In The Room

The Independent / Next Chapter Studios

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About

Two former Westminster insiders reveal how politics and power really work. Ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors at No 10? Or who’s the first person on the phone when a Prime Minister lands themselves in hot water? Each week former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen MacNamara and Cleo Watson, former political advisor to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, dissect the week’s biggest news, revealing how decisions get made, why they go wrong, and what should happen next. In The Room is straight-talking, insider analysis with a dose of humour, every week.This podcast is part of The Independent Podcast...

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Recent episodes

  • Farage’s scandal-hit conference and Burnham’s next big testSep 8, 2026 · 46 min
  • Lessons from No 10: What happens when the PM meets Trump and Putin | Peter HillAug 25, 2026 · 34 min
  • Lessons from No 10: When government comms go badly wrong | Lee CainAug 18, 2026 · 47 min
  • Count Binface vs Farage: Flakes, Ferraris and the Clacton by-electionAug 11, 2026 · 33 min
  • Lessons from No 10: When the world's most powerful CEOs enter Downing Street | Jimmy McLoughlinAug 4, 2026 · 41 min
  • Who's winning the summer? Burnham, Badenoch and Farage assessedJul 31, 2026 · 43 min
  • Too much Manchester? Andy Burnham's first big interview unpackedJul 28, 2026 · 37 min
  • Andy Burnham week one: promises, pitfalls and the prison problemJul 24, 2026 · 36 min
  • Andy Burnham is Prime Minister. Now what?Jul 21, 2026 · 35 min
  • Inside Andy Burnham’s No 10 takeoverJul 17, 2026 · 32 min

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