Mandelson scandal: ‘from tawdry friendship to something sinister’

<p>This week: Michael and Maddie examine the fallout from the Epstein files and ask how a story of questionable judgment became a far more serious test of trust at the top of British politics. As new revelations emerge about Peter Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, has a tawdry association escalated into a question of the national interest? And what does the affair reveal about Keir Starmer’s judgment – and the risks of relying on political experience over proper scrutiny?</p><p>Then: the growing generational backlash over student loans. With graduate repayment thresholds frozen and interest rates soaring, are younger voters being systematically squeezed to prop up an unsustainable system?</p><p>Finally: the countryside culture war. From Defra’s diversity targets to mounting regulation of rural life, Michael and Maddie ask whether policymakers fundamentally misunderstand the countryside – and whether independence, not prejudice, is what really makes it a target.</p><p>Produced by Oscar Edmondson.</p><p>To submit your urgent questions to Michael and Maddie, visit spectator.co.uk/quiteright.</p><p>Become a <em>Spectator </em>subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to <a href="spectator.co.uk/follow-your-podcasts/"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/adfree</a> to find out more.</p><br><p>For more <em>Spectator</em> podcasts, go to <a href="spectator.co.uk/podcasts/"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spectator.co.uk/podcasts</a>.</p><br><p>Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk</p>

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