Politics Unpacked

Medical leaders have compared social media to tobacco as pressure grows on Keir Starmer to change his mind and back a ban for under-16s. Will political pressure force another u-turn? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Josh Glancy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has hit out at Elon Musk over his support for the hardline Restore Britain in the Makerfield by-election - could Rupert Lowe’s party split the right-wing vote? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Carol Lewis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has officially launched his campaign to be Makerfield's next MP, which he hopes will propel him to Downing Street. How can a Cambridge-educated former cabinet minister make the case that he's taking on the political establishment? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Net migration has fallen to its lowest level since before the pandemic - but will it have any impact on the public's view? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the first PMQs since Labour's local election hammering, but despite the leadership challengers circling Keir Starmer is surprisingly upbeat. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire and Cleo Watson, former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are each setting out their pitch to be the next Prime Minister. But do their stories of triumphing over adversity make them better politicians? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Under pressure over his stance on rejoining the EU, Andy Burnham could face a bruising contest against Reform if selected for the Makerfield by-election. But what happens if he loses? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Sonia Sodha and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is plotting his route back to Westminster, where he intends to challenge Keir Starmer for the Labour leadership. But would he make a good Prime Minister? And why is he so adored by some parts of the party? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Thangam Debbonaire and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's leadership crisis has deepened, plunging the government into chaos - can Keir Starmer continue? And what kind of Prime Minister would Wes Streeting be? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo speaks to broadcaster, former MP and speechwriter to three prime ministers Gyles Brandreth. They unpack the latest twists in Westminster, life as a government whip amid a Tory civil war, and which prime minister was the funniest behind closed doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer insists he's staying on in Downing Street, but an increasing number of his ministers and MPs disagree. What happened to the promise that politics would tread more lightly on our lives? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, James Marriott and Theo Bertram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's speech was his last attempt to convince his MPs he's the right man for the job, but will it work? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne, Libby Purves and Matt Pound, a former advisor to the prime minister Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour is losing heavily to Reform UK in areas once considered the party’s heartlands - what Nigel Farage calls a “truly historic shift” in British politics. Keir Starmer says he won't leave and plunge the party into chaos - but will it be up to him? Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Plus: Shadow Minister Victoria Atkins and Reform UK’s London Assembly leader, Alex Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's election day across the UK, and speculation is rife about a looming plot to oust Keir Starmer. But should the Labour Party just admit it's not as good at skulduggery as the Conservatives in their heyday? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris, to discuss scheming politicians, the drinking culture in Parliament, and how the 24 hour news cycle changed modern politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. A Times investigation reveals Zack Polanski made false claims when seeking the deputy leadership of the Green party, Kemi Badenoch's handling of hecklers, and what happened to relics of the early internet age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group returns for the final time ahead of the local elections. JL Partners brings together 2024 Labour voters who are now on the fence — so what’s changed? Is Keir Starmer the problem, are his potential rivals any better, or are the Greens the real beneficiaries? Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder Tom Lubbock to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour backbenchers are reportedly preparing an open letter urging Keir Starmer to name a resignation date — but who would actually replace him, and would voters be any happier? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The papers are full of speculation on who could replace Keir Starmer if he is toppled after this week's local elections. But does anyone know what's actually going on inside the party? Guto Harri unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the terror threat level raised to “severe,” the Metropolitan Police is reviewing whether pro-Palestine marches can go ahead. Where should the line be drawn between public safety and the right to protest? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of the local elections. JL Partners brings together voters from across Britain who backed Labour, the Conservatives and Reform UK in 2024 — but who now all say they plan to vote Reform. What’s driving the shift? Is it about Nigel Farage, frustration with the main parties, or belief in Reform itself? And what, if anything, could change their minds? Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder James Johnson to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.