In this interview, Yale political scientist Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, argues that the political systems we take for granted are no longer fit for purpose. As trust in politicians reaches historic lows across Britain, Europe and the United States, Landemore makes the case that elections alone may no longer be enough to produce governments that truly represent ordinary people.

Drawing on examples from Ancient Athens, France, Ireland, the United States, and the UK, she explains why professional politicians often become disconnected from the people they represent—and why citizens chosen by lottery could make better decisions than elected MPs.

The interview also examines the growing gap between political elites and ordinary voters, discussing the rise of career politicians, the influence of wealthy interests, and why so many voters feel ignored by Westminster, Washington and Brussels.

Landemore discusses the Yellow Vest movement in France, the Democratic Party's handling of Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped aside, the legitimacy of replacing prime ministers without a general election, and how public frustration has fuelled anti-establishment movements across the Western world.

She also explains how citizens' assemblies have already been used to tackle some of society's most difficult questions, including abortion rights, marriage equality and climate policy, and why she believes these experiments could point towards the future of democracy.

As public confidence in politics continues to decline, this conversation asks a provocative question: do we need fewer politicians—and more ordinary people making political decisions?

Whether you agree or disagree, this is one of the most thought-provoking conversations you'll hear about democracy, political reform and the future of representative government.

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Ava and Andy take to the studio to break down Keir Starmer's first PMQs since resigning, where he defended his government's record since taking office in 2024.

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In this episode, we sit down with renowned economist, author, and founder of the UCL Institute for Innovation & Public Purpose, Professor Mariana Mazzucato, to discuss her new book The Common Good Economy: A New Compass, and why she believes modern capitalism is failing to deliver for ordinary people.

From Palantir's NHS contracts and the future of AI governance to Thames Water, steel, industrial strategy, and the green transition, Mariana argues that governments have lost confidence in shaping markets around public purpose. Instead, she says, we've created an economy that too often socialises risk while privatising reward.

We explore why governments fund many of the world's biggest innovations, from the internet and AI to Tesla and SpaceX, yet rarely share in the rewards when those investments succeed. Mariana explains how public investment helped create some of today's most valuable companies, why she believes Britain's relationship with business has become increasingly "parasitic", and what a more mission-driven economy could look like.

The conversation also covers Labour's economic strategy, Keir Starmer's mission-led government, the future of industrial policy, public-private partnerships, corporate subsidies, regulation, and the role of the state in driving innovation. Mariana challenges the idea that regulation stifles growth, arguing instead that smart regulation has historically been one of the biggest drivers of innovation and prosperity.

Mariana also explains why governments need clearer goals, stronger contracts, and greater accountability when working with private companies. Whether discussing water infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, AI, or clean energy, her central argument is that markets should be organised around outcomes that benefit people and the planet, not simply around short-term profit.

If you're interested in economics, politics, industrial strategy, public ownership, AI, innovation, inequality, growth, Labour politics, public services, climate policy, or the future of capitalism, this conversation is essential listening.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Do you agree with Mariana's vision of a common good economy? Can governments and businesses work together more effectively to solve society's biggest challenges?

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As Labour grapples with falling poll ratings, the rise of Reform UK, and growing questions about its political identity, Labour MP Jonathan Hinder joins PoliticsJOE to discuss the future of the party, the influence of Blue Labour, and why so many traditional Labour voters have drifted away.

In this wide-ranging interview, Hinder argues that Labour has lost touch with many of the working-class communities it was founded to represent. He discusses why issues such as immigration, economic security, national identity, workplace democracy, and public ownership have become central to political debate, and why Labour must rebuild trust with voters who increasingly feel ignored by Westminster politics.

Hinder explains the principles of Blue Labour, the political tradition associated with Maurice Glasman that combines socialist economics with a focus on community, solidarity, parliamentary sovereignty and working-class representation. He argues that Labour's current leadership has often adopted Blue Labour rhetoric without fully embracing its ideas, leaving the party struggling to reconnect with former supporters.

The conversation also explores Labour's growing challenge from Reform UK, why many trade union members are considering alternatives to Labour, and whether the party has become too focused on university graduates and metropolitan voters at the expense of its traditional base. Hinder discusses the immigration debate, the role of Parliament in shaping policy, and why he believes Labour needs a clearer vision for the future.

The interview also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding the direction of Keir Starmer's government, the fallout from the latest Labour Party controversies, and the broader question of what Labour stands for in 21st century Britain.

Could Andy Burnham represent Labour's future? Hinder discusses Burnham's political appeal, his ability to speak to different parts of Labour's coalition, and why many voters feel disconnected from the current political establishment.

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Before the people of Makerfield head to the polls to potentially crown the next Prime Minister, Ava and Seán break down what they saw on the ground there last week.

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Ava and Andy return to the PolJOE sofa to dive deep on Keir Starmer's social media ban, weighing the pros, cons, and wider implications. Is this a well-considered crackdown or a desperate lurch for legacy?

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Jeremy Corbyn is no stranger to media and political pile-ons. Neither is Hasan Piker.

Hasan was due to grace the PolJOE dungeon with his presence, for a chat with the former leader of the Labour Party, but the UK government had other ideas.

Himself and his uncle, Cenk Uygur, had their e-visas revoked by the Home Office, who believed their arrival would not be "conducive to the public good." We decided to find out whether that was true or not by carrying on with the interview regardless.

Hasan and Corbyn joined Seán for a wide-ranging chat on where their philosophies blend, and where they differ. How the global drive for equality and emancipation continues to be undermined by the very states sworn to protect them, and where the left can learn to become a true force in mainstream and grassroots political movements alike.

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Ava is joined by Claire Hanna, the Social Democratic and Labour Party MP for Belfast South and Mid Down, to break down the recent violence and unrest in Northern Ireland.

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