‘In the room’ will be hosted by former deputy cabinet secretary, Helen MacNamara, and former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson, Cleo Watson
Every Friday, MacNamara and Watson will go behind the biggest headlines to explain the anatomy of politics and process, revealing the decisions behind the commotion and giving their expert insights on what should happen next.
The duo’s dynamic is born of having been in the room together behind the scenes of government and the state. As civil servant vs political adviser, in theory they sat on opposite sides of the table – one the deputy for the most senior role in the Civil Service, the other a rising star in the fray of political strategy in Downing Street.
With the Labour government facing daily challenges ahead of the May elections and buffeted by turbulent relationships with key allies, the podcast will dispel some of the mystery of politics. How are huge decisions made? Why do they go wrong? What would they be advising if they were in Downing Street today?
MacNamara says: “I’m thrilled to be working with Cleo again and with The Independent. Government is a lot talked about but little understood. We hope to go some way to fixing that without boring everyone to tears.”
Watson adds: “I am beyond excited that Helen is making a podcast with me — and that the Independent are working with us. We’re hoping our experiences help explain what’s really going on. Although, you have been warned: ignorance, as they say, is bliss.”
Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, comments: “I am so delighted for The Independent to have two of the best disrupters in Westminster with their signature wit, bite and razor-sharp insight. They have the most original minds in politics, fearless and of course they know where all the bodies are buried, having had a front row seat at the highest levels of decision-making. Politicians, beware.”
