Inside Whitehall
James Starkie and Jonathan Gullis MP
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Inside Whitehall demystifies many of the aspects we hear and read about in politics coverage every day. What really happens inside a Cabinet meeting? How is legislation made? What are Special Advisors?
Hosted by former Special Advisor James Starkie, and current MP Jonathan Gullis, Inside Whitehall interviews people across the political divide and beyond to provide a unique perspective on modern British Politics.
Follow and comment on Twitter @WhitehallPodUK
Available episodes
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1 day ago
To leave or not to leave, the UK and the ECHR
The gang are joined by Sir Robert Buckland KC to talk about the UK's membership of the European Convention on Human Rights [ECHR]. There has been a renewed focus on the UK's membership of the ECHR amid claims it prevents Parliament from dealing with the small boats issue.
Would leaving make it easier? How has the UK Government dealt with issues with the ECHR before? And what should Rishi Sunak now do to ensure the Rwanda policy is delivered? Find out with Sir Robert as Inside Whitehall helps you understand the terminology, history and what options the Government has in the coming weeks.
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Nov 2, 2023
Welcome back! Inside Whitehall is back...
Welcome back to Series 2 of Inside Whitehall! Thank you all for your support and comments over the past few weeks. Inside Whitehall talks to the people who matter about how Government and Whitehall really works, hosted by former government Special Advisor James Starkie and former Minister Jonathan Gullis MP. Join our hosts as they lift the lid on the inner workings of Whitehall, with the help of a host of special guests.
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Jun 14, 2023
The art of political book writing: Part 2
In this finale episode of season 1, James and Jonathan review the discussion with Tim Shipman on political book writing and look back on this season's topics and guests.
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Jun 12, 2023
The art of political book writing Part 1: Tim Shipman
James and Jonathan talk to Tim Shipman, author of ‘All out war’ and ‘Fall out’, two of the top political books of the past decade, about the art of writing a political book. Tim shares his motivation and experience for writing, as well as a sneak preview of his forthcoming book to complete the trilogy.
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Jun 7, 2023
What is a Parliamentary Private Secretary?: Part 2
James and Jonathan dissect the discussion on Parliamentary Private Secretaries with Mark Fletcher, current PPS to Jeremy Hunt, and Alex Davies-Jones from Monday’s pod.
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Jun 5, 2023
What is a Parliamentary Private Secretary?: Part 1
This week the gang are joined by Mark Fletcher, current PPS to the Chancellor, and Alex Davies-Jones, who is the current shadow minister for Digital but has previously been PPS for Rachel Reeves.
Mark and Alex help take us inside the world of the Parliament Private Secretary, Ministerial aids who are unpaid but have an influential role in how parliament and indeed government is run.
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May 31, 2023
The real Malcolm Tuckers: SpAds and Pads: Part 2
Our dynamic duo dissect the discussion with former political advisors Hannah Geurin and Martin McCluskey and discuss James’ time as a special advisor to Michael Gove and Priti Patel.
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May 29, 2023
The real Malcolm Tuckers: SpAds and Pads: Part 1
James and Jonathan go inside the world of political advisors with guests Hannah Guerin, a former Government Special Advisor, and Martin McCluskey, who previously worked as advisor to former Labour leader Ed Miliband.
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May 24, 2023
Taking a Bill through Parliament: Part 2
James and Jonathan talk through the interview with former Home Secretary Priti Patel. Both share their own experience of legislation in Parliament.
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May 22, 2023
Taking a Bill through Parliament : Part 1 - Priti Patel
James and Jonathan talk to former Home Secretary Priti Patel about what's involved in getting legislation through the Houses of Parliament and into law. From engaging with key stakeholders to dealing with amendments from backbench MPs, Priti Patel shares the hurdles she overcame to tackle some of the biggest challenges of the day.
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May 17, 2023
The Lobby. Inside the world of Westminster journalists: Part 2
James and Jonathan talk through the discussion with Harry Cole and Kate McCann and James shares some of his own experience as a media Special Advisor.
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May 15, 2023
The Lobby. Inside the world of Westminster journalists: Part 1
James and Jonathan speak to two titans of the lobby, the journalists who cover political events for the national and local media. Harry Cole and Kate McCann take are political editors for the Sun and Talk TV respectively and take us inside political reporting.
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May 10, 2023
Around the Cabinet table: Part 2
James and Jonathan pick through the interview with Michael Gove reflecting on cabinet meetings during the coalition and fractious Brexit period.
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May 8, 2023
Around the Cabinet table with Michael Gove: Part 1
James and Jonathan speak to Michael Gove, a Secretary of State under four Prime Ministers and someone who has been at the top of government for over a decade.
What really happens in a Cabinet meeting? And how do styles differ between Boris Johnson and David Cameron? Find out in the latest episode of Inside Whitehall.
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May 3, 2023
The Locals: Part 2
Join James and Jonathan in Stoke-on-Trent, with Labour Councillor Rhys Goode, to discuss the upcoming local elections and why they matter to political parties and their leaders.
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May 1, 2023
The Locals: Part 1
James and Jonathan look at the context for the upcoming local elections on Thursday 4th May 2023, explain what local councils do, and why they matter.
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Apr 26, 2023
The SNP in Westminster: Part 2
James and Jonathan discuss the interview with SNP front bencher David Linden, reflecting on the future of the SNP and what that means for the next General Election. They also discuss how the SNP operate in Parliament and its impact on both Labour and the Conservatives. They also talk about how MPs get on with members of the opposing parties behind the scene, where there is closer working than is seen in the media.
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Apr 24, 2023
The SNP in Westminster: Part 1
James and Jonathan talk to David Linden, Member of Parliament for Glasgow East and the SNP Social Justice spokesman in Westminster. David talks movingly about applying for this first job while his father was in prison for attempted murder and his first steps into Scottish politics. The shadow front bencher also talks about the future direction of the SNP with new leaders in both Holyrood and Westminster.
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Apr 19, 2023
The Journey to Whitehall: Part 2
Jonathan and James continue to talk about his journey to becoming an MP. Post the 2017 general election, we learn about Jonathan getting selected as the Parliamentary candidate for Stoke-on-Trent North, winning the election in December 2019, and what those first weeks in Westminster were like.
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Apr 17, 2023
The Journey to Whitehall: Part 1
Jonathan talks to James about his journey to becoming an MP. From what got Jonathan into politics, lifting the lid on becoming an approved parliamentary candidate, and running in the 2017 general election. Get an insight on what it's like.
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Apr 6, 2023
Welcome to... Inside Whitehall
What really goes on inside Government and Parliament? Find out with former Special Advisor James Starkie and Jonathan Gullis MP as they lift the lid on the inner workings of Whitehall, with the help of a host of special guests.
Follow us on Twitter @WhitehallPodUK
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