The Independent's new weekly political podcast shows how decisions are really made
Hosts include a former deputy cabinet secretary and former deputy chief of staff
– 1 min read
A new podcast by The Independent, In The Room, promises listeners a rare behind-the-scenes look at UK politics from two women who were actually there. Hosts Helen MacNamara, former deputy cabinet secretary, and Cleo Watson, former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson, explore the week’s biggest political headlines with first-hand insight from Westminster and Whitehall.
Each Friday, Helen and Cleo will break down how decisions are really made in government, drawing on their experience working together during pivotal moments from 2018 to 2021.
Produced by The Independent Podcast Network and Next Chapter Studios, In The Room aims to demystify the political process, share untold stories, and inject a dose of humour into the week’s analysis ahead of the Labour's local elections in May 2026.
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Jacob Granger is the community editor of JournalismUK