After a rather tumultuous 365 days in Number 10, head boy Boris Johnson faces the date every schoolboy dreads - his school report. Simon Walters enlists the help of school Matron Amanda Platell to work out how many As the former Eton star scholar deserves. Plus, Simon asks veteran diplomat Sir Christopher Meyer whether the ‘special relationship’ between America and Britain is becoming a two-edged sword. 

Order! Order! with Simon Walters and Amanda Platell

Boris Johnson’s school report: After one year in 10 Downing Street, has Boris got an A… or a C-minus?

The Chancellor sounded more like Sunak the socialist than Rishi the rich banker as he splurged billions to get Britain’s economy moving again - but which is the real Rishi, ask Simon Walters and Amanda Platell. Plus, Simon talks to former deputy Prime Minister Damian Green on Britain’s new Cold War - with Beijing, not Moscow. Plus, in-depth insight on the most important political issue of the week… not coronavirus, but cheese.

Rishi Sunak’s mini budget is built to kickstart the conked out COVID economy - but does it add up?

Is Boris Johnson stealing Labour's clothes - or is he just the Tory emperor with no clothes at all? Simon Walters and Amanda Platell hear two very different views of Boris Johnson's spending splurge this week, from his biographer Andrew Gimson (who is a fan) and former advisor Tim Montgomerie (who isn’t). Plus, is Amanda’s fridge becoming more musical than Amanda herself?

Two VERY different perspectives on Boris Johnson's 'Build Build Build' promise

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell are finally seeing light at the end of the long lockdown tunnel - and Amanda has big plans to go to the pub and marry the first man that asks. Simon talks to business secretary Alok Sharma about the Government's plans to get Britain moving again (and whether it's putting the nation's health at risk). Plus, Simon and Amanda reveal what they'll miss about lockdown... including Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty.

Business secretary Alok Sharma on why the Government has NOT put the economy above the nation's health

Should Marcus Rashford move from his No 10 position into No 10 Downing Street? Simon Walters and Amanda Platell contemplate the wreckage of another Government U-turn (and a very confused Matt Hancock). Plus, Simon speaks to Tory MP Andrew Mitchell who says that Boris Johnson looked him squarely in the eye and said he wouldn’t scrap the international aid department… and then did exactly that. Plus, Amanda takes on The Boss.

Andrew Mitchell MP on why foreign aid decision is the Tory party ‘reverting to type’

The big question for Simon Walters and Amanda Platell is, has ‘Priti Patel’ replaced Boris Johnson as the strongest voice of the Government, after what can only be described as a packed week in British politics. Simon Walters asks Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi whether safari parks are really an adequate substitute for schools opening before September, and speaks to Tory MP Alec Shelbrook who suggests Karl Marx's statue could be torn down along with statues of slave traders. Plus, Amanda takes on John Lennon... but does anyone win? 

Nadhim Zahawi on why it makes sense that children can go to zoos... but not schools

Could Dominic Cummings lockdown travels prove as damaging to the Government as MPs claiming expenses to clean their moats? Top pollster James Johnson believes so, as Simon Walters and Amanda Platell steer a steady course through a VERY turbulent week in politics. Simon talks to Tory MP Andrew Bridgen about why he's one of the very few still defending Cummings. Meanwhile Amanda signs up for online singing lessons... but have they worked?

Why Dominic Cummings' 60-mile 'eye test' could be as bad for the Government as the expenses scandal

The former Home Secretary has some choice words about Boris’s bloke-packed Cabinet in a new episode of our brilliant politics podcast with Simon Walters and Amanda Platell. So, wonders Amber Rudd, would countries with women in charge handle the coronavirus crisis better? Well guess what New Zealand and Taiwan have in common! Plus, Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland on the big question of the week: how many schools will really be open by June 1? Oh, and Amanda bursts into song AGAIN…

Amber Rudd: Let me tell you about Boris’s woman problem (and it’s not what you think)

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell return! Simon reveals he's been battling coronavirus for a month (while Amanda has battled boredom alone in her flat with her cat and Captain Birdseye). Simon talks to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on why Boris won't use the 'A' word for austerity, and speaks to Labour's Wes Streeting about whether a wealth tax is what's needed to pull Britain back from the financial brink. Plus, Amanda sings! 

Labour's Wes Streeting on why a 'wealth tax' is needed to balance Britain's books post-virus

With a guest appearance from Amanda Platell's cat, this week's podcast sees Amanda and Simon Walters taking stock of the shock news about Boris Johnson. Simon speaks to former Boris advisor Will Walden about the Prime Minister's early struggle with deafness and win at all costs approach to cricket and rounders. Plus, as Keir Starmer takes the reins, can he get rid of the anti-Semitism that stained Labour in the Corbyn years?

Boris's close friend Will Walden on the childhood struggles which give the PM his inner strength

Simon and Amanda are both isolated in their homes (and coping in very different ways). This week, Simon interviews Labour MP Jon Ashworth about Britain's handling of the crisis (and why there are still not enough virus tests to go round). Plus, some very unexpected revelations about Keir Starmer... including the fact he moisturises each night before going to sleep. 

Labour's Jon Ashworth on what's behind Britain's lack of coronavirus tests. Plus, Amanda saves some ants from certain doom

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell are still apart, but offer a weekly dose of politics insight and analysis from their homes regardless. This week, cabinet minister Robert Jenrick answers Simon's questions on jobs, travel and working with Labour in the age of coronavirus. Plus, could Alex Salmond become leader of the SNP for an incredible third time? 

Cabinet minister Robert Jenrick on who should (and shouldn't) still be working. Plus, Salmond versus Sturgeon in a new Scottish battle of the fishes

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell record this week's podcast from their two homes for the first time, offering insights into the unfolding coronavirus crisis. Plus, Brexit minister Steve Barclay talks about the Government's £350 billion bailout, who's going to pay for it - and how he's coping without the rugby. 

Self-isolation special: Simon and Amanda phone in with the latest on the coronavirus crisis (and Steve Barclay joins in)

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell take a side-ways look at the Budget – could Rishi Sunak be the next Prime Minister? Plus, rebel Tory leader Bob Seely warns Boris Johnson to back down over Huawei plans, and Simon and Amanda launch a campaign to save the PMs pet pooch!

Chancellor Rishi Sunak storms the Coronavirus budget, looking like a Prime Minister in waiting. Plus dire warnings about another threat from China.

Simon Walters and Amanda Platell reveal their unique strategies for avoiding coronavirus (and Simon bravely shakes hands with a health minister), while Simon chats to the legendary 'Beast of Bolsover', former miner Dennis Skinner, on why he won't blame Jeremy Corbyn for Labour's election drubbing. Plus, the strange case of sports coaches and sex. 

'Beast of Bolsover' Dennis Skinner on losing his seat (and teasing Maggie Thatcher). Plus, handshakes, politics... and coronavirus

No ifs, no buts, just straight-talking politics every Wednesday with Mail+ Briefings. Join your hosts Simon Walters and Amanda Platell for 30 minutes of unmissable Westminster whispers and with exclusive interviews and invaluable insight into who really runs Britain.

hubhopper

Order! Order! with Simon Walters and Amanda Platell

hubhopper