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Has Keir Starmer Saved His Job (For Now)? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Today, Keir Starmer says that he will "never walk away from the country that I love” after surviving a turbulent 24 hours that saw the Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar call for him to step down.

Speaking to the BBC, his energy secretary Ed Miliband said the Labour Party had "looked over the precipice” and decided to back their leader leading to a rallying of support from the cabinet and other senior party figures.

So, the Prime Minister is in the clear for now, but is he truly safe? Alex and James break down another turbulent 24 hours in Westminster before catching up with Daniela Relph senior royal correspondent and Caitríona Perry, BBC News chief presenter in Washington to discuss the wider fallout from the Epstein files in the US and for the royal family.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were James Cook and Alex Forsyth. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The technical producer was Philip Bull. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Starmer’s Fight For Survival Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Today, Keir Starmer has addressed his MPs and seems to have rallied some support after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for him to quit.

In a press conference in Glasgow, Sarwar emphasised his concerns for Scotland ahead of the May elections, and told reporters “the leadership in Downing Street has to change".

The move prompted statements supporting the prime minister from cabinet ministers and other key labour figures including potential rivals Angela Rayner and Wes Streeting.

The PM has been facing mounting pressure in recent days with two of his top aides Tim Allen and Morgan McSweeney resigning following the aftermath of revelations about the appointment of former US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

James and Alex are in for Adam to talk through what it all mean.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Alex Forsyth and James Cook. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi, Chloe Scannapieco and Sophie van Brugen. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Morgan McSweeney Resigns Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

Right after we published our last episode the news that Morgan McSweeney had quit as the Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff broke.

So Paddy and political correspondent Joe Pike got back in the studio and got Laura up on the phone to chat through why he says he’s gone, who he is, what a chief of staff does, and who could replace him.

We also look at what it means for the prime minister, and why cabinet member Pat McFadden didn’t even see this coming.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.

The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

What Starmer Does Next Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

Today, we look at the choices facing Prime Minister Keir Starmer now the Mandelson scandal has left him weaker.

Former Labour Home Secretary David Blunkett has told Paddy that Starmer should sack his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.

Cabinet Secretary Pat McFadden has told Laura that Starmer should stay in the job.

And the Fire Brigades Union has been the first organisation of its kind to say there needs to me a new leader.

Laura, Paddy, and political correspondent Joe Pike look at the arguments for and against those suggestions.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC.

Epstein Files: The Gordon Brown Intervention Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has told the BBC the situation facing Sir Keir Starmer is "serious" and suggested he may have been "too slow to do the right things" concerning Lord Mandelson.

He also defended him as "a man of integrity" who "wants to do the right things".

He spoke to the Today programme on Radio 4 in his first interview since the latest Epstein files seemed to show Lord Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of a €500bn bailout by the EU to save the ailing Euro in 2010.

Another included a 2009 memo in which Brown's policy adviser Nick Butler wrote about the UK's struggling economy and recommended selling off government-held assets to raise public funds.

Brown said this was "market-sensitive" information as people can make money from changes in the values of currencies.

Lord Mandelson has not given the BBC an official statement but his position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd

Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenters were Laura Kuenssberg and Paddy O’Connell. It was made by Chris Flynn with Kris Jalowiecki. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The weekend series producer is Chris Flynn. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

The Week: The King, The Prime Minister and The Epstein Files Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

Today, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces further questions about his judgement in appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, and there is a darkening mood among Labour MPs.

Adam, Chris, Alex Forsyth and Daniela Relph discuss how the continuing revelations from the Epstein Files have created challenges for both the Royal Family and the government; and the different approaches taken by the King and the prime minister.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Epstein Files: Will Mandelson Cost Starmer His Job? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Today, the Prime Minister has apologised to victims of Jeffrey Epstein for appointing Peter Mandelson as US ambassador and “believing his lies”.

Adam is joined by Henry in Westminster with Ailbhe Rea from the New Statesman and Luke Sullivan, Keir Starmer’s former political director to break down where the Mandelson affair leaves the Prime Minister.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Epstein Files: Starmer Under Pressure Over Mandelson Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Today, MPs voted to release documents about Lord Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador following a six-hour long debate.

Adam and Chris unpack how Keir Starmer spoke about Mandelson at Prime Minister’s Questions, Kemi Badenoch’s line of questioning about who knew what when and the volume of questions swirling about the Prime Minister’s judgement.

Plus, Laura has been following Reform UK for a new documentary. She chats about what she learned about the party’s track record in local government so far and new revelations from leader Nigel Farage.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Miranda Slade with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The social producers were Sophie Millward and Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was James Piper. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Epstein Files: Police Launch Investigation Into Mandelson Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Today, the Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson after new files released seemed to suggest he had passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords following the latest revelations, though he retains the right to use the title of Lord.

The government say they are moving to draft legislation that will strip him of his title and the opposition are expected to try and force the government to release papers relating to Mandelson’s hiring as US ambassador.

Adam and Chris are joined by Dominic Casciani, BBC home affairs correspondent and senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph who has the latest on seeming revelations about Sarah Ferguson.

You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.

You can join our Newscast online community here: https://bbc.in/newscastdiscord

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Shiler Mahmoudi and Chloe Scannapieco. The social producer was Joe Wilkinson. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

Epstein Files: Mandelson Reported To The Police Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Today, the Metropolitan Police say they are reviewing allegations of misconduct in public office after new files suggest Peter Mandelson sent government information to Jeffrey Epstein.

Lord Mandelson seemingly forwarded internal emails sent and recieved while he was business secretary in 2009 from senior politicians to Epstein.

Adam is joined by political correspondent Joe Pike in Westminster to discuss the latest allegations and senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph to discuss new revelations relating to emails seemingly sent to Epstein by Sarah Ferguson, former Duchess of York.

Get in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a WhatsApp on +44 0330 123 9480.

New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bbc.in/4guXgXd Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. The presenter was Adam Fleming. It was made by Anna Harris with Chloe Scannapieco and Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Beth Pritchard. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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