Episode
Meet the MPs - Labour
- Podcast
- 50 Shades of Planning
- Published
- May 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3912
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://pod.co/50-shades-of-planning/meet-the-mps-labour
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Summary
The role of local councillors in the planning system has been a familiar topic of conversation on the podcast in the context of, for example, overturning officer recommendations and the case for a national scheme of delegation. There is less talk about the role of MPs in the planning system, which is something that friend of the podcast Andrew Taylor wanted to remedy. This then is the first of what he and Sam Stafford hope will be five episodes exploring the role of a member of a parliament by way of conversations that Andrew records with representatives from the now five major parties. First, Labour, and a conversation recorded with Elsie Blundell and Mike Reader at Soho Radio Studios in March 2025. Andrew, regular listeners will know, is Group Planning and Sustainability Director at Vistry, Elsie represents Heywood and Middleton North and Mike represents Northampton South. Andrew explores with Elsie and Mike their journeys to Westminster and their role now in the space between national objectives and what is going on in their respective patches. They talk local government reorganisation, they talk infrastructure delivery and regulation, and they talk about skills. Some accompanying reading. Public Practice’s Associate Programme Some accompanying viewing. Planning Teams for the Future: What they are and how we get there Some accompanying listening. Politics – Personal Trainer Any other business. If you enjoy the episode do please consider bolstering Sam's fragile self-esteem by leaving the podcast a nice rating and a nice review wherever you listened to it. Obviously though if you have not enjoyed it then please do not leave a review, but do please feel free to let Sam know why (via [email protected]). Feedback on 50 Shades episodes is always welcome. If you hav…