Will Andy Burnham’s radical reshuffle work? | Political Currency

Can Andy Burnham really do politics differently? Or is his first week setting him up to be more of the same?

As Andy Burnham’s premiership begins, Ed Balls and George Osborne dive deep into his packed first week in office. He has set out bold policy pledges and ousted Starmer loyalists in a massive cabinet reshuffle, but is he being too ambitious out of the gate?

The big surprise of Burnham’s cabinet is also the biggest role: chancellor John Healey. Why did he go for the ex-defence secretary rather than presumed frontrunners Ed Miliband or Shabana Mahmood? Ed and George recall their own memories of Healey to assess his credentials and what kind of Chancellor he will become. They also speculate whether these initial announcements could lay the groundwork for an Autumn election…

Finally, despite the best efforts of the new PM and chancellor, global conflicts will determine what they can do. Can Burnham navigate war in Iran, Ukraine, and the Trump administration, all while making a first impression on the world stage? And is appointing Ed Miliband a canny move, or will it just spark new conflict with the Trump White House?

???? LISTEN to Political Currency now, wherever you get your podcasts!
On the Political Currency podcast, Ed Balls and George Osborne take us behind closed doors into the rooms where decisions are made. Having battled it out across the despatch box, the former Chancellor and shadow chancellor now meet in the studio to discuss the decisions that affect the nation’s pockets.

Our frenemies have the knowledge and experience to explain how good politics follows the economics, and expose how the powerful become powerless when faced with market forces and political currents they can’t control. New episodes available every Thursday. Our bonus EMQs - questions episode - drops on Mondays. Find Political Currency wherever you get your podcasts

Political Currency is the award-winning podcast where former political rivals Ed Balls and George Osborne draw on their experience at the heart of government to explain the politics, economics and personalities shaping Britain and the world today.

New episodes every Thursday. Bonus Ex Ministers' Questions (EMQs) every Monday.

Got a question for Ed and George?
Send your messages or voice notes to: questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk

Ad-free and early access:
???? To get episodes early and ad-free become a Political Currency Gold member or for even more perks, including our weekly newsletter, bonus content and live events, join our Kitchen Cabinet today: https://patreon.com/politicalcurrency

Please note: Kitchen Cabinet is only available via Patreon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connect with us on socials:

▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@polcurrency
???? Instagram: https://instagram.com/polcurrency
???? X: https://x.com/polcurrency
???? TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@polcurrency
???? Patreon: https://patreon.com/politicalcurrency

???? Listen wherever you get your podcasts