Chopper's Politics

Suella Braverman joins Christopher Hope at the Conservative Party Conference, and causes a stir by accusing rebel colleagues of staging a coup against the 45p top rate of income tax. The Home Secretary stays on the fence on her party's latest row, whether benefits should rise in line with inflation next year, declares that she's proud of the British Empire, and boldly let's on that her "ultimate aspiration" is to reduce net migration to the UK to the tens of thousands. Plus, the MP for Fareham dodges the question about whether she would ever run for leader again and explains why the middle classes should evaluate their casual attitude to drugs. You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/tzdTEF7jJzc |Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has the dubious honour of joining Christopher Hope at the Conservative Party Conference in the wake of the government's 45p tax cut U-turn. The Business and Energy Secretary scoffs at the idea that the Chancellor should resign, has strong words about how he'll approach China in his new role and declares that he would be more than happy for fracking to take place in his garden.Plus, Rees-Mogg delivers a polite jibe at our guest yesterday, Michael Gove, and sounds a death knell to the idea of a royal flagship (sorry, Chopper!).You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/NOOcqP8UHfQRead more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a 2-for-1 deal on Chopper's Politics guests, as both Michael Gove and Jake Berry join Christopher Hope live at the Conservative Party Conference. After causing a stir on the broadcast rounds on Sunday morning, former Cabinet minister Michael Gove gave Prime Minister Liz Truss more headaches by calling for the decision to scrap the 45p top rate of income tax to be reversed, but denies the title of "rebel", claiming he's "just a backbencher".Also on the podcast, new Conservative Party Chairman Jake Berry gives his view on whether Tory MPs should be given a free vote on the mini-Budget ("absolutely not!"), fracking, and how the Conservatives can attract younger voters. All this and more, including well-timed heckling from the protestors outside the tent. Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julian Jessop, Economic Fellow at the Institute for Economic Affairs, joins Christopher Hope to talk about what went wrong for Trussonomics, and why he believes it's a case of fleshing out the plan, not about doing a U-turn.Also on the podcast, Restore Trusts' Zewditu Gebreyohanes takes Chopper through her concerns about the National Trust and why it's not just a case of a 'war on woke'.Plus the Telegraph's own Maighna Nanu on the point of party conferences when the country is in crisis. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: https://podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] |We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the opposition's party conference takes place in Liverpool, Christopher Hope is joined by two Labour bigwigs from past and present.Architect of New Labour and now Chairman of Global Counsel, Peter Mandelson joins Christopher Hope to talk about why he believes the public thinks it is safe to vote Labour again, how Sir Keir Starmer's power is that he's "more national than ideological" and confessed that he misses being in Government "every single day". Plus, to Chopper's delight, he declares his support for a new national flagship named after the late Queen Elizabeth.Also on the podcast, Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy takes a seat at the Red Lion to talk about how her party can capitalise on the Conservatives' shift to the right, how the right don't have a monopoly on patriotism, and whether she misses Michael Gove.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: https://podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] |We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From levelling up to trickling down: Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's announcements today signal a seismic shift in policy from the new government. But will his and Liz Truss' gamble on future growth pay off, how does it affect the public, and how will Labour respond?To unpack the announcement Christopher Hope is joined in the studio by Whitehall Correspondent Tony Diver and Associate Editor Gordon Rayner.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just like Westminster Hall which, this week especially, encompasses politics, history and the monarchy, so too does this episode of Chopper’s Politics.Historian Andrew Roberts joins Christopher Hope to talk about potential pitfalls facing Charles III, what the new monarch can learn from history, and why he's in favour of 'Elizabeth the Good' as a moniker for Queen Elizabeth II.The Telegraph's own Charles Moore on how be thinks we're seeing the British constitution working before our eyes, and if the Royal Yacht Elizabeth could be a fitting tribute.Plus Telegraph columnist Simon Heffer on the late monarch's audiences with their Prime Minister, and if you can trust Netflix's The Crown to tell you who the late Queen got on with best (clue: Simon thinks not...).Charles III is showing how well the baton passes, by Charles Moore|How Queen Elizabeth proved a trusted confidante to all her prime ministers, by Simon Heffer|For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper|Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded before the death of Queen Elizabeth II.Lord Martin Callanan, junior minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, joins Christopher Hope to explain the “bazooka” of Government spending the new Prime Minister has announced to deal with the impending energy crisis, and how it will impact us all.And director general of the IEA, Mark Littlewood, predicts a radical future for his old Oxford buddy Liz Truss, and insists that the fact she used to wear a Lib Dem rosette isn't a hindrance.Also on the podcast, Eddie Lister, Lord Udny-Lister, former adviser to Boris Johnson, reflects on his legacy and how shy and retiring the former leaders is planning to be going forward. Plus Laura Farris MP, on why she stepped down from the committee looking into Partygate.Why my old friend Liz Truss will be the most radical British prime minister in a century, by Mark Littlewood |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Note: this was recorded on the afternoon of Monday 5th September, before Cabinet announcements. She beat off stiff competition but Liz Truss is, finally, after "the longest job interview in history", the new leader of the Conservative Party and very shortly the leader of the country.But now the leadership contest is over and a tsunami of real life troubles is headed for Westminster, how will the next PM fare in choppy waters? And which colleagues will be thrown a life-jacket in the form of a new job, and whose Cabinet careers will collapse like a poorly made sandcastle?To unpack the latest news and analysis, and to try and understand what’s next, Christopher Hope is joined in the studio by Telegraph colleagues Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner.The first 100 days of PM Liz Truss – in her own words, by Gordon RaynerHow Liz Truss’s Cabinet could look: Predictions for who’s in and who’s out, by Gordon RaynerWhy old friend Therese Coffey is the perfect foil for Liz Truss, by Camilla TomineyFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of finally finding out who the next Prime Minister will be, writer Matt Ridley joins Christopher Hope to give his 10 rules for the next Tory leader to live by, and, given the winter we have coming ahead, we're sure either Sunak or Truss would appreciate a how-to-guide. Matt warns Chopper about the dangers of 'crony capitalists' and people who claim to be able to predict the future, and hopes the next Prime Minister can learn a valuable lesson from lightbulbs.Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's chief leader writer, Philip Johnston, delves into history (yes, the '90s now count as history, listeners) to illustrate why he thinks Keir Starmer is more Kinnock than Blair.How to be PM: ten rules for the next Tory leader to live by, by Matt Ridley |Labour heading for certain victory? This feels more like 1992 than 1997, by Philip Johnston |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Environment minister Rebecca Pow joins Christopher Hope to discuss the topic taking the Telegraph comment section by storm this week - sewage pumping into our waterways. Rebecca says that "the whole sewage issue is being completely blown out of all proportion" but that she does understand concerns, plus the MP for Taunton Deane suggests some unusual ways you can make the most of water you use at home.Also on the podcast, former BBC reporter Lewis Goodall talks about his new podcast with ex-Newsnight host Emily Maitlis and her recent comments about a 'Conservative agent' on the BBC board, tells Tories to stop being so thin-skinned about criticism and points to Nigel Farage as someone who can handle it well.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor and now Tory leadership hopeful, has a cup of tea and a doughnut with Christopher Hope at his campaign HQ. We've heard about his policies ad infinitum these last few weeks (feels like longer, doesn't it listeners), so while we do hear about tax and his childhood, he also tells Chopper how he's not paying too much attention to the polls, reveals his binge watch viewing habits and claims he doesn't mind being asked about his wealth.Plus Chopper puts your questions to Rishi Sunak, from food security and 'selling his soul to the right of the party', to his Nando's order.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chopper's taking a summer break, so in his absence we're bringing you one of the Conservative Party leadership hustings, chaired by the Telegraph's own Camilla Tominey in Cheltenham.The final two candidates were grilled on pivotal topics, from tax cuts and reforms to the economy, that will shape party members’ decisions - and Britain’s future. With six official hustings down and six more to go, who gained an advantage in the increasingly bitter race for No 10? Listen to find out.Watch the hustings in full here: https://youtu.be/I_BbN2PZjIU |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the mud-slinging between the Tories goes on, the rest of us are dealing with train strikes, delays at Dover and passport panics. Kit Malthouse, new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub, to talk about how his role is to get a grip on these issues (and why it's not an issue that he was chairing COBRA meetings rather than Boris Johnson...). The MP for North West Hampshire also talks about how working from home culture risks damaging public services, and is coy about who might have his vote in the leadership contest. Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent, Camilla Turner, gives a glimpse into the spin rooms after each leadership debate, and ERG Chair Mark Francois gives his reasoning for why he's putting his trust in Truss. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then there were two. After the longest two weeks in existence, the final candidates in the Tory leadership election have been decided - Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. But is it possible that some Conservatives are getting seller’s remorse with regards to their recently departed leader? Former party treasurer Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch - Peter Cruddas - joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to make his pitch as to why he believes the members need their say on Boris Johnson. Plus former Conservative chairman Brandon Lewis, who organised the last members vote in 2019, on his party's taste for ousting leaders, and fresh from a surprising Tory leadership race, Kemi Badenoch talks about what prompted her to run, says her future might not necessarily contain another leadership bid, and promises that she wasn't hypnotised by Michael Gove (you heard it here first). 'Add Boris to the Ballot', Lord Cruddas and David Campbell Bannerman|From Milkman to Mayfair, by Peter Cruddas |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The knives are out in Westminster as Conservative MPs vie to become the next leader of the party. It's the battle of the slogans: will Britain be "Ready for Rishi" or will P.M. be PM?The Telegraph's Associate Editor for Politics, Christopher Hope, is back in the Red Lion pub and joined by cheerleaders for two of the candidates, David Davis MP and Steve Baker MP. The latter was setting out his stall to Suella Braverman who, as of this afternoon, is no longer in the running. Steve had strong opinions on what a Conservative is and whether Boris was one.Outside of the speculation, Professor Matthew Goodwin popped by the pub armed with the latest polling data from Red Wall areas. He had some quite explosive analysis of what could happen in the coming weeks, months and years ahead of the next election.And making his debut on the podcast, one of the earliest candidates to throw their hat in the ring for Tory leader - and then promptly pick it up again - it's Rehman Chishti MP.Professor Matthew Goodwin's polling: https://unherd.com/2022/07/what-do-tory-voters-want/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say a week’s a long time in politics, but for Boris Johnson, the past 24 hours must have felt like an eternity. A bruising PMQs, a blistering Liaison Committee and over 50 ministerial resignations, the most in modern history. To unpack the latest news and analysis, and to try and understand what’s next, Associate Editor Camilla Tominey is joined in the studio with Associate Editor Gordon Rayner and down the line with Telegraph leader writer, Tim Stanley. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to our new investigative podcast, Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week saw SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made her intentions very clear to hold an indyref2, just 8 years since the last "once in a lifetime" referendum in 2014. But is her move legal? Former Conservative Scottish Secretary David Mundell joins Christopher Hope to unpack what exactly is going on.Also joining Chris in the Red Lion pub this week is MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson, who's courted controversy recently for comments over foodbanks. He popped by and also gave his twopence on Steve Bray, the anti-Brexit campaigner whose speakers were confiscated by the police earlier this week.And finally, Chris speaks to Phillip Lee on what it takes to cross the floor and switch parties, in the wake of reports that as many as six Red Wall Tories could be looking to defect.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to our new investigative podcast, Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The biggest rail strike in a generation might mean the trains aren't moving, but politics certainly is.The Telegraph's own Gordon Rayner joins Christopher Hope to chew the fat after the Conservatives faced bruising losses in both Tiverton and Honiton, and Wakefield, and wonders whether there was a coded message in Oliver Dowden's resignation letter, after the Party Chairman fell on his sword in the early hours of Friday morning.Also on the podcast, former advisor to Boris Johnson and partner at Portland Communications Gabriel Milland shares his 'purple patches' theory about why Red Wall vs Blue Wall oversimplifies the Tory vote, and why he believes the heart of the Tory party is shifting from Surrey to Stafford.Plus 6 years on from the Brexit vote, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan joins Chris to discuss making the most of Brexit, the lingering Northern Ireland conundrums, and, crucially, where the best lamb comes from in the UK.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Attorney General Suella Braverman joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion on a week where her role has been thrown in the spotlight. She apologises for using the term "all options are on the table" when it comes to the UK's relationship with the European Court of Human Rights, following their invention on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, and defends the controversial policy. Plus the Attorney General also tackles borders and Brexit, states that she feels the BBC has a bias towards the EU, and, finally, reveals her views on Marmite.Also on the podcast, Chair of the Northern Research Group of Tory MPs, Jake Berry, explains why the government needs to hurry up when it comes to levelling up.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gloves are off when it comes to Conservatives voicing their thoughts on their leader this week, so Christopher Hope invites both sides of the argument to the Red Lion to duke it out (with words, that is).Northern Ireland Minister and long-time Johnson ally, Conor Burns MP, makes his case in defence of the Prime Minister, letting listeners know that Boris Johnson isn't someone to give up lightly. While in the other corner of the ring, Conservative Home founder Tim Montgomerie bemoans the lack of ambition he sees in government, and accuses Boris Johnson of having less vision than Gordon Brown...Plus, veteran broadcaster Alastair Stewart, on why he thinks the 'mainstream media' is less than impartial when it comes to Boris Johnson, and Charles Lewington, former Head of Communications for the Tories in the 1990s, on why comparisons to Sir John Major's government are misplaced.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to The Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club: https://podfollow.com/vandtcc|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Telegraph's Associate Editor Camilla Tominey and Whitehall Correspondent Tony Diver join Christopher Hope at Telegraph towers to react to Monday night's no confidence vote in Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister may have secured the support of 211 Tories against 148 rebels, but are there still choppy waters ahead? The gang place their bets on if the PM will still be leading the party by the next election, consider whether the Conservatives can please both heartland and Red Wall voters, and discuss potential next leaders, from the one we all know about (cough Jeremy Hunt) to the other contenders circling the top job.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a week of pageantry, parties and platinum pudding for Her Majesty's Jubilee, so Christopher Hope decided to call up the Shadow Justice Secretary, Labour's Steve Reed, to talk about Labour's relationship to patriotism. The MP for Croydon North tells Chris that Labour's relationship to national pride under Jeremy Corbyn was 'an aberration', that some unease might come from confusing narrow nationalism with patriotism and why he believes that he's patriotic because he's Labour, not despite it. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No, not Wagatha Christie; the hottest story of the week has of course been the Sue Gray report, and Christopher Hope gets the reaction from a fantastic collection of guests on this week's Chopper's Politics. Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt makes the short trip to the Red Lion pub to say that her party need to 'get on with it' to prove their worth post partygate, to talk about our first trade deal with a US state, and to indulge Chopper in a solid 3 minutes of national flagship discussion (you've been forewarned).Also on the podcast, Environment Secretary George Eustice insists Boris Johnson will still lead his party and the country at the next election, and discusses food security during a cost of living crisis. Plus Chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, reveals the differences in the three Prime Minister's he's dealt with in his time as he becomes the longest standing head of the group of backbench Tory MPs. Oh, and how many letters of no confidence he's received lately...For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to I witnessed history: playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Pow, The Environment Minister, joins Christopher "Chopper" Hope to explain why on earth she's asking us to befriend an insect, explains how she's working on cleaning up our rivers (and not just for wild swimming) and reveals why she takes a leaf out of Prince Charles' book and talks to her plants.Also on the podcast, head of the English Football League, Rick Parry, on the role the beautiful game can play in the government's levelling up agenda.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil Parish, the MP who resigned after it was revealed he had watched porn in the Commons, joins Christopher Hope to give his final interview before handing in his badge at Westminster. The former Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton expresses his wish to apologise to the witnesses directly, argues that the complaint procedure does not allow for MPs who want to admit wrongdoing, and hints at a possible return as an independent MP - watch this space. Also on the podcast, Leader of the Commons Mark Spencer MP on how to improve the culture in parliament and whether keeping the calibre of MPs high means an awkward conversation about pay. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this emergency local elections special, Christopher Hope is joined by pollster Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus and the Telegraph's Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith to chew the fat as the results keep coming in. What impact would these results have if they were mirrored in a general election, have they helped or hindered party leaders, and should politicos keep a keen eye on another potential C-word (whisper it listeners, coalition).Plus MP for Yeovil Marcus Fysh on losing local councils to the Lib Dems, and whether he has faith in the Prime Minister going forward.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NB: This podcast was recorded and released on Wednesday 4th May 2022, before polls opened for local elections.Join Christopher Hope for this pre-local elections special of Chopper's Politics. Chris chews the fact with our Whitehall correspondent Tony Diver in the lobby room about how it might go for all the major parties, and whether more eyes should be on Stormont on polling day. Plus Chris talks to the residents of Wandsworth, a totemic Tory-held council that could turn Red for the first time in a generation.Also on the podcast, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle introduces Chris to Speaker Charlena White, Speaker for Montserrat, about what the UK should do for its Overseas Territories, whether phones should be banned on the benches, and Sir Lindsay refuses to be drawn yet again about the full bottom wig...For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bumper bank holiday episode of Chopper's Politics, Christopher Hope is joined by the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes MP, in the Red Lion pub, to talk about a tough week to be a woman in Westminster. She shares her personal experience of being on the receiving end of questionable sexist behavior, argues that whips need to be better at seeing the talents of their female colleagues and muses on "a certain type of particularly macho willy-waving man" that is drawn to a life in politics.Also on the podcast, Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey on why he's championing rural voices, and being 'fighting fit' for next week's local elections, and Shadow Levelling Up Secretary, Labour's Lisa Nandy, on the cost of living crisis and experiencing sexism on the benches.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Harper, former Chief Whip, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub on the week he told the Commons he no longer thinks the Prime Minister is "worthy of the great office he holds". The MP for the Forest of Dean nails his colours to the mast and says Boris Johnson is likely to face a vote of no confidence from his own MPs within the next three months, and that he's not sure the PM truly meant his numerous apologies. Ouch. On the opposite side of the ring, and also on the podcast, is veteran Tory MP Michael Fabricant, who believes that the Prime Minister can weather this storm, but gives us his blow by blow on what other gatherings-based icebergs could be on the horizon. Plus, Harriett Baldwin MP on the fact that 8% of the House of Lords is reserved for men only - and what she's planning to do to change that. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Jenrick, former Housing Secretary, joins Christopher Hope as Easter in the Jenrick household will have a few more guests this year. The MP for Newark has a Ukrainian family staying with his own, thought to be the first MP to take in refugees under the new Home Office scheme. He tells Chris that red tape has "tested the patience" of those trying to be hosts, and he insists that despite the Prime Minister being sanctioned for gatherings during lockdowns, the idea that he should resign is "for the birds". Also on the podcast: Martin Baxter, founder of pollster Electoral Calculus, reveals how the public is responding to partgate fines, and gives us a glimpse into his local elections crystal ball.Plus the Telegraph's own Danielle Sheridan on swapping reporting on the corridors of power for the frontline, and the stories of hope she finds in a country at war. Read more of Danielle Sheridan's reporting from Ukraine here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/d/da-de/danielle-sheridan/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Hope is taking a well deserved break this week, so as a special treat to Chopper's Politics listeners we're bringing you a panel discussion from a recent Telegraph event. And for the first Telegraph event for some time, Chopper thought he'd tackle quite a meaty topic, and so the subject of the day was How Will History Judge Boris Johnson? To answer that question he was joined by a group of people who know the Prime Minister best. Andrew Gimson, the author of the celebrated biography of Boris Johnson, Boris: the Making of the Prime Minister. Sir Anthony Seldon, biographer of 10 Downing Street, and is writing a book out looking at Johnson at No. 10 out next year. Lucy Fisher, our former deputy political editor, now at Times Radio, as the chief political commentator. And Andrew Bridgen, the Tory MP for North West Leicestershire.You can watch a video of this event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p5wbJUVV3o |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Education Secretary joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion following the release of his white paper. Nadhim Zahawi stresses why he thinks teachers should focus on teaching young minds how to think, not what to think, why schools should maybe have stayed open for everyone during the pandemic, and how he's applying his experience from the vaccine rollout to his new role. Plus, the Telegraph's Ben Riley-Smith gives us the lay of the land when it comes to the Prime Minister's standing as war rages in Europe, a cost of living crisis looms, and the spectre of 'partygate' returns. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vika arrived in the UK on Monday this week, carrying all of her belongings in a single suitcase. She's a Ukrainian currently staying with environment minister Victoria Prentis MP, and they both joined Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub in Westminster to talk about Vika's journey out of Ukraine in blacked out trains, and how she's looking forward to getting back to Kyiv to rebuild her country. First MP to take in Ukrainian refugee says she wants to give them ‘the skills to rebuild Kyiv, by Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/03/25/first-mp-take-ukrainian-refugee-says-wants-give-skills-rebuild/ | Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Hope is joined by The Telegraph's Gordon Rayner and Juliet Samuel to discuss the ins and outs of the Spring Statement. What are the big 5 takeaways from announcements, will it come close to helping households during a cost of living crisis, and what does it mean for Chancellor Rishi Sunak politically? All discussed within.Read more from Gordon Rayner: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/g/gk-go/gordon-rayner/ |Read more from Juliet Samuel: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/ju-jz/juliet-samuel/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Danker joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for a lookahead to this week's Spring Statement. The Director General of the CBI warns that taxes or borrowing may have to rise again unless ministers use Brexit to turbocharge growth, and insists he wasn't offended by last year's infamous "Peppa Pig" speech by the PM.  Also on the podcast, Ipsos' Kelly Beaver with some exclusive polling for Chopper's Politics on tax, including whether Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to worry about his popularity. Plus, former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell on his objections to offshore processing of asylum seekers, and how he's by far the only Conservative with that view. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christopher Hope escapes the Red Lion to join Conservative Party Co-Chair Oliver Dowden for a tea and salt beef sandwich in his constituency. The former Culture Secretary claims that he wants to see 'genuine diversity' in the new Tory candidates list - and why he doesn't see that goal as 'woke'. Plus he'll put his foot down on raising taxes, and takes Chris on a trip to his childhood home. Also on the podcast: Lesia Vasylenko on what she's pitching to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as part of a small group of Ukrainian MPs in London. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for a wide-ranging interview over a coffee. The Minister for Brexit Opportunities sets out the pros and cons for fracking amidst a looming energy crisis and sanctions on Russian oil, and claims that Partygate and “woke stuff” are fading out of view in light of world events. Plus, an exciting announcement for Royal Yacht watchers. Also on the podcast: satirical comedian and host of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, Andy Zaltzman, on how to find humour, while striking the right tone, in a time of crisis. Find out more about Andy Zaltzman's Satirist for Hire Show: https://andyzaltzman.co.uk/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord David Owen, former Foreign Secretary, joins Christopher Hope to discuss why he thinks Ukraine is Vladimir Putin's undoing, how the Russian President's approach has radically changed since he first took power, and his fears about nuclear threats.Also on the podcast: Director of the Ukrainian Institute in London, Olesya Khromeychuk, on why global action against Russia should have been taken years ago, plus Tory MP Nickie Aiken on why she's pushing for greater government help for those fleeing the conflict.A Loss: The Story of a Dead Soldier Told by His Sister, by Olesya Khromeychuk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loss-Soldier-Sister-Ukrainian-Instant/dp/3838215702 |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost six days on from Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Christopher Hope is joined by those on the ground for a bonus episode of Chopper's Politics.From Kyiv, Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun sets out what she feels her country needs when it comes to help from the West, and fresh from Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv, the Telegraph's own Roland Oliphant tells Chris why he thinks trouble may be ahead for Russia.Plus Peter Thomson, a Ukrainian resident originally from Scotland, tells us how the invasion has seen him swap running his agricultural business for making Molotov cocktails using the petrol from his lawnmower.Read more from Roland Oliphant: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/r/rk-ro/roland-oliphant/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A dark day for Europe. Armed forces minister James Heappey joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to talk about how the government should respond to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The MP for Wells warns that decisions made in Western capitals over the next week cannot be viewed as a "quick fix" for such an 'epoch changing' moment, and why the UK will not be committing troops. Also on the podcast, Bob Seely MP, decries years of what he calls 'government complacency then panic' towards Russian aggression. Plus, Chris is joined by two journalists covering this unfolding story on the ground - the Telegraph's own Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow describes the shock of the Russian people and banks running out of foreign currency and The Times' Askold Krushelnycky in the East of Ukraine talks about the calm, quiet determination of the Ukrainians in the region. Read more from Nataliya: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/n/na-ne/nataliya-vasilyeva/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is the latest person under Michael Crick's microscope, as the veteran broadcaster attempts to demystify one of Britain's most complex politicians in his new book.He joins Christopher Hope to discuss the moments that should have ended Mr Farage's political rise; how history will measure the man ("It all depends on the success of Brexit!") and what he thinks the former UKIP leader has in common with Tony Blair.Plus Chris and Michael compare war stories of long lunches with the politician famous for his love of pints.'One Party After Another, review: a warts-and-all portrait of Nigel Farage, the outsider who changed Britain,' by Simon Heffer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/one-party-another-review-warts-and-all-portrait-nigel-farage/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour MP Rosie Duffield joins Christopher Hope at his favourite table at the Red Lion pub for a frank discussion on the realities of being a politician. She opens up on why she doesn't feel supported by her party following a distressing harassment campaign, and tells us whether she's tempted to defect to another altogether. Also on the podcast: Tory donor and businessman Johnny Leavesley tells us why Boris Johnson needs to 'get a grip', and whether current turbulence in Downing Street will see him tightening his purse strings. And Conservative MP for West Wiltshire, Andrew Murrison, on why he's leading a new All Party Parliamentary Group to scrutinise the National Trust. 'Boris deserves one more chance. But if he doesn't get a grip soon, he must go' by Johnny Leavesley: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/11/boris-deserves-one-chance-doesnt-get-grip-soon-must-go/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neil O'Brien, Minister in the Levelling Up department, joins Christopher Hope to dissect a very important document released in Westminster this week - and no, we don't mean that one. The MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston claims you can "level up" in Chelsea and assures Chris that it isn't a "North vs South thing". Also on the podcast, Shadow Secretary for Levelling Up, Lisa Nandy MP, tells us she'd have been right there "cheering from the rafters" offering Michael Gove her support if the white paper had delivered - but she feels it fell short. Plus unofficial Levelling Up expert, author and journalist Sebastian Payne, on what the paper means for Johnsonism, and the Telegraph's own Tony Diver attempts to sum the entire document up in 3 minutes, including why on earth it included a brief history of civilisation... For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to talk about becoming the 12th Tory MP to publicly submit a letter of no confidence in Boris Johnson. He explains his reasoning to Chris (before the whips or his family!) about how he feels he can't stand by as "good work" is "overshadowed by the actions of one man", and how he didn't come into politics to lie to people, or be lied to, but to help people. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the day all politicos have been waiting for. Well, sort of. Christopher Hope is joined by Telegraph colleagues Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner to take you inside what the 12 pages of Gray truly mean. Is it "sorry, not sorry" from Boris? How will ambitious backbench Tories leverage a floundering PM? And what will be the impact of, to quote Harold Macmillan, 'events, dear boy, events', such as simmering tensions in Ukraine?  Listen for full enlightenment.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"He was ambushed by a cake," said Conor Burns MP earlier this week, when asked about Boris Johnson's apparent birthday gathering in 2020: the PM's latest Partygate woe. But on this week's Chopper's Politics the Northern Ireland Minister joins Christopher Hope and makes a stunning revelation - there was no cake at all! He gives an impassioned defence of the PM, and tells listeners why he should stay as the top dog in Downing Street (with the greatest of respect to Dilyn, of course).Also on the podcast: Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham and former head of Thatcher's policy unit, tells us why it’s time for the Prime Minister to take a leaf out of the Iron Lady's book, and the Telegraph's Nataliya Vasilyeva and Lucy Fisher break down the simmering tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the implications for the UK. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed|Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tory grandee David Davis joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub for the interview everybody wanted. The former Brexit Secretary explains why he used PMQs to call for the PM to stand aside "in the name of God" and laughs heartily at the idea of stepping in as interim leader (that's not a no, though).Plus the Telegraph's Tony Diver on his scoop that caused woe at Number 10 (suitcase of booze, anyone?), and Chris Loder MP on how the 2019 Conservative intake are dealing with Partygate and pork pie plots.Also on the show: Lord Marland, who worked on Boris Johnson's successful mayoral campaign, on why his friend's ship is far from sunk.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Chopper's Politics podcast first, Ian Blackford, the SNP leader of Westminster, joins Christopher Hope as his favourite table in the Red Lion pub. While Britain is distracted by BYOB boozy parties, Ian and Chris get stuck into one of the big political questions of the next few years: will we soon see an Independent Scotland. Plus Ian reveals what it's really like having to work with a Tory government, claims Scotland will keep the pound in the event they leave the union, and makes it clear that he will not stand for anti-Englishness in the SNP. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Longtime Brexiteer Tory MP, Andrew Bridgen, joins Christopher Hope to exclusively reveal that he's submitted a 'letter of no confidence' in Boris Johnson over what he sees as a moral vacuum in government, and assures Chris that Bridgen Towers held no BYOB parties, thank you very much.Also on the podcast: Conservative MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, Miriam Cates, joins us in the Red Lion pub after the PM's bruising PMQs this week. As a member of the Education Select committee, she shares her concerns around schooling in this country - from masks in the classroom to teaching on gender.And Nile Gardiner, former aide to Margaret Thatcher, on why he's backing calls for a return to Thatcherite Conservatism, and why he thinks Boris Johnson needs to channel his inner Hugh Grant...Boris Johnson delivered on Brexit and vaccines; all that’s left to deliver is his resignation, by Andrew Bridgen: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/01/13/boris-johnson-delivered-brexit-vaccines-left-deliver-resignation/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: [email protected] | Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.