Politics Weekly UK

Politics Weekly UK has been running since 2006, making it one of the longest-established political podcasts in Britain. Guardian columnist John Harris, political editor Pippa Crerar, and policy editor Kiran Stacey rotate hosting duties, and each brings a distinct perspective -- Harris is known for his on-the-ground reporting outside the Westminster bubble, Crerar has deep contacts inside government, and Stacey brings sharp policy analysis. Episodes drop weekly and run 20-38 minutes, covering the week's political news with input from Guardian reporters and occasional outside guests. The show has a centre-left editorial perspective, which is consistent with the Guardian's broader outlook, but the analysis is serious rather than polemical. They are genuinely interested in explaining why things are happening, not just reacting to them. With 405 episodes and a 4.2-star rating from nearly 200 reviews, it has maintained a solid audience for nearly two decades. Some listeners have noted that audio quality can be inconsistent, and the show occasionally feels predictable in its takes. But the on-the-ground reporting that Harris contributes -- travelling to different parts of the UK to talk to actual voters -- gives it a dimension that Westminster-focused podcasts often lack. The show also produces an America edition for US politics coverage. If you read the Guardian and want a weekly podcast that matches its editorial sensibility, Politics Weekly UK is the obvious choice. It is especially good during election periods when the team's reporting resources are in full swing.