Hung parliament or thumping majority? And why do we all feel so skint?

Amol asks what the local elections results really tell us about
what might happen in a general election and why so many Britons
feel skint.


Pollster James Kanagasooriam is back in The Today Podcast studio
to give his verdict on whether the local election results point
to a Labour majority at the general election or a hung
parliament.


In a week where Britain could come out of a recession Amol asks
whether an improving economic picture may pay political dividends
in the general election. Torsten Bell, chief executive of the
Resolution Foundation - a think tank focusing on people on lower
incomes – explains why so many millennials are still feeling the
pinch.


And retail guru Mary Portas joins Amol to give her thoughts on
how the high street has been affected by Britain’s struggling
economy – and shares her moment of the week.


Episodes of The Today Podcast land every Thursday and watch out
for bonus episodes. Subscribe on BBC Sounds to get Amol and
Nick's take on the biggest stories of the week, with insights
from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news
programme. If you would like a question answering, get in touch
by sending us a message or voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123
4346 or email us Today@bbc.co.uk


The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson, both
presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the UK’s most
influential radio news programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor
for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s
also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has
presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s
political editor for ten years before that and also previously
worked as ITV’s political editor.


The senior producer is Tom Smithard, the producers are Hazel
Morgan and Joe Wilkinson. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The
executive producer is Owenna Griffiths. Technical production from
Mike Regaard and digital production from Elliot Ryder.


Note: this podcast has been re-edited.