Politics Unpacked

Keir Starmer has urged his Labour party colleagues to fly the flag with enthusiasm on St George's Day. But does everyone in Labour agree with him, and how much does patriotism matter in politics? Plus: While voters in Pennsylvania head to the polls for the state's 2024 primary election, what did Donald Trump say on the stand at the first day of the Stormy Daniels hush money trial? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from their time at Westminster.Conservative MP and minister Mike Freer talks about how threats and violence led to his decision to stand down, gossiping with the late Queen Elizabeth, and helping Boris Johnson get dressed.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves react to Rishi Sunak insisting that flights to Rwanda will take off in the summer, and the row over the policing of pro-Palestinian marches in London. Columnists (03:50)The Exit Interviews: Mike Freer (18:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brexit was the greatest conundrum visited on the British political class in the last 80 years, according to Sunday Times Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman.He sits down with Matt to discuss his latest book examining the years following the EU referendum, charting Theresa May's turbulent time in office and eventual downfall - and explains why it often resembled a political version of Game of Thrones.Now Way Out is available to buy at Times Bookshop and Times+ members can enjoy a 10% discount. Plus, you can enjoy great offers and recommendations from our literary critics. Explore thousands of great reads by going to timesbookshop.co.uk now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When it comes to chocolate, why are Tories pro-dark and Labour supporters pro-milk? Matt looks at exclusive YouGov polling and dives into the politics of chocolate at a time when cocoa prices are soaring.Plus: James Marriott and Miranda Green discuss Rishi Sunak's "moral mission" to reform welfare, why young adults are being infantilised, and why Liz Truss broke with Royal protocol.Columnists: (02:45)The Big Thing: (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Menzies MP is being investigated by the Conservative party following claims he misused campaign funds, making a late-night call to a 78-year-old aide because he had been locked up by "bad people". The Fylde MP, who has lost the Tory whip, denies the claims.Matt discusses the remarkable details with Billy Kenber, the Times journalist who broke the story, Conservative MP John Hayes, and Times columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in a month, Tim Shipman joins Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak attack each other's predecessors and tax plans.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Rishi Sunak's good week could create some momentum for the Conservatives, meeting unfriendly politicians and whether musicians should blame the audience for a bad show.Columnists (02:47)PMQs Unpacked (25:26)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Truss is back with her new book '10 Years To Save The West', where she recounts her brief time in Number 10. Matt brings you the best bits courtesy of impressionist Nerine Skinner and discusses the Truss legacy with former adviser Kirsty Buchanan, biographers Harry Cole and James Heale, and Truss backer Mark Littlewood.Plus: What risk does the CRINK alliance - that's China, Russia, Iran and North Korea - pose to the world order?How To Win An Election (03:44)10 Minutes To Save Liz Truss (20:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the 100th MP announces they are leaving the Commons at the election, Matt continues his series of interviews finding out what they've learned and why they're going.Conservative MP Henry Smith talks about his disillusionment with the Conservative Party, abuse on social media, and why he's not going to persuade his children to follow him into politics.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the role Britain should play in the latest escalation in the Middle East, why employment law disputes drag on too long, and whether political adverts could be making their way onto a streaming service near you.The Exit Interview (21:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much do parties spend on "big data", and how much do they still rely on old-fashioned leaflets through the door?Matt finds out how they're planning to spend record amounts this election year, and why some past campaign expenses included 'pest control' and 'emergency chair removal'.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Reform UK's woes, teenagers using social media, and supermarket orchids.What We Learned This Week (00:58) Columnists (03:15)How Parties Spend (21:26) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians always tell us the future looks bright, but a new YouGov survey shows that most people are wistful for the good old days. Exactly when you think that was depends on your age. Matt speaks to guests including Historian Dan Snow, who feels nostalgic for the 1990s.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Charlton discuss Rishi Sunak's five pledges, whether artists should be asked to help promote social initiatives, and whether it's ethical for journalists to wait outside politicians' homes. Columnists (02:05)When Were The Good Old Days? (21:56) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, Patrick Maguire and Andrew Gimson give the "Unpacked" treatment to a classic PMQs, with Tony Blair and David Cameron going head-to-head in December 2005 for Cameron's debut as Conservative leader. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether children are being failed by gender care in the UK, if athletes should be awarded prize money at the Olympics, and pothole fishing.Columnists: (04:24)Classic PMQs Unpacked: (23:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is it possible to have a happy family life and be a Member of Parliament? Matt speaks to MPs and their family members to find out about the pressures of life at Westminster, and whether more needs to be done to modernise.Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to prepare for a TV debate. How To Win An Election (03:50)Why Politics Isn't A Family Affair (16:20) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP and former minister Paul Scully explains why he's sick of the Westminster 'psychodrama', his proudest moment working for victims of the Post Office scandal, and discusses the impact that politics can have on family life.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the persistent questions over Angela Rayner's tax affairs, the Westminster 'honey trap' sexting scandal, and why Keir Starmer could end up with the same share of the vote as Jeremy Corbyn.The Columnists (03:50)The Exit Interviews (26:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire is joined by John Elledge to discuss the borders that explain world politics - from London's Ulez to the edge of space. PLUS: Columnists India Knight and James Heale discuss whether the public will appreciate the latest National Insurance cut, what happened when James went to Nigel Farage's 60th, and whether the Liz Truss story will get its own Netflix series.Columnists (00:41)The Borders That Explain World Politics (20:53) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If polls are to be believed, the UK could be governed by a new political party before the end of the year - one that hasn't been in power for 14 years. What lessons can we learn from the last changing of the guard, when David Cameron's coalition entered Downing Street?Patrick speaks to Conservative and Liberal Democrat advisers who were there in 2010, and historian Phil Tinline looks at the potential lessons for Labour.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Frei discuss the shifting diplomatic sands over Israeli military action in Gaza, and whether Nato is still fit for purpose as it marks its 75th anniversary.Columnists (00:38)The Handover of Power (19:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire and Tim Shipman give the "Unpacked" treatment to a classic PMQs, with Tony Blair and William Hague going head-to-head in July 2000 over membership of the Euro and Labour's record on crime.PLUS: Pollster Robert Hayward picks out his key seats to watch at the upcoming local elections.Local Elections Lowdown (00:40)Classic PMQs Unpacked (14:28) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As prominent Jeremy Corbyn allies and hundreds of councillors quit the Labour, Patrick Maguire asks how Keir Starmer pushed them to the fringes and whether the left has an electoral future outside of the party. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein answer your questions. How To Win An Election (00:55)Should The Left Leave Labour? (09:34)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the monthly Times Radio Focus Group, and this time we head to the blue wall to find out why former Conservative voters have switched their support to the Liberal Democrats.Pollster James Johnson of J.L. Partners joins Matt to find out how much they really know about Ed Davey, who reminds them of 'cringy car salesman', and which politician is the 'caretaker of the untruths'?Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss Rishi Sunak's 'worst hospital pass', the power of politics to change society, and whether they want to watch a documentary about Theresa May. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire give the "Unpacked" treatment to a classic PMQs, with John Major and Tony Blair going head-to-head in January 1997, challenging each other over the leadership of their respective parties.Plus: Columnists Robert Crompton and Jane Merrick discuss a potential Labour government's nightmare in-tray, whether school bullies prosper, and why Alan Titchmarsh had his trousers censored in North Korea.(Columnists 03:55)Classic PMQs (26:50) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt's off to the pub... to meet Wetherspoons boss Sir Tim Martin and talk about Brexit, Boris Johnson and whether the lunchtime pint is alive and well.Then Matt hears how Steve Bray, Stop Brexit Man, has been silenced. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to write a manifesto.How To Win Taster (01:03)Steve Bray silenced (06:30)Tim Martin (11:20) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP Robin Walker tells Matt why growing up with an MP in the family didn't prepare him for life in Parliament, why being Brexit minister for Theresa May was such a difficult job, and joining the queue to call for Boris Johnson to resign.PLUS: Columnists Libby Purves and Sir Trevor Phillips discuss China's cyber-threat, why both parties have tied themselves in knots over key policies, and why Libby's column has upset people in Scotland.Columnist Panel (03:09)The Exit Interviews (22:58)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our new exclusive polling shows that both Labour and the Tories have some well-known frontbench spokespeople; the bad news is that some of them don't exist. Matt explores why fake politicians can poll better than real ones.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether anyone cares if politicians have done drugs, why it's good to rub people the wrong way, and what makes political theatre worth watching.Columnists: (02:50)The Big Thing: (23:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt sits down with US political scientist Lynn Vavreck, author of 'The Message Matters', to find out whether the Clinton-era cliche - 'It's the economy, stupid' - really holds true.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the Tory mood after a poll for The Times had the party at its lowest level of support since Liz Truss' mini-budget, banging tables at the 1922 committee, and whether shampoo is a scam.Columnists (03:01)It's Not Just The Economy, Stupid (21:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the last PMQs before MPs head off for an Easter break, and comedian Geoff Norcott joins Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber. Rishi Sunak hails the latest inflation figures, while Keir Starmer describes the prime minister's Rwanda plan as a "gimmick".Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss why Labour keeps talking about Margaret Thatcher, whether Gen Z peers are a welcome addition to the House of Lords, and whether the right to roam is as straightforward as it sounds.Columnists (06:20)PMQs Unpacked (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With his party behind in the polls and some asking whether he'll survive until the autumn, what options does Rishi Sunak have to turn things around? Matt asks former leader Michael Howard and a panel of expert Tory watchers. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss who could take over as next leader of the party.How To Win (01:21)What's The One Thing Sunak Could Do? (06:09) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.This week, Conservative MP William Wragg tells Matt what it's like being a serial backbench troublemaker, how government whips behave like the mafia, and why he compares Boris Johnson to Faust.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether Penny Mordaunt could lead the Conservative Party and whether the SNP should campaign for a 'Tory-free Scotland'.Columnists (04:49)The Exit Interviews (26:42) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes the nation feel good about itself - is it the weather, sporting success or a royal wedding? And what difference does it make to how the nation votes? Matt takes a look back through history and the polls with Elinor Goodman, Steve Richards and pollster Kelly Beaver.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Miranda Green discuss Rishi Sunak ruling out a May election, whether heft and height matter in politics, and the value of cheap flights.The Columnists: (03:00)The Big Thing: (22:15) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon Brown tried to form a "government of all the talents", giving ministerial jobs to figures from outside politics. Matt speaks to two of the original GOATs, and asks whether Keir Starmer could even keep on David Cameron as foreign secretary.PLUS: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss the government's new definition of extremism and whether £5,000 is too much to spend on a handbag.Columnist Panel (02:56)Could Cameron Join The Goats (24:20) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak struggles to deflect questions about a Tory donor's racist comments, and accuses of Keir Starmer of double standards. But have government communications descended into the kind of 'inept catastrophe' we saw during the Boris Johnson years?Matt Chorley is joined by Tim Shipman, Hugo Rifkind and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges from the Commons chamber.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the NHS puberty blocker ban, state school pupils making it in the arts, and whether Keir Starmer was right to open up about his family.Columnists (03:30)PMQs Unpacked (24:35) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a decade since the introduction of recall, meaning MPs who break the rules can be kicked out of the Commons. As another recall petition opens in Blackpool South, Matt asks whether it's become too easy to remove them from the job.Plus:  A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss the impact of Lee Anderson's move to Reform UK.How To Win An Election (03:28)Total Recall (08:11) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson has defected to Reform UK, giving the party its first MP. Matt discusses the significance of the move with columnists Trevor Phillips and Libby Purves, and former minister Paul Scully. Plus: In the latest Exit Interview, outgoing First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford explains why he is standing down and why he had a difficult relationship with successive Tory prime ministers.Lee Anderson joins Reform (03:13)The Exit Interview (16:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the coming months you're going to see a lot more political adverts across TV, radio, and social media. But how much do we know about what really works, and what doesn't?Matt is joined by Mark Lucas, a British ad man who has made films in 80 countries, and David Brookman, professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Theresa May's decision not to stand at the next election, JK Rowling being reported to the police, and whether James can survive without a mobile phone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If the polls are right, Rachel Reeves could be the next chancellor. But after a Budget that confirmed money is tight (and stole some of her flagship ideas), what will she be able to do in office? Matt speaks to former advisers to Keir Starmer and Alistair Darling, and Times Radio's Patrick Maguire.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss what the Budget means for the Tories, how much trouble Science Secretary Michelle Donelan is in, and how far is too far when it comes to running with your dogColumnist Panel (06:01)Rachel Reeves' First Budget (25:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeremy Hunt has delivered what is probably his last Budget before the general election, and as well as offering tax cuts he found time to refer to Peter Mandelson's suggestion that Keir Starmer 'shed a few pounds'.Times columnist Patrick Maguire joins Matt to look at the chancellor's offer to the electorate and to consider Labour's response.Plus: PMQs Unpacked seeks Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer trade blows over law and order.The Budget (00:50)PMQs Unpacked (15:25) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Politicians often tell journalists "the only poll that counts is the one on election day". Professor Jane Green from the University of Oxford tells Matt why we should trust opinion polls as she takes over as head of the British Polling Council.Plus: Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty have been arguing about who stacks the dishwasher, and listen to a taster of the latest episode of How To Win An Election.How To Win An Election (01:05)Domestic Chores in the Sunak household (06:25)Jane Green (13:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP Stephen Hammond explains why he wouldn't recommend the job to a friend, why he was kicked out of the party over Brexit, and why he had to help Boris Johnson give him the sack.Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether the government will get any credit for cutting taxes in this week's budget, the problem of self-diagnosing neurodivergence, and what to expect from George Galloway as he returns to the Commons once again. Columnists (04:26)The Exit Interviews (24:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really goes on behind the famous black door after an election, as one government makes way for another? Matt hears about recently-released documents lifting the lid on the transfer of power in 1997, and speaks to some of the people who were there.Plus: Columnists India Knight, James Marriott and Patrick Maguire discuss the return of George Galloway to public life, influencers releasing books, and whether we should introduce a value-for-money star rating for theatres.Columnists (02:48)Inside The Downing St Handover (22:41) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three out of 10 Tory voters now say they're leaning toward Reform UK. Is there anything Rishi Sunak can do to bring them back? Pollster James Johnson of J.L. Partners joins Matt for the monthly Times Radio Focus Group.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether Rishi Sunak is right about mob rule in the UK, the culture of policing, and whether it's right for theatres to exclude non-black people.Columnists (02:45)The Big Thing (22:37) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer claims the Tories have become the 'political wing of the flat-earth society' for promoting conspiracies; Sunak says Starmer is just sniping from the sidelines. Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman, Ed Vaizey and Lara Spirit pause and unpack all the action from Westminster.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss where protests should be permitted, life lessons for Gen Z, and whether or not they'd have any 'tweakments'. Columnists: (04:00)PMQs: (23:40)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week in 1974 Britain went to the polls in an election that saw the Conservatives lose, but Labour fail to drum up enough enthusiasm to win a majority. Matt asks whether the next election could produce a similar result by speaking to Ann Taylor, who fought her first campaign that year, and whose career mirrors the ups and downs of the Labour Party itself.Plus:  A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to win deal with Liz Truss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP Nickie Aitken explains why she's standing down after five years, how much Liz Truss added to her mortgage, and what it's like being the MP for MPs.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Tom McTague discuss Lee Anderson, how Nick Clegg became 'The Foreign Secretary of Facebook', and why Rishi Sunak has revived Gordon Brown's regional cabinet meetings.Columnists (04:30)The Exit Interviews (23:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After discovering the voice of the self-service checkouts at Tesco sounds like Rishi Sunak, Matt is joined by comedians Jon Culshaw, Debra Stephenson and Rory Bremner for their best political impressions, and to rate listener's attempts. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether protests should be banned outside MPs offices, are faux flowers naff, and why the North isn't as cool as it used to be. Columnists: (03:17)The Big Thing: (23:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris to weigh up the Commons speaker's chances of survival as MPs continue to call for him to go.They also discuss Matthew's recent visit to Ukraine, where he met young people terrified about being called to the front lines.Plus: Fraud is already the most common crime in England and Wales, and new technology is making it hard to spot a scam. Matt finds out how the criminals operate, and how to protect yourself and your money. He also tries his hand at scamming Times Red Box Editor Lara Spirit.Can Lindsay Hoyle Survive? (03:26)How To Stop The Scammers (22:43)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer focuses on the Post Office Horizon scandal ahead of the Commons vote on Gaza. But have the listeners come up with better questions for the prime minister?Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit pause and unpack all the action from Westminster.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss who would want to run a public body, what NFU boss Minette Batters really thinks of politicians, and are we getting bored of by-elections?Columnists (02:20)PMQs Unpacked (17:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a new biography of Keir Starmer tells us more about the Labour leader's childhood, Matt takes a look at the importance of a backstory - does finding out more about a politician's past make a difference to how we view them now?Then comedian Joe Lycett wades into the sewage scandal for his new TV documentary, and says he’d do a better job than Rishi Sunak if he was drunk.Plus:  A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to win during a recession.How To Win An Election (01:18)Joe Lycett (05:29)Focus Group (10:23) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.Conservative MP Dehenna Davison tells Matt why starting life in Westminster in her mid-20s was a steep learning curve, how suffering with chronic migraines affected her work and why she admires Liz Truss. Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the government's move to ban mobile phones in English schools, Alexei Navalny's courage, and whether the next election could be decided in the pub.Columnists (02:09)The Exit Interviews (16:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the by-elections in Kingswood and Wellingborough, Patrick asks whether a Labour general election victory is nailed on, if Rishi Sunak can turn things around, and how serious a threat Reform UK poses to the Tories.He speaks to Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party James Daly, Labour frontbencher Liz Kendall, Reform Party Leader Richard Tice, and polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a year since Nicola Sturgeon's surprise resignation as First Minister rocked Scottish politics and her successor Humza Yousaf has had a difficult time filling her shoes.Joined by former First Minister Alex Salmond and the SNP's former leader in Westminster Ian Blackford, Patrick asks if Yousaf has managed to escape Sturgeon's shadow. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss why David Cameron has been irritating Republicans in America, whether Westminster should ban the sale of alcohol, and why John Clees is a delight on Christmas Day. Sturgeon's Successor (23:04) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer take a break from Prime Minister's Questions during recess, Patrick asks what their weekly joust teaches us, and whether it ever truly changes the political weather. He speaks to Tom Peck from The Times and Times Radio's Jane Garvey to both deride and defend PMQs, and two former party leaders about how to make an impact from the Chamber. Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Hadley Freeman on how the war in Gaza is reigniting the left's antisemitism problems, the relationship test trending on TikTok, and the great washing-up bowl debate.What's The Point Of PMQs (23:42) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a new divide in British politics: young men are becoming more right-wing, just as young women turn left. Patrick asks what's causing this growing political gender gap, the impact it could have on the general election and how MPs should respond to it. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Danny Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie answer listener's questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.