The new-look Northern Spin podcast has been winning rave reviews following its return after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus.
The podcast, which was first launched in 2022 to give the North a stronger voice, made its long-awaited comeback last Friday ahead of the hotly anticipated Makerfield by-election on June 18.
All eyes are on Makerfield as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham seeks a route back to Westminster and a potential bid to become the next Prime Minister.
Frank McKenna joined BusinessCloud Executive Editor Chris Maguire as co-host of the show, which is now called Northern Spin with Maguire and McKenna.
A former politician, McKenna is chief executive and group chairman of the influential private sector lobby group and business networking organisation Downtown in Business.
The latest episode was released on Friday and has already attracted listeners as far afield as Australia, Portugal, Brazil, Canada and the Netherlands.
Northern Spin has been winning rave reviews, with comments including: ‘Great work’, ‘Can’t believe how much I’d missed it’ and ‘Informative, balanced and honest’.
In the first 75-minute episode, the pair discuss a range of issues, including:
• Can Brand Burnham win over Makerfield, Labour and the country?
• Is it Burnham or bust for Labour?
• Will Carol Vorderman finish off Reform candidate Rob Kenyon after the sexism row?
• Would victory in Makerfield make Burnham Labour’s next leader-in-waiting?
• Why does Burnham need to ditch the ‘King of the North’ label?
Maguire said: “I’ve been really humbled by the feedback. I decided to bring Northern Spin back because there’s a bit of an information vacuum.
“Burnham is a Northern politician, so the result of the Makerfield by-election will have huge implications for the region and the country.
“Frank is a knowledgeable and respected voice in politics and provides real insight.”
The next episode of Northern Spin will be released this week and will profile the life and career of Andy Burnham.
A decision on whether the podcast returns permanently will be made after the Makerfield by-election.
The episode was produced by Dan Brown of Renowned and can be listened to here.
A total of 14 candidates are standing in the Makerfield by-election. A full list can be found here.