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and Kate Andrews. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with interviews from Sir Keir Starmer, Mark Harper, and John Bercow.  

Boris Johnson's potential comeback has been dominating headlines for several months now. As Rishi struggles to unite the party, Katy Balls, Fraser Nelson and James Heale discuss whether the prime minister should be worried. 

Rishi Sunak is in Scotland meeting with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and said today that he is concerned about new gender laws in Scotland which would allow 16-year-olds to apply for a gender recognition certificate to change their gender. But with Sunak trying to improve relations with Holyrood, should he send Kemi Badenoch, the minister for women and equalities, to fight the fight for him? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.

Welfare reform is back on the agenda. Today there have been reports of how the Tories plan to reform welfare benefits in this country. What is Mel Stride thinking?Also on the podcast, Rishi Sunak will this evening travel to meet with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. What will they be discussing? Why is it that our prime ministers treat trips north of the border like foreign visits?Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. 

Rishi Sunak has finally answered questions over his healthcare arrangements with a statement in Prime Minister's Questions, stating that he is currently registered with an NHS GP but has used private healthcare in the past. Is this change in tack an admission that he should have answered the question sooner? Katy Balls talks to Isabel Hardman.Produced by Cindy Yu.

Business Secretary, Grant Shapps has introduced a bill proposing a minimum level of public sector work during strike action for six key industries. Labour's Angela Rayner told the Commons these plans are 'insulting and utterly stupid'. As a policy that Tories largely agree on, could this bill bring the party together? Also on the podcast, Isabel Hardman reacts to Ken Clarke's suggestion that the middle class should pay fees to use the NHS, and why has former minister Claire Perry O'Neill torn up her Conservative party membership? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.  Produced by Natasha Feroze. 

In an interview on Sunday, Rishi Sunak refused to tell Laura Kuenssberg whether he has a private GP. Could this question come back to haunt him amid accusations he is 'out of touch'? As Parliament returns from recess, ministers are holding talks with unions to avoid further public sector strikes. However, with strike action still set to go ahead, the expectation of these talks by union bosses may not coincide with reality. Is the government fighting a losing battle? Also on the podcast, could a Boris Johnson comeback be on the cards? Isabel Hardman speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.   Produced by Natasha Feroze.

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with Rishi Sunak, Sir Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting. 

Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Heale about the former Prime Minister's lunch with her loyalists at Ma La Sichuan, and whether her ideas might be mounting a comeback.  

Prince Harry describes losing his virginity, taking drugs, and scrapping with his brother in his upcoming book, Spare. Will Buckingham Palace have anything to say about it? And junior doctors are threatening to stage a walkout for three days in March. Can the government stop them?James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman.