Shows
Political Business2025 UK Politics: Winners, Losers & What Happens Next in 20262025 has been one of the most turbulent years in modern UK politics. In this end-of-year special episode, we look back at the key political moments of 2025, the leaders who rose and fell, and what lies ahead in 2026.From Keir Starmer’s challenges in Number 10, the bungled handling of Labour rebellions, and the growing conversation about Labour leadership succession, to the rise of Reform UK and the Greens, this episode explores how British politics is fragmenting into a true multi-party system.We discuss:Labour’s post-election wobble and internal rebellionsWes Streeting’s growing influe...
2025-12-1936 minPolitical BusinessReform's Peak Support and Angela Rayner ReturnsTwo weeks on from Rachel Reeves’ first budget, the headlines have moved on — but the politics definitely hasn’t. In this episode of Political Business, Kevin and Nathan unpack the shifting dynamics inside Labour and the Conservatives as both parties prepare for a turbulent 2026 election cycle.We break down:🔴 Labour’s internal anxiety despite a “successful” budget🔴 Why Treasury insiders think the politics of the budget are done🔴 Angela Rayner’s dramatic return to the Commons — and what it really means🔴 The truth behind the “non-existent” Labour leadership contest🔴 Starmer’s strate...
2025-12-1022 minPolitical BusinessIs Rachel Reeves Safe? Farage’s Tory-Deal & The Greens Coming for LondonOne week after Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's Budget, the polls suggest 48% of people consider it a “bad budget.” In today’s episode of Political Business, Nathan and Kevin dissect the political fallout inside the Labour Party, the economics behind Reeves’ choices, and whether Keir Starmer’s position is as safe as it looks.We also break down reports that Nigel Farage has privately told donors he expects a Reform UK–Conservative deal at the next general election — despite publicly denying it. What would a reform–Tory pact mean for 2029?Finally, we analyse the rapidly shifting London political...
2025-12-0429 minPolitical BusinessRachel Reeves’ Budget: Winners, Losers & What Happens NextRachel Reeves has delivered her second Budget — and it’s one of the most politically significant moments of Labour’s new government. In this episode, we break down every major measure, from the 24 tax rises to the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, the mansion tax, frozen income tax thresholds, and the new pay-per-mile charge for EVs.We analyse:How Labour MPs reacted in the chamberWhat the markets think (and whether that lasts)Whether this is a politically risky “tax to fund welfare” momentHow the public will respondGrowth strategy concerns… and the lack of a long-term economic sto...
2025-11-2727 minPolitical BusinessTax Rises, Market Nerves, Labour Factions & Planning Power ShiftThe budget is one week away — and speculation inside government is spiralling. In this episode, we break down:🔹 Rachel Reeves’ abandoned income tax rise 🔹 Treasury leaks and “smorgasbord” tax increases 🔹 Market reaction & OBR forecast surprises 🔹 Why local authorities may lose planning powers 🔹 The real factions organising inside Labour 🔹 Whether Keir Starmer can survive as leader 🔹 Steve Reed’s radical changes to housing and planning 🔹 The 1.5 million homes target — and whether government can hit itWe also unpack who holds real power inside the Labour Party today: the o...
2025-11-1929 minPolitical Business“I’ll Fight On”: Can Keir Starmer Survive as PM?Is Sir Keir Starmer facing a real leadership challenge — or just Westminster gossip gone wild? In this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever go inside the explosive week that’s rocking Downing Street.After Number 10’s extraordinary move to brief against Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Starmer’s inner circle is scrambling to project unity. But with rumours swirling around Angela Rayner, Shabana Mahmood, and even Ed Miliband, the question is whether the Labour leader can hold his Cabinet — and his authority — together.We unpack the real political strategy behind the chaos:Why Downin...
2025-11-1231 min
Grow PlacesGP 52: UK Politics, Housing, Growth: with Kevin McKeever of Lowick GroupIn this episode, Tom Larsson is joined by Kevin McKeever, Managing Director of Lowick Group, a leading strategic communications and public affairs consultancy working at the intersection of development, politics, and community. Kevin also recently co-founded Hedry, a cross-party consultancy focused on building resilience in the built environment.This wide-ranging and honest conversation unpacks the urgent challenges facing the UK’s housing and planning system, from viability and delivery to trust and political will. Drawing on decades of experience in local government, Westminster, and large-scale regeneration, Kevin provides sharp insights into the systemic issues stalling progress and wh...
2025-11-1140 minPolitical BusinessRachel Reeves’ Tough Budget Choices, Farage’s Tax U-Turn & London’s Oxford Street Shake-UpIn this episode of Political Business, hosts Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever unpack a week dominated by economic speeches and shifting political strategies.📊 Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, has set the scene for what’s being called “the most significant Budget in a generation.” With a £40 billion gap to fill, Reeves is preparing the public for tax rises across all demographics — a politically risky move that could breach Labour’s key 2024 manifesto pledges. Nathan and Kevin explore how the Treasury’s new “no surprises” communications strategy is designed to reassure markets while managing expectations across Westminster.💷 Meanwhile, Nigel Farage...
2025-11-0525 minPolitical BusinessLabour’s Nightmare Poll & London Housing Shake-Up ExplainedLabour has fallen to its lowest ever level of support in a new YouGov poll — just 17%. The Green Party, under new leader Zack Polanski, has now overtaken the Liberal Democrats.In this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down what the numbers really mean for the Labour government, the opposition, and the shape of politics in 2025.We also unpack the government’s emergency intervention in London’s housing crisis, cutting affordable housing requirements to kick-start development — and debate whether this move helps or hurts Labour ahead of next May’s local elections.
2025-10-2928 minPolitical BusinessReeves Blames Brexit? Inside Labour’s Economic GambleThe UK government’s borrowing has hit record levels — £99.8 billion in just six months — while inflation holds steady at 3.8%. With the Budget looming, Rachel Reeves is trying to frame the economic challenge by blaming Brexit and promising a £6 billion blitz on red tape.In this episode, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin unpack the numbers, the politics, and the strategy: – Why borrowing is spiralling — and what it means for the Treasury. – Whether Reeves’ “Brexit blame” approach can work politically. – The real impact of the West Midlands Investment Summit. – What the Caerphilly by-election t...
2025-10-2226 minPolitical BusinessWhat Business Needs to Know About Starmer’s Policy Shake-Up and the London Housing CrisisPolitical Business with Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever breaks down this week’s biggest political and business stories — from Westminster to the housing market.This episode covers:Why neither Labour nor the Conservatives got a conference bounce.Major changes inside Number 10 Downing Street — is this a “grown-ups back in charge” moment for Keir Starmer?A deep dive into London’s housing crisis as new Molior data shows housing starts collapsing.The latest planning reforms, Treasury moves, and whether Rachel Reeves can deliver growth.And what Reform UK’s rise in by-elections means for both Labour and the Conservati...
2025-10-1526 minPolitical BusinessInside Tory Conference: Leadership Tension, Reform Talks & Business ResetIn this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt reports from Manchester as the Conservative Party Conference 2025 wraps up - and it’s not all rosy for Kemi Badenoch.With polling sliding into the high teens and Robert Jenrick waiting in the wings, is her leadership already on borrowed time? Nathan and Kevin McKeever break down:🔥 Kemi Badenoch’s leadership challenge — has she bought time or lost control?🤝 Reform UK’s growing power — could there be a deal or even a merger on the right?💼 Tories’ new pitch to business — can they reclaim economic credibility from...
2025-10-0825 minPolitical BusinessInside Labour Conference: Budget, Burnham & Business RisksIn this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever bring you exclusive insights direct from the Labour Party Conference 2025 in Liverpool.We unpack:What Keir Starmer’s landmark speech means for Labour’s future.Whether Andy Burnham’s influence has peaked after clashing with the Cabinet.The Deputy Leadership race and why it failed to make waves.Why the upcoming budget is the real battleground for Labour, with tax rises, VAT expansion, and capital gains reforms on the horizon.Steve Reed’s “Build, Baby, Build” housing push – but can Labour really deliver?Exclusive reactions from London co...
2025-10-0120 minPolitical BusinessWelcome to Political BusinessAt Lowick Hedry, we help our clients make sense of a complex world - and get things done. Whether it’s shaping policy, delivering major projects or managing your reputation, we bring together deep experience and fresh thinking to get results that matter. Now, you hear it every week on our podcast. Subscribe on Apple, on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts - and we’ll drop into your feed every week.Join Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever every week as they consider politics, policies and the realities for business. Host...
2025-09-3003 min