In half a century just three opposition leaders have become prime minister. 45 years after Margaret Thatcher arrived in Downing Street, Matt hears from the people who knew her best - including Conservative colleagues Ken Clarke, Jonathan Aitken, and David Howell, aide turned author Michael Dobbs, her biographer Charles Moore, and her daughter Carol Thatcher. Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the SNP's leadership struggles , is noise in the Commons a good thing, and whether you should...
May 02, 2024•48 min
Tim Shipman and Kait Borsay join Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak clash over pensions and how to fund them, and one Tory gets a ticking-off from the Speaker. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the violence on American University campuses, whether sports stars make good politicians and the policing of domestic violence. Columnists (02:30) PMQs Unpacked (23:05) Hosted on Acast. See ac...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 6 min
For months a group of Tory plotters have been saying that the local elections will be pivotal to their efforts to remove Rishi Sunak from office. So as the moment of truth nears, can the plot succeed, or are the plotters themselves divided? Plus: After an MSP accidentally (and briefly) enters the race to replace Humza Yousaf, we look at the shotest ever leadership campaigns. Short Leadership Campaigns: (05:06) The Big Thing: (12:25) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 30, 2024•37 min
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. Caroline Lucas - the only Green MP - tells Matt about her reasons for standing down and what's wrong with Westminster - including MPs cowering in the toilet to hide from their party whips. Plus: As Humza Yousaf resigns, Times Scottish Political Editor Kieran Andrews tells us where the SNP goes next. Hosted on Acast. Se...
Apr 29, 2024•56 min
The impressionists are back - Jon Culshaw, Rory Bremner and Nerine Skinner join Matt to talk about their favourite political impressions, before engaging in a 'three-way Trump-off'. Plus: Andrew Neil gives his take on the future of Humza Yousaf and the SNP, and Gyles Brandreth discusses Keir Starmer opening up about his childhood. Andrew Neil (03:15) The Columnists (12:00) The Impressionists (30:30) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 26, 2024•56 min
Exclusive polling for the podcast shows two in 10 voters - including one in 10 of those who voted Tory in 2019 - would like the Conservative party to disappear completely, in favour of another right-wing party. How bad do things look for the Tories, and could they be facing a Canada-style electoral wipeout? Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell discuss political nicknames, whether politicians should answer more questions with "I don't know", and why Mr Bates vs The Post Office didn't make an...
Apr 25, 2024•46 min
It's Deputy PMQs wile Rishi Sunak is in Germany, with Oliver Dowden facing questions from Angela Rayner. Tim Shipman and Calum Macdonald join Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons as the deputies trade blows over council tax, the Renter's Reform Bill and second homes. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether we are seeing the end of the news anchor, AI in recruitment and why saying ‘back in your day’ in the office could be unlawful. H...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 6 min
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....
Apr 23, 2024•40 min
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 t...
Apr 22, 2024•44 min
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% discou...
Apr 20, 2024•34 min
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....
Apr 19, 2024•52 min
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 i...
Apr 18, 2024•40 min
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:...
Apr 17, 2024•1 hr 7 min
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 Tru...
Apr 16, 2024•48 min
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...
Apr 15, 2024•46 min
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) Ho...
Apr 12, 2024•45 min
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 outsid...
Apr 11, 2024•48 min
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 o...
Apr 10, 2024•49 min
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) Hoste...
Apr 09, 2024•41 min
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...
Apr 08, 2024•50 min
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 ...
Apr 05, 2024•47 min
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 ...
Apr 04, 2024•42 min
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....
Apr 03, 2024•43 min
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...
Apr 02, 2024•38 min
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 ...
Mar 29, 2024•46 min
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 Aca...
Mar 27, 2024•59 min
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. S...
Mar 26, 2024•35 min
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 dis...
Mar 25, 2024•49 min
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.c...
Mar 22, 2024•49 min
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:...
Mar 21, 2024•45 min
