# By-election eve: Cabinet on the brink

An episode of [Politics At Sam and Anne's](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1709628885), 17 Jun 2026, 18 min.

Audio: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/953b2de5-3412-4af3-9705-b1255b5876c8.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=e0c28668-b961-43cf-8d6c-6ba62ef8a7a3&aw_0_1st.episodeid=953b2de5-3412-4af3-9705-b1255b5876c8

With just 24 hours until polling day, Sam Coates and Anne McElvoy preview three pivotal by-elections that could reshape British politics. The duo assess the contests in Makerfield, Aberdeen South and Arbroath & Broughty Ferry, exploring: • Why Makerfield has become one of the most closely watched by-elections in recent political history • How the Conservatives hope to capitalise on support for the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen South • Why Arbroath & Broughty Ferry is a crucial test of the SNP’s ability to fend off Labour's challenge Away from the campaign trail, Anne brings the latest intelligence from the UK-EU summit as political tensions continue to build in Westminster. Plus, is the cabinet starting to forge a path for the future without Keir Starmer? Sam and Anne will return on Friday morning for a special de-brief episode to discuss the impact of the by-election results on British politics. The candidates standing in Makerfield by-election can be found here. The candidates standing in Aberdeen South by-election can be found here. The candidates standing in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election can be found here.

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