Politics Unpacked

Fifty Years ago Richard Nixon became the first, and so far only, sitting US President to resign. Ed looks back at how Watergate caused his demise, and asks whether a scandal could ever bring down another President.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Laura Freeman discuss why it pays to be hated, why Bansky artwork is often stolen and what makes swearing in English so popular Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fears that AI generated 'deepfakes' could threaten British democracy in the run up to the general election turned out to be largely unfounded. Ed Vaizey asks why that is, and whether AI and deepfakes will have a greater impact on the upcoming US election. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether King Charles should break his royal silence on the riots and debate whether the Olympics is better than the World Cup,. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Kamala Harris confirms she's chosen Tim Walz as her running mate, Ed Vaizey looks back on some of the best and worst vice presidential picks throughout US history.Plus: Columnists Anne McElvoy and Tim Montgomerie discuss whether Keir Starmer is handling the riots badly, the trap of political nostalgia, and why the Olympics are a silver lining to a distressing summer.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the government announced it may ditch the Conservatives' law to fight cancel culture on campuses, Ed Vaizey asks whether freedom of speech at University is under threat. He hears the cases for and against - including from former universities minister Robert Halfon, who was in government when the law was passed.Plus: Columnists Miranda Green and Carolyn Quinn discuss Keir Starmer's spat with X owner Elon Musk, the state of our prisons, and heckling Liz Truss at Fringe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As rioters rampage through towns and cities across the country, Times columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves join Ed Vaizey to discuss what Keir Starmer should do in the courts, online and in Parliament to stop the surge in far-right violence.Plus: Vaizey's Voyage takes a tour around Europe to find out how the backlash against tourists might affect your summer holiday.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says he's running a 'mission-led government', and this week Adam Boulton is looking at all five of his missions. Today it's his plan to 'build a NHS fit for the future'.Plus: Columnists James Mariott and Jane Merrick discuss Keir Starmer's plans to stop the summer of riots, the dangers of unregulated social media and why we should be reading more novels... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer says he's running a 'mission-led government', and this week Adam Boulton is looking at all five of his missions. Today it's his plan to break down the barriers to opportunity and smash the 'class ceiling'. Will it work, and what is oracy?Plus: Columnists James Heale and Rachel Cunliffe discuss whether the PM can risk taking a holiday, whether Mel Stride could win the Tory leadership contest, and why Parliament is crumbling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government, today it's his plan to 'take back our streets'. Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Robert Crampton discuss how misinformation contributed to the Southport protests, who is to blame for misuse of social media, and why soap operas make us more tolerant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government.Today it's his plan to turn Britain into a “clean energy superpower”. And after the launch of the government-owned GB Energy, we hear about the battle to host its headquarters.Plus: Columnists Tim Montgomerie and Anne McElvoy discuss the Labour-Conservative blame game over the economy, and how the Tory leadership contest is shaping up as Robert Jenrick launches his campaign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rachel Reeves addresses the nation with a warning about a £20 billion black hole in the public coffers, Adam Boulton is checking on the progress of Keir Starmer's five missions for the country, starting with the first: getting the highest economic growth in the G7.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Matthew Syed discuss whether Labour is already too soft on the unions, the Tory leadership contest, and Team GB's chances of winning big at the Olympics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Matt's last appearance on the podcast, and he's assembled comedians Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod and Nerine Skinner to give us their best political impressions - including the Tories in the running to lead the party.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss the Olympics, Strictly, and we find out whether Matt really has been bullying James. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The starting gun has been fired and Conservative MPs have begun entering the race to become next leader of the party. Who will make it to the finish line? Matt speaks to supporters of some of the candidates, and hears advice from two Olympians-turned-politicians on how to go the distance. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell ask how the Tories can win over the under-30s, whether the end of cash is a good thing, and why organised crime gangs are getting into sheep rustling.Columnists (02:00)The Tory Olympics (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs is back, and this time it's Rishi Sunak putting questions to new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.Matt unpacks the action from the new-look Commons chamber with the help of Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit, as both party leaders are unusually consensual and polite.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Starmer's ruthless streak after suspending seven rebel MPs, Kamala Harris' first presidential campaign rally, and James Cleverly's leadership video. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special advisers, known as 'SpAds', are being appointed left and right and centre by the new government. But what do they actually do? Matt is joined by former advisers Nikki da Costa, Henry Newman, Catherine MacLeod, Peter Cardwell, and Emily Walch, to discuss how to deal with your minister, the civil service, and the media.Plus: Why was Tony Blair advised not to do televised debates? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Times Red Box newsletter celebrates its 10th birthday, Matt rounds up all the previous editors to look back over a remarkable decade in politics, and finds out what it's really like to make sense of it in your pyjamas.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Iain Martin discuss Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race and who will be the next Tory party leader.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As thousands of performers descend upon Edinburgh for the Fringe, those promising topical comedy are buried in hasty rewrites after the snap election. But is there less to satirise under Keir Starmer? Matt is joined by former MP Mhairi Black, who’s making her Fringe debut, Steve Richards, who’s taking his political stand-up on the road, Emma Sidi, who’s playing Sue Gray, and comedy critic Steve Bennett.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Kirkup discuss the cult of Donald Trump, university written statements, Pret subscriptions, and who is the coolest new MP? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt takes a look at the government's new gang of four - Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden. Will they make all the big decisions before they reach cabinet, and will it stop them from falling out?Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the ghost of Liz Truss and whether MPs should be allowed to read their speeches in the Commons chamber. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

King Charles III has set out the government's plans for the year ahead, but what happened the last time a King was on the throne unveiling the programme for an incoming Labour prime minister?We look back at 1945, when Labour's Clement Attlee had defeated Conservative Winston Churchill, and find some surprising modern-day parallels. The voice of George VI is provided by the actor Kieran Hodgson.Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Trevor Phillips discuss the scale of opposition to planning reform and Trevor's warning about tribal politics here and in America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has promised to "deliver from the get-go”, but what does a focus on delivery really mean? Matt is joined by US political theorist Matt Stoller, who coined the term “deliverism”, and former government advisers Claire Ainsley and Sir Michael Barber.Plus: The race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader has been underway for 10 days - is it any clearer who could come next?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Joe Biden gaffes his way through his latest press conference, columnists James Marriott and India Knight ask if he should stand down. They also discuss whether PM Keir Starmer should smile more, the luxury of not having a smartphone, and the collective joy of watching sport..Plus: From interviewing prime ministers and presidents, to being unwitting target of a surface-to-air missile over Africa, The Sun's Trevor Kavanagh has seen - and done - it all. He tells Matt about his career, spanning nearly 50 years, and his biggest scoops.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Keir Starmer told us his children are campaigning to get a German Shepherd, we find out whether there's room for one in the flat above Downing Street. Matt is joined by 'The Dogfather' Graeme Hall, and he speaks to the new Lib Dem MP Steve Darling about his guide dog Jenny.And with big dog John Prescott retiring from the House of Lords, we look back at some of his best bits with columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.Columnists (04:05)Political pets (23:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is in America for his first Nato summit as prime minister, but what kind of leader will he be on the world stage? Matt is joined by correspondents around the world to analyse the foreign policy challenges the Labour government will face in the coming years.Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether a younger parliament is good news for Gen Z, why we shouldn't be surprised the French election was crazy, and whether MPs should be forced to wear ties in Parliament.  Columnists (03:45)Starmer Goes Global (26:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Commons meets to elect the Speaker, who has made a success of the job - and who hasn't? Matt speaks to two former deputy speakers to find out how the job works, and asks why they'd like to ban mobile phones in the chamber.Plus: After Joe Biden's press secretary bats away questions about the US president's health, we compare the way journalists cover the White House and 10 Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now, as a record number of new faces arrive in Westminster, Matt pulls together a helpful guide on how to survive life as an MP - from asking for directions to taking control of your own diary and staying off social media after a drink.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Patrick Maguire on Rachel Reeves' first speech as Chancellor, why the Tory leadership candidates are shy about announcing they're running, and the role Reform UK and the Greens will play in the next parliament.Columnists (03:08)The Exit Interviews (25:07) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley guides you through an extraordinary moment in British politics, as Rishi Sunak leaves Downing Street for the last time and Keir Starmer becomes the UK's first Labour prime minister in 14 years.He's joined by guests including pollster John Curtice, Times Radio Political Editor Kate McCann, and Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former and Current Political Editors Fred Emery, Roland Watson and Steven Swinford tell Matt about reporting on half a century of elections for The Times. They discuss how election coverage has changed and how the 2024 campaign compares to previous years.Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether Boris Johnson's appearance on the campaign trail could lead to a late turnaround for the Conservatives, why the next Labour cabinet should avoid engaging in "class warfare" and the children who've lived above Number 10.Columnists (03:37)The Political Editors (24:18) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer tells Matt about tax, protecting his family, his favourite Elton John record, and his plan for a Downing Street downpour.Plus: In the latest Times Radio Focus Group, James Johnson of JL Partners leads a group of undecided voters who think Piers Morgan should be prime minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades the holy grail of election night has been swing - the method of comparing support for the parties between general elections invented back in 1955. Matt finds out what kind of swing Keir Starmer needs to get a majority in the Commons and remembers the 'sultan of swing', David Butler, with expert voices in including David Dimbleby, Jeremy Vine, Jon Snow and James Kanagasooriam.Plus: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester talk about politics on both sides of the channel after that extraordinary result in France, and asks are there similarities between Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being prime minister doesn't come with a job description - in our political system after a gruelling six-week assault course of an election campaign, a newly-elected PM is thrown straight into the job and expected to hit the ground running.Over the years Matt has spoken to the people who've been there and done it - prime ministers and advisers including Tony Blair, David Cameron, Peter Mandelson, Angie Hunter, Katie Perrior, Gabby Bertin, Stewart Wood, Sir Alex Allan and Sir Gus O'Donnell. This is his guide to make sure you're ready to become prime minister.Are You Ready To Be Pm? (04:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest Times Radio Focus Group, 2019 Conservative voters explain why they have switched to Labour, but have very low expectations of Keir Starmer as PM.James Johnson from JL Partners tells Matt how this could present an opportunity to an incoming government,. PLUS: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the state of the election race so far, Labour luvvies and Rishi Sunak as the voice of self service tesco checkouts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The party leaders have been on the campaign trail day in, day out - but what seats have they been visiting, and what does it tell us about the kind of campaign they're fighting? Matt looks at whether an appearance by Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer can help swing a seat, and speaks to former Number 10 adviser Cleo Watson about the dos and don'ts of planning political events. Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss the ethics of political betting, and why Rishi Sunak should reform the rules for electing his successor. The Columnists: (04:00)The Big Thing: (25:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative party is facing one of its biggest ever challenges, but how did they get into this mess? And what does the future of the party look like?Matt speaks to Paul Goodman, Conservative peer and former editor of Conservative Home, about what will happen if it loses the election, and hears from William Hague about what it is like being ignored in opposition. Plus: A selection of some of the best moments from How To Win An Election as it reaches 1 million downloads.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with the MPs leaving Parliament to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Tory MP Craig Mackinlay lost his hands and feet after suffering a life-threatening episode of sepsis, and Rishi Sunak's snap election came too soon for him to run for his seat again. He talks to Matt about how he kept working from his hospital bed, dreaming about his colleagues while he was in a coma, and adjusting to life with prosthetic limbs.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and James Marriott discuss whether Nigel Farage's call for peace talks with Putin could halt Reform UK's surge in the polls, whether political interviewers should treat politicians with more respect and what Barcelona's ban on AirBnB means for tourism.Columnists (03:20)The Exit Interviews (24:34) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Rishi Sunak calling the election in the rain to Ed Davey falling off his paddleboard, what are the images that define a general election campaign? Matt speaks to the photographers who have had a ring-side seat.Plus: Benedict Pringle and Sam Jeffers discuss the best of the week's campaign adverts (and the ones that had to be deleted).What We Learned This Week (00:47)Mad Men (02:44) The Pictures That Define The Election (11:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This week it's a group who plan to vote for the Conservatives on July the 4th. Matt is joined by James Johnson from JL Partners to find out why.PLUS: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether building houses is a credible plan for economic growth and whether Matt should follow sports stars in drinking pickle juice for his health.Columnists (04:20)Focus Group (33:18) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Matt asks the question on everyone's mind - have we got too many polls, and do they dominate too much of our political coverage? He hears from experts from the polling industry and journalism, and looks at what it's like in a country where reporting the polls is against the law.Plus: After a cabinet minister admits the Conservatives are unlikely to win, would a small Tory rump in Parliament be able to hold a Labour government to account? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with the MPs leaving Parliament to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Serving Conservative minister and former leadership contender Dame Andrea Leadsom reflects on her time in Westminster, her difficult relationship with former Commons Speaker John Bercow, and explains why she would work for a potential Labour government.Plus: Columnists Sir Trevor Phillips and Rachel Sylvester discuss cross-party working, populist politicians, and whether Boris Johnson might make a comeback.Columnists (01:31)The Exit Interviews (24:35) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every local journalist has had a member of the public pitch them a news story by turning up to the newsroom reception. Sometimes these can lead to national headlines, but often they're funny, bizarre or plain mad. Matt speaks to Alex Morrison who has collected his favourite stories in a new book, and friends of the podcast send in their most memorable experiences too.PLUS: As Conservative ministers all but give up on winning the general election, Matt asks John Major's former Political Secretary Howell James how he kept fighting for every vote in the face of a Labour landslide in 1997.Tories Fighting On (02:44)There's Someone In Reception (13:52) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This week it's a group who all voted for the SNP in 2019 but are now backing Labour, even though Keir Starmer reminds them of 'weak tea'. Matt is joined by Tom Lubbock of J.L. Partners to find out why.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss whether Rishi Sunak has given up, and The Sunday Times' Gabriel Pogrund explains what we learnt from Labour's manifesto launch.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Public trust and confidence in government and the people who govern us is at a record low. Polling expert Sir John Curtice tells Matt what's behind the worrying decline, and a raft of big thinkers explain what can be done to fix it.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Rishi Sunak growing up without Sky TV, a young, inexperienced parliament, and whether climbing walls should be in the office.The Columnists (02:55)Why Politics Is Broken (22:59) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As dozens of politicians prepare to enter high office for the first time, Matt speaks to former top civil servants Sir Alex Allan and Alun Evans, alongside former ministers Dame Margaret Beckett and Sir Alan Duncan, to find out what pitfalls they need to avoid when they're given the keys to government.Plus: The Times' Political Editor Steve Swinford explains what we learnt from Rishi Sunak's Conservative manifesto launch. Conservative Manifesto (03:17)The Secret Life Of A Minister (09:03) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics. Conservative Brandon Lewis reflects on his time in Parliament, explains why he thinks Rishi Sunak is 'managerial', and why he hosted a radio show with Eric Pickles.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and James Mariott discuss the march of the right in European elections, and Labour's tangle over plans for VAT on private schools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Times Columnist and The Rest Is History co-host Dominic Sandbrook joins Matt to talk about how this election campaign compares to others throughout the post-war period, and how our current crop of politicians will be remembered in the history books.Plus: Former Number 10 adviser Cleo Watson tells Matt about her latest political 'bonkbuster', Cleavage, and 'Liz Truss' reads out some of the naughtiest bits.Cleo Watson: (03:30)Dominic Sandbrook: (12:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Matt steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters.This month it's a group who all voted for the Conservatives in 2019 but are now thinking of backing Reform UK. They tell Matt and James Johnson of J.L. Partners that Nigel Farage is the "Donald Trump of the UK" and their advice to Rishi Sunak is to "pack your suitcase". Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Tom McTague discuss whether lying is new in politics.Columnists (02.43)Focus Group (21:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman to unpack the action from Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer's first head-to-head debate of the campaign. Starmer talks up his father's toolmaking career while Sunak accuses Labour of planning a £2,000 tax on working households.Plus: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether there's more to the Lib Dems than meets the eye, misogyny in Young Farmers groups and whether Robert can make it as a London tour guide.Columnists (03:28)The Debate Unpacked (23:41) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Would former Tory minister Rory Stewart make another foray into politics? The podcaster, author and ex-diplomat tells Matt how he'd fix Westminster, why he'd much rather be PM than host a podcast, and what keeps him up at night.Plus: Comedian Al Murray takes us back to 2015, when he ran against Nigel Farage in Thanet South. Al Murray vs Nigel Farage: (5:10)The Big Thing - Rory Stewart: (8:50) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Former minister Robert Halfon tells Matt why he thinks all MPs should have round-the-clock personal security, and which Lord of the Rings character Rishi Sunak resembles.Plus: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether the Conservatives can benefit from the culture wars, how an international organised crime gang stole millions from the British taxpayer, and whether the next prime minister should take an oath of office.Columnist Panel (04:18)The Exit Interview (23:41) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the election campaign kicks off in earnest, comedians Lewis Macleod, Nerine Skinner and Rory Bremner join Matt for their best political impressions, and listeners send in their own.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss Jeremy Corbyn running as an independent, Rishi Sunak's shelved smoking bill, and politicians using football to appear more relatable.The Columnists: (03:00)The Big Thing: (23:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage's decision not to stand for Reform UK is the first major story of the election campaign. Manveen Rana and Trevor Philips from The Times discuss how that might change Conservative fortunes.Plus: What happened the last time Britain went to the polls in July? And two seasoned campaigners tell some of their worst war stories from the battle bus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last PMQs before the Whitsun recess is overshadowed by the speculation of a snap general election being called. Matt is joined by political journalists Kevin Maguire, Andrew Pierce, Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack all the action from the Commons.Plus: In the wake of Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay returning to Parliament after having his arms and legs amputated as a result of sepsis, Matt speaks to the founder and chief executive of the Sepsis Trust.PMQs: (01:00)Best of the rest: (31:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.