Andy Burnham Paves the Way to Challenge Keir Starmer for Labour Leadership. Plus: The Politics of Eurovision

Politics Uncensored

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Thursday, 14 May 2026 - 48 minutes

The Week Unwrapped:US President, Donald Trump, is on a rare visit to China this week to meet with premier Xi Jinping. The summit aims to ease the fragile relationship between the two superpowers. Zoe and Ali discuss Trump’s surprising change of heart on China, the importance of Taiwan in these discussions and whether Beijing will assist Washington on Iran. Then, following on from our discussion last week: Reports confirm that Nigel Farage bought a £1.4 million property in cash shortly after he received a £5 personal gift from a Thailand based crypto billionaire. The revelation comes after The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner separately confirmed that he will be facing a formal investigation over the fact he didn’t declare the gift. The Reform UK leader says he was under “no obligation” to make it public because it was given before he was an MP. His opponents however say he should have. Zoë and Ali question the reasons why this wasn’t declared, Farage’s comments to The Sun newspaper that it was a ‘reward’ for pioneering Brexit and what the consequences might be for him. Finally, over the weekend, French President Emmanuel Macron angrily interrupted a speech at an event in Kenya, to demand silence from the audience. Macron appeared visibly upset at the level of noise in the room, and stormed onto the stage. The summit was meant to show off France’s new policy for the continent and improve relations in a shift from a dominating former colonial power to what Paris describes as an equal partnership. Zoë and Ali unpack the backlash. Threats to Keir Starmer’s Leadership:Keir Starmer is facing serious threats to his leadership. Following on from Labour’s worst ever performance in the local elections, nearly a quarter of the party’s MP’s have called for Starmer to resign. Earlier this week, Wes Streeting resigned from his position as Health Secretary saying that he has lost confidence in him. Reports say but he is expected to launch a challenge for leadership, but this is yet to happen. But waiting in the wings was Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham. Former Starmer ally, Josh Simons, has said he will step down from his seat in Makerfield, to pave the way for Burnham to be the next leader. Zoë and Ali unpack another wild week in the Commons, Westminster’s short-termism problem and where the Labour Party will go next. Eurovision - Can It Ever Be Free of Politics?Finally, the grand final of the Eurovision, now in its 70th year, is being held in Vienna on Saturday night and hundreds of millions of people will be tuning in. However, this year’s competition is shrouded in controversy. Disputes are growing over Israel’s participation and as a result, five countries, including Spain and Ireland are boycotting. Chris West, author of Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest joins us to tell us the history of the politics of Eurovision, the accusations of political double standards threatening to overshadow the music, and what this year’s edition will look like. Guest: Chris West Producer: Monica Lillis

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