Labour has fallen to its lowest ever level of support in a new YouGov poll — just 17%. The Green Party, under new leader Zack Polanski, has now overtaken the Liberal Democrats.

In this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever break down what the numbers really mean for the Labour government, the opposition, and the shape of politics in 2025.

We also unpack the government’s emergency intervention in London’s housing crisis, cutting affordable housing requirements to kick-start development — and debate whether this move helps or hurts Labour ahead of next May’s local elections.

Plus:

💷 How public affairs professionals can actually influence the Budget

🏗️ What Labour’s new housing measures mean for developers and councils

🌿 Can the Greens sustain their surge — or is this a temporary protest vote?

📉 Why 50% of last year’s Labour voters now say they’d switch sides

Stay tuned for our “Three Points of Advice” on how to navigate the political and corporate landscape this week.

👉 Subscribe to Political Business for weekly insight, strategy and straight-talk on the intersection of politics, policy and public affairs.

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The UK government’s borrowing has hit record levels — £99.8 billion in just six months — while inflation holds steady at 3.8%. With the Budget looming, Rachel Reeves is trying to frame the economic challenge by blaming Brexit and promising a £6 billion blitz on red tape.

In this episode, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin unpack the numbers, the politics, and the strategy:

– Why borrowing is spiralling — and what it means for the Treasury.

– Whether Reeves’ “Brexit blame” approach can work politically.

– The real impact of the West Midlands Investment Summit.

– What the Caerphilly by-election tells us about Reform UK’s rise and Labour’s struggles.

– Is Britain heading for another age of austerity?

– Can Rachel Reeves rebuild fiscal credibility while blaming Brexit?

– Has Labour already lost the communication war to Reform UK and Nigel Farage?

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Political Business with Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever breaks down this week’s biggest political and business stories — from Westminster to the housing market.

This episode covers:

• Why neither Labour nor the Conservatives got a conference bounce.
• Major changes inside Number 10 Downing Street — is this a “grown-ups back in charge” moment for Keir Starmer?
• A deep dive into London’s housing crisis as new Molior data shows housing starts collapsing.
• The latest planning reforms, Treasury moves, and whether Rachel Reeves can deliver growth.
• And what Reform UK’s rise in by-elections means for both Labour and the Conservatives.

Nathan and Kevin — both former political advisors — explain what these developments mean for business, policy, and the road to the next general election.

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📢 Comment, and tell us where you think the next big political shift is coming from.

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In this week’s Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt reports from Manchester as the Conservative Party Conference 2025 wraps up - and it’s not all rosy for Kemi Badenoch.

With polling sliding into the high teens and Robert Jenrick waiting in the wings, is her leadership already on borrowed time? Nathan and Kevin McKeever break down:

• 🔥 Kemi Badenoch’s leadership challenge — has she bought time or lost control?
• 🤝 Reform UK’s growing power — could there be a deal or even a merger on the right?
• 💼 Tories’ new pitch to business — can they reclaim economic credibility from Labour?
• 🏘️ The housing question — the “Build Baby Build” message that has cross party support.
• 👔 Should businesses still engage with the Tory Party?
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From the bars of the Midland to the boardrooms of Westminster, Nathan and Kevin explore whether the Conservatives can rebuild, and what that means for business and politics in Britain.

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📍 Find us online: https://hedry.co.uk/

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In this episode of Political Business, Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever bring you exclusive insights direct from the Labour Party Conference 2025 in Liverpool.

We unpack:

• What Keir Starmer’s landmark speech means for Labour’s future.
• Whether Andy Burnham’s influence has peaked after clashing with the Cabinet.
• The Deputy Leadership race and why it failed to make waves.
• Why the upcoming budget is the real battleground for Labour, with tax rises, VAT expansion, and capital gains reforms on the horizon.
• Steve Reed’s “Build, Baby, Build” housing push – but can Labour really deliver?
• Exclusive reactions from London council leaders (Lambeth, Southwark, Westminster) on growth, business, and local politics.
• The risks Labour faces in the 2025 local elections across London, Wales, and Scotland.

For businesses, investors and political insiders, we share 3 key takeaways:

1. Labour is the government to engage with for the next 4 years.
2. Push for delivery on housing, infrastructure and growth.
3. Keep your eyes firmly on the budget – it will define Labour’s economic credibility.

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At Lowick Hedry, we help our clients make sense of a complex world - and get things done. Whether it’s shaping policy, delivering major projects or managing your reputation, we bring together deep experience and fresh thinking to get results that matter. Now, you hear it every week on our podcast. Subscribe on Apple, on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts - and we’ll drop into your feed every week.

Join Nathan Parsad-Wyatt and Kevin McKeever every week as they consider politics, policies and the realities for business.

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