The Leader | Evening Standard daily

Today we look again to knife crime on London’s streets, as two more teenagers were stabbed to death within hours of each other last night. The Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor, Martin Bentham, speaks to us. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s five-year-old daughter, Gabriella, has arrived back in the UK after spending nearly four years in Iran. She was greeted by her father Richard Ratcliffe at the airport Thursday night. And, on International Day of the Girl we chat to our Deputy Features Editor, Phoebe Luckhurst, on Greta Thunberg and discuss why days like today are so important.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A report by King’s College claims that every day an average of half a million doses of cocaine are being taken in London, double the amount of any other European capital. We speak to our health editor Ross Lydell to find out more. Who’s taking it? Donald Trump has rejected the UK’s calls for a fugitive diplomat’s wife to be stripped of her immunity. Also, When Harry met Ed Sheeran, we take a look at what they’re doing for #WorldMentalHealthDay.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A poll of polls published by the Evening Standard suggests that public opinion on Brexit is turning in favour of remaining in the EU.   Like the hit tune in Les Misérables, No 10 is chanting “Do you hear the people sing?” and our government, which trumpets the ‘will of the people’, is relying on the support of a large minority to push its plans through.   In today’s podcast we sit down with our Associate Editor Julian Glover to find out more.   Extinction Rebellion protests continue in London. Our journalist Sam Fishwick has been among the protesters, and joins the podcast to discuss whether their theatricality is connecting with Londoners.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode George Osborne tells us why “Number 10 is being a bit like the Bond villain” with its new EU and Brexit plans. Our editor also discusses our exclusive interview with Boris Johnson. And our business news editor, Alex Lawson discusses Hong Kong dropping its £32 billion bid for the London Stock Exchange.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Extinction rebellion have shut down London again. In today’s Leader podcast Evening Standard reporter John Dunne reports from the streets where the protest group have blocked traffic with a parked hearse. As Theatreland gears up for the Evening Standard Theatre awards in November, Nick Curtis joins the podcast to discuss their impact in the West End, and what the choice of host this year says about the show. Also, a humpback whale has been seen in the Thames. The Leader says it’s a welcome visitor - but is concerned for its safety.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s episode of The Leader we discuss Rory Stewart’s bid for London Mayor. He announced live from the Millennium Bridge today that he is going to “sort the City out”. Our political editor Joe Murphy is Intrigued… Also, Matt Majendie tells us why London should host the 2027 World Athletics Championships. This city has recently hosted both the 2012 Olympics and the 2017 Athletics World Championships, so why not? And.. *drum roll* Boris Johnson’s Hollywood bid! The script he wrote, with a role for Scarlett Johansson. We’re genuinely not making that up – Emily Sheffield’s seen the pitch, and takes us through it.  Join the conversation on Twitter at #TheLeaderPodcast  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The biggest party of the year is taking place in London this evening, as The Evening Standard celebrates the most influential people in the city at the Progress 1000. In today’s episode our deputy editor Charlotte Ross and Associate Editor Julian Glover discuss what it takes to make it on to the Progress 1000 list.   We also speak with the Evening Standard’s Home Affairs editor Martin Bentham about the Taser stun guns that 10,000 Met officers are being equipped with – do they need them? Also, following an unprecedented, sold-out tour which raised £3 million for 80 theatres through the UK, Sir Ian McKellen’s 80th birthday theatre journey returned to London for 80 further performances and now it’s at the Harold Pinter Theatre.  All profits from the show will be donated to 10 charities which raise vital funds for a cross section of people involved in the arts. It’s directed by Sean Matthias. Our own critic Nick Curtis gave it five stars.   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast and wherever you listen.   Join the conversation on Twitter at #TheLeaderPodcast  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s been a big day for Boris Johnson - so much so that his leader’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference was only the second most important thing in his diary. Immediately after his address in Manchester, the Prime Minister published details of the Brexit deal he is offering the EU.  In today’s episode of The Leader podcast Julian Glover dissects the Prime Minister’s big speech, how it relates to his brexit plan, and why Sajid Javid could now be next in line to Number 10 should the conservatives find themselves seeking a new leader. Also, Martin Bentham discusses Scotland Yard’s plans for new legal powers to stop Extinction Rebellion and other protesters bringing parts of the capital to a standstill.  Visit Standard.co.uk for more news, comment and analysis Get in touch - use #TheLeaderPodcast on twitter  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister with a vow to get Brexit done by October 31st ‘no ifs no buts’, everyone’s been waiting to see the PM’s plan.  Today the Evening Standard revealed details emerge of the Brexit plan currently sitting on Mr. Johnson’s desk In today’s episode of The Leader, Evening Standard editor George Osborne talks us through the proposals, and discusses the ramifications for Boris Johnson and his government. Also, in his first interview, Britain’s bravest cop PC Stuart Outten tells us he plans to go back on duty, as he continues to recover from a machete attack in London.  Visit Standard.co.uk for more news, comment and analysis Get in touch - use #TheLeaderPodcast on twitter  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In today’s launch episode, Ayesha Hazarika joins us from Manchester where she has been listening in to the action on-and-off stage at the Conservative Party Conference. Listen to the episode to hear why she thinks the 'cult of Boris' continues to grow - and the party moderates have a long journey back to power. Also, Julian Glover has been digging through the archives to tell the story of the editorial column through the ages. Prince Harry continues his tour in Malawi with a call for the public to ‘look up and share the beauty of trees’ – our Leader backs his cause.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A new daily podcast, setting the evening's agenda. Inspired by the Evening Standard's influential editorial column, known in newspapers as the Leader, hear exclusive analysis and insight from one of the UK's most trusted newsrooms. Launching September 30th.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.