David Evans - Podcast Details

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Since Attlee & ChurchillThe Attlee vs Churchill Elections (Episode 3 of 3): The 1951 General ElectionThe third and final instalment of a special mini-series on the Attlee versus Churchill elections turns to the 1951 general election. In some respects, it was a repeat of the contest 20 months earlier - similar candidates, similar ideas, and a similar number of votes for both parties. But due to the workings of the electoral system, it gave the Conservatives and Winston Churchill a small majority in the House of Commons. Could Clement Attlee have avoided this election, or the defeat which brought to an end six years of Labour government? Lee and Richard discuss - and often disagree!2025-07-271h 11

Since Attlee & ChurchillThe Attlee vs Churchill Elections (Episode 2 of 3): The 1950 General ElectionThe 1950 general election, the second contest between Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill, came four and a half years after Labour's landslide victory at the end of the Second World War. In many ways, this election was a referendum on the agenda implemented by Attlee as prime minister, from the NHS to the nationalisation of 20% of the economy. For Winston Churchill, 1950 was an opportunity to try and reclaim power after his shock rejection in 1945. Throughout, there was drama and the laying of the foundations for post-war British politics. In this podcast, Lee and Richard chart the election battle from the...2025-07-201h 04

Since Attlee & ChurchillThe Attlee vs Churchill Elections (Episode 1 of 3): The 1945 General ElectionThe 1945 general election is undeniably one of the key turning points in modern British history. It's also the first of three general elections that the namesakes of this podcast - Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee - fought against each other as leaders of their parties. In this first of three special episodes charting the Attlee vs Churchill elections, Lee and Richard look back at the contest that took place 80 years ago this month - featuring scuffles about when the election should be; rogue radio broadcasts that undermined the Tory campaign; and the curious history of 'Wakes Weeks' w...2025-07-131h 15

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhat happened when Tony Blair cut benefits for single mums?In 1997, Tony Blair returned Labour to power with a landslide majority. But many people who hoped for radical change were left disappointed when he announced that Labour would continue with the Tory plan to scrap the Lone Parent Premium, a welfare top up for single parents. Lone parents protested; Labour MPs revolted; and Blair had to decide whether to plough on with the measure or surrender to his backbenchers. In the week after Keir Starmer buckled under pressure from his MPs over the Personal Independent Payment, Lee and Richard look at Blair's approach to a similar dilemma a...2025-07-061h 05

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhat were the Kennedys up to in Britain?In this special episode, we're joined by Presidential historian Alvin S. Felzenberg to discuss the rich and complex relationship between the Kennedy clan and the United Kingdom. How did this Irish American family, whose patriarch was appointed American Ambassador to Britain, cope with being in England? How did it shape the young Kennedy children? And what relationship would they, including John F. Kennedy, have with Britain and its leaders in years to come?In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles. Available at: https://amzn.to/46lXjl3...2025-06-291h 04

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhy did Stanley Baldwin secretly donate 20% of his wealth to the nation?In 1919, a remarkable letter appeared in The Times. The author had estimated the value of his estate and decided to give 20% of it to the government as a 'thank offering' for the sacrifices made in the First World War. The letter was simply signed 'F.S.T.'. It would be several years before people discovered that the letters stood for 'Financial Secretary to the Treasury', the job held by future Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin. In this podcast, Lee and Richard ask how and why Baldwin made this staggering yet secret gift and what it tells us a...2025-06-221h 04

Since Attlee & ChurchillHow did 'Women Against the Common Market' try to keep Britain out of Europe?In 1970, an eccentric and passionate Eurosceptic campaign group was founded: Women Against the Common Market. Its founder, Anne Kerr (a former Labour MP) was determined to prevent Britain's entry into the European Economic Community and wanted to persuade women to stand with her. Of course, she failed to keep Britain out - and sadly died before she had the chance to make her arguments in the 1975 European referendum. But did she still make an impact? In this podcast, we look back at the dramatic and eye-catching ways in which Kerr and her allies campaigned to keep Britain out of...2025-06-151h 05

Since Attlee & ChurchillWas Eden right about Suez after all?The 1956 Suez Crisis has gone down as one of the most shameful events in modern British history. After Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalised the Suez Canal, part owned by the United Kingdom, the British government desperately sought to re-assert its authority. A conspiracy developed with France and Israel to intervene and strike a blow against Nasser. Yet the events ended in disaster, with Britain's reputation in tatters and Prime Minister Anthony Eden's political career cut short. But is our conventional understanding of the Suez crisis correct? Or was Eden right after all? In this episode, the f...2025-06-081h 09

Since Attlee & ChurchillDid Labour choose the wrong Miliband brother?After 13 years in government, the 2010 general election saw Labour ejected from office and on the hunt for a new leader. Curiously, two brothers - David and Ed Miliband - stood against each other in a five-way battle to lead the party. This divisive leadership contest led to accusations of fratricide and, when Ed won, many in Labour conclude that the party had chosen the wrong brother to lead it. Is that fair? In this episode, Richard and Lee look back on the 2010 leadership election and interrogate the decision made by MPs, members and trade unions about who would lead...2025-06-011h 14

Since Attlee & ChurchillHow did Viscount Stansgate become Tony Benn MP?In 1961 and 1963, two by-elections took place that changed British politics, and the fortunes of Tony Benn, forever. The first came after Benn was removed from the House of Commons following the death of his father. This elevated Benn to the peerage as the second Viscount Stansgate and meant, although Benn won the by-election, he was denied his seat in the Commons. After years of political and legal battles, Benn fought a second by-election and became an MP once more. In this week's podcast, Richard and Lee chart this dramatic time in British political history and discuss the consequences for B...2025-05-251h 02

Since Attlee & ChurchillDoes Michael Foot deserve a kinder verdict from historians?From 1980-1983, Michael Foot led the Labour Party through a disastrous and divisive period in its history, culminating in the famous landslide defeat of 1983. That result has marred how people think of Foot ever since. But Richard believes that Foot's long and remarkable career - as a journalist and a politician - deserves a more generous appraisal from historians. Is he right? In this episode we look back at Foot's long life to find out.In this episode, the following books, journals and articles are mentioned:'The President's Kill List: Assassination and US Foreign Policy...2025-05-181h 06

Since Attlee & ChurchillDo private members clubs still matter in British politics?Private members clubs once played a crucial role in British politics, even acting as the organising hubs of the Conservative and Liberal parties. For centuries, politicians of every shade have drunk, dined and gossiped together behind the closed doors of London clubs. But do they still? And do clubs still influence our politics? In this week's episode, Lee and Richard tackle that question and identify the one post-war prime minister who, it seems, has never been a member of any club.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Ten Years to save the West...2025-05-111h 02

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhich foreign leaders should be invited to address Parliament?Since the end of WWII, an increasing number of foreign leaders have been invited to address MPs and peers - whether in Westminster Hall, the Royal Gallery or elsewhere in Parliament. In 2017 and again today, a debate raged about whether Donald Trump should be among them. Lee and Richard look back on the history of foreign leaders addressing Parliament and consider whether it would be reasonable for Trump to be prevented from making an address to Parliament.in this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Vassal State: How America Runs Britain' by Angus Hanton. Available...2025-05-0559 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillAre prime ministerial resignation honours an embarrassment?Prime ministerial resignation honours - first used in 1895 and regularly issued since - have been a perennial embarrassment for outgoing prime ministers. In this episode, Richard and Lee look back on the post-war lists, from Churchill to Sunak, Attlee to Brown, and consider who they chose to honour, why, and whether it harmed their reputation and legacy.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Priests de la Resistance!: The loose canons who fought Fascism in the twentieth century' by The Revd Fergus Butler-Gaillie. Available at: https://amzn.to/42xHFRq'Polarized by Degrees...2025-04-271h 03

Since Attlee & ChurchillCould 'English Socialism' save the Labour Party?The ideas underpinning English socialism go back to before the Norman Conquest, but they have been strangely absent from the Labour Party in recent years. In this week's episode, Lee and Richard discuss the concept of English socialism - what it is, where it comes from, how its distinct (but compatible) with British socialism, and why its values could be a recipe for the rejuvenation of the Labour Party today.In this podcast, the following articles and books are mentioned:'An American Sissy' by Gore Vidal. Available at: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/1981/08/13/an-american-sissy/2025-04-2056 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillErnest Marples MP - a visionary, a scoundrel, or both?Few people today can recall the man who launched premium bonds, gave us the motorway network, or invited Dr Beeching to swing his axe on the United Kingdom's railway network. It was Ernest Marples, a post-war Conservative MP and ally of Harold Macmillan. Marples has a claim to be one of the most consequential ministers of the 1951-64 Conservative governments, but his personal immorality and financial failings left him off the frontbench, out of the Commons, and soon fleeing the taxman in Monaco. Lee and Richard discuss his sensational but consequential political career in this podcast.In...2025-04-1352 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhat is the socialist case for monarchy?For the past century, many of the most prominent left-wing politicians in Britain, especially Labour leaders, have judged that the institution of monarchy is compatible with their vision of a more equal Britain. Why? In this episode, Richard and Lee discuss the socialist case for monarchy, from the earliest days of the Labour Party right up to the present day. Richard, a socialist himself, makes the fascinating argument that the monarchy is a pre-capitalist institution which sits outside of what socialists want to achieve.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Britain in Pictures...2025-04-0658 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillWas this the most explosive Tory conference ever?In 1963, Harold Macmillan resigned as prime minister and triggered one of the most dramatic fights for the Tory leadership in modern history. Four men jockeyed for position at the party's annual conference in Blackpool, with an unassuming fourteenth earl eventually coming out on top. Why did Macmillan resign? Who should have succeeded him? And did the 1964 general election, which brought Harold Wilson to power, get decided by these combustible events a year earlier? That's the theme of this week's podcast.In this podcast, the following talks and books are mentioned:'The Rule of Law: at...2025-03-301h 01

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhat lessons can be learned from a political maverick?For almost 40 years, Austin Mitchell was a staple of the House of Commons. At the beginning of his career, he was an up-and-coming star with a successful media career. Yet for the vast majority of his time as an MP, he was overlooked by successive leaders and confined to the backbenches. In this episode, Richard and Lee look back on Mitchell's career and consider what lessons can be learned from the life of a political maverick.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Could it Happen Here? The Day a Prime Minister Refuses to...2025-03-2356 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillDid Edward Heath deserve the name 'The Incredible Sulk'?Edward Heath spent more time in the House of Commons after he was Conservative leader (1975-2001) than beforehand. This long period, in which he was a frequent thorn-in-the-side of Margaret Thatcher and critic of her legacy, has become known as 'The Incredible Sulk.' But is that title fair? Why did Heath stick around for so long? What did he hope to achieve? And was he successful? That's the topic of this week's episode. In this episode, the following books and articles are mentioned:'Strengthening the Political Constitution' edited by Richard Johnson, published by Police E...2025-03-1657 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillWho was Labour's greatest champion of overseas aid?The government recently made headlines with its decision to reduce overseas aid to 0.3% of national income. In this episode, we cast our eye back to Labour's most vocal supporter of overseas development and international aid, Judith Hart. Based on her years as a minister in both Harold Wilson and Jim Callaghan's governments, we ask: What was her approach to international aid? What did she manage to achieve in office? And what would she have made of what Keir Starmer and Labour are doing in office today?In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Deep...2025-03-0956 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillHave confidence votes been a disaster for the Tory party?After years of tumult at the top of the Conservative Party, the method by which it removes its leaders has rarely been far from the headlines. In this podcast, Lee and Richard discuss how 'confidence votes' have been used to test the levels of support for Tory leaders among their MPs. It's a dramatic story - from Iain Duncan Smith's downfall in 2003, to Theresa May and Boris Johnson's near misses in 2018 and 2022, respectively.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Revolt on the Right: Explaining support for the Radical Right in Britain' by Matthew...2025-03-0258 min

Since Attlee & ChurchillWhat use is the House of Lords, anyway?For longer than it's been possible to talk about British politics, the House of Lords has played an essential role in how this country has been governed. But the 20th century saw their Lordships subordinated to the Commons and many of the peers, known as hereditary peers, stripped of their membership of the upper house. In this episode, Lee and Richard chart the history of the House of Lords and consider how it got to where it is today and ask: what use is the House of Lords in modern Britain? In this episode, the following books a...2025-02-231h 01

Since Attlee & ChurchillWho are the best political heroes?Most politicians have at least one hero, someone in whose footsteps they hope to walk and whose achievements they hope to emulate. In this episode, Richard and Lee discuss whom senior Conservative and Labour politicians have named as their heroes - from the sublime to the occasionally ridiculous - and also share their own political lodestars.In this episode, the following books are mentioned:'Loyalists and Loners' by Michael Foot. Available at: https://amzn.to/3CUo9of'A Fabulous Failure: The Clinton Presidency and the Transformation of American Capitalism' by Nelson Lichtenstein & Judith...2025-02-1651 min