Rishi Sunak attacks Keir Starmer for flip-flopping, but turns the proceedings sour with a scripted jibe about trans rights. Matt is joined by Caroline Wheeler, Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the angry exchanges from PMQs. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Hadley Freeman discuss Joe Biden's latest blunders, mindfulness in schools, and what Kemi Badenoch has in commons with Taylor Swift . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 18 min
New polling for Times Radio shows that voters aren't enthusiastic about either Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer. We hear from ordinary voters from across England to find out why. Matt is joined by Tom Lubbock from JL Partners to discuss the findings. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Danny Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie discuss the latest Tory faction; Liz Truss and the Popular Conservatives. How To Win An Election ...
Feb 06, 2024•35 min
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. Former Conservative minister Steve Brine tells Matt that the threats and abuse MPs face is getting worse, what happened when Labour mocked the Tories with a bus after the 2001 election, and why he thinks Liz Truss should keep quiet. Plus: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester talk about The Times' Health Commission inq...
Feb 05, 2024•56 min
Can lipstick, packed lunches and pants tell us about the health of the economy? Matt is joined by The Times' Science Editor Tom Whipple to test the theories and judge whether the times we're living in are good or bad. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether the Tories latest attack ad comparing Keir Starmer to JFK is a success, whether private schools mean it when they go woke and which MPs could make it as a telly presenter. Columnist...
Feb 02, 2024•48 min
A wave of upheaval is happening across Europe, with hard right or Eurosceptic parties gaining traction in countries from France, to Italy, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Matt climbs aboard Chorley Airways to find out how the political landscape is changing. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell discuss leadership lessons from Tony Blair, why being an MP is becoming increasingly dangerous , and what happens when politicians name-check members of the public. Columnist Panel (01:52) Europ...
Feb 01, 2024•51 min
Keir Starmer has met a supermarket worker called Phil who is struggling with his mortgage. Rishi Sunak says Phil will pay more in taxes under Labour. But where is Phil? Matt is joined by Times Policy Editor Oliver Wright and Red Box Editor Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at PMQs. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and James Kirkup discuss Nicola Sturgeon in front of the Covid inquiry, why the government should care about our teeth, and why wild weeing has to stop. Columnist Panel (04:3...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 4 min
As Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and countless others argue over what is and isn't real conservatism, we ask what the different tribes stand for, and is that the same as what voters want? Matt speaks to two former ministers from different Tory traditions, Sir John Hayes and Dominic Grieve, plus pollster Scarlett Maguire, and Reform leader Richard Tice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 30, 2024•36 min
Matt 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 their time in politics. Harriet Harman has been an MP for four decades and held key roles in the Labour Party and in government. A long-time campaigner for women, she tells Matt why she's embarrassed Labour is still yet to elect a female leader, why Starmer shouldn't make decisions in an all-male room, and why she once hid from Marg...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min
In America the Democrats are attempting to reclaim the word 'Freedom' from Republicans in the debate over abortion rights. So how do you use language to seize the political narrative from your opponents? Matt speaks to US political scientist Rachel Bitecofer, Keir Starmer’s former Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Ward, and Craig Oliver, former head of communications for David Cameron. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss the senselessness of the Nottingham attacks , why ...
Jan 26, 2024•45 min
Is tactical voting about to go mainstream? Matt speaks to the organiser of an US-style primary who wants to give voters the chance to choose one candidate to stand against the Conservatives in their area. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the details of the plot to oust Rishi Sunak led by his former adviser, whether it matters that rich people are getting stingier , and whether salty tea is as good as an American scientist will have you believ...
Jan 25, 2024•51 min
After former cabinet minister Simon Clarke calls on Rishi Sunak to resign, Keir Starmer gets away with swearing about Tory in-fighting and Rishi Sunak calls him a "human weathervane". Matt pauses and unpacks the action from Prime Minister's Questions with Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit, and reads out some texts from Conservative MPs. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the backlash against Simon Clarke , Britain's disappearing public toilets, and why Robert really likes d...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min
From climate change to war to global poverty, the world seems like it's in a fragile state. Danish political scientist and climate contrarian Bjørn Lomborg argues things aren't as bad as they seem - he sits down with Matt to explain why. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelsteon discuss the significance of local elections in England 100 days from now. How to Win an Election Taster ...
Jan 23, 2024•27 min
Matt 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 their time in politics. Sir Robert Goodwill, an MP for two decades, reveals the uncomfortable conversations he's had as a party whip, which Prime Minister sacked him most graciously, and how a lasagna swung his choice in the Tory leadership contest in 2005. Plus: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss Keir Starmer's version ...
Jan 22, 2024•51 min
The Census provides a snapshot of the state of the nation - should it survive? Matt visits the cupboard where Emily Wilding Davison hid in Parliament during the 1911 census, talks to a genealogist about his proud family history of criminals, and hears from someone who puts 'Jedi' down as their religion. Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Carol Lewis discuss why new build homes are so shoddy, whether actors should stop being critical of politicians, and how to give away 25 million euros. H...
Jan 19, 2024•50 min
The 1944 Education Act introduced free secondary education for all pupils, but only came about thanks to a meeting with Winston Churchill leaning back in bed wearing a night cap. Matt looks at the impact of the reforms and how schools have changed since with Michael Barber, Joan Bakewell, Britain's oldest teacher and Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell react to Rishi Sunak's warning to the House of Lords not to block the Rwanda bill...
Jan 18, 2024•50 min
It's PMQs Unpacked, and Matt and Tim Shipman are joined by comedian Al Murray to rate the jokes as Keir Starmer calls the government's Rwanda plan a "farce" and Rishi Sunak is told off for using props. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton compare notes on the resignation of Lee Anderson , and why does Robert think cyclists are smug ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Donald Trump kicked off his bid for the White House with a record-breaking win in Iowa, making him the likely Republican nominee in November's US election. Matt asks what his return might mean for the special relationship, and how Sunak and Starmer should prepare. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Danny Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie discuss how to win a by-election, and whether it matters if you don't. How to ...
Jan 16, 2024•34 min
Matt 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 their time in politics. Today, outspoken Conservative MP Charles Walker - who famously said of his party "I've had enough of talentless people" - joins Matt to discuss nearly two decades in politics. He looks back on the Brexit wars, why he staged protest with a carton of milk, and explains why he's leaving the Commons. Plus: Column...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr
From Gladstone’s despatch box to a packet of crisps with Nick Clegg's face on it, what is your political memorabilia worth? Matt is joined by Antiques Roadshow's first host, Bruce Parker, Labour's Jess Philips, and an auctioneer with a gavel, to discuss the value of political mementos. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether MPs should be recalled over the conflict in the Red Sea, why TV ads should stop using West Country accents, and is the UK being riddled with anxiety...
Jan 12, 2024•45 min
In the first Times Radio Focus Group of 2024, we hear from 2019 Conservative voters who now say they've switched to Labour. Rishi Sunak is out of touch and makes them cringe, but Keir Starmer lacks the 'X factor' and reminds them of Marvin the Paranoid Android. James Johnson of J.L. Partners joins Matt to discuss the results. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss whether the latest Tory MPs to quit politics did so out of principle or to land a lucrative n...
Jan 11, 2024•52 min
It's the first PMQs of the new year, with Rishi Sunak announcing a plan to overturn wrongful convictions in the Post Office scandal and Keir Starmer accusing him of flip-flopping over the Rwanda policy. Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges from the Commons chamber. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether age matters in politics, why no one is talking about Covid being back, and why you should keep eating bread . Ho...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr
It's nearly a year since Nicola Sturgeon resigned, and Humza Yousaf has set out his stall for the general election - with independence looking an increasingly distant prospect. Matt asks if the SNP dream is dead (for now) with polling guru Sir John Curtice and the Minister for Independence at Holyrood. Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Danny Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie discuss Rishi Sunak's latest election strategy.&n...
Jan 09, 2024•48 min
Matt 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 their time in politics. Chloe Smith was just 27 when she was elected at a by-election triggered at the height of the expenses scandal. She looks back on a dramatic decade in politics as one of the longest-serving ministers in government, and explains why she's leaving the Commons to do something completely different. Plus: Columnist...
Jan 08, 2024•53 min
Keir Starmer has said 'bring it on' to TV election debates, firing the starting gun on months of arguments between parties and broadcasters. Matt goes behind the scenes with a panel of experts who have worked on debates, both behind and in front of the cameras. Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether the Labour leader is playing with fire by saying the public are "right to be anti-Westminster", whether anti-woke comedy is funny and why independent books...
Jan 05, 2024•48 min
The prime minister has left Westminster to meet 'real people' and give the voters a sense of the authentic Rishi Sunak. Will it be a success like John Major's soap-box, or a failure like 'Not Flash, Just Gordon'? Matt is joined by a panel of former advisers to discuss the perils of meeting the public. Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss Keir Starmer's election optimism , nostalgia at the World Darts Championship , and the UK’s most widespread miscarriage of justice. Hos...
Jan 04, 2024•49 min
There may be no date set for the general election, but campaigning has already begun on our social media feeds. Matt hears what kind of adverts the parties are buying, what it says about their election strategies, and how digital campaigning has changed since 2019. Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether any of the parties can afford to promise tax cuts , whether Reform UK's threat to the Tories is being overhyped, and whether King Charles should...
Jan 03, 2024•37 min
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. Mhairi Black was elected as an SNP MP at the age of 20 and is quitting before reaching 30; she talks about the weird world of Westminster, the prospects of independence and how she feels about Nicola Sturgeon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jan 02, 2024•46 min
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year. Heading into an election year in 2024, which election in history will it most closely resemble? Will it be a 1997-style landslide? Could the Tories pull off a surprise win like John Major in 1992? Or could it be such a tight result we have to go back to the polls, like in 1974? Live at the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October, Matt was joined by polling guru Professor John Curtice, Times Radio's ...
Jan 01, 2024•50 min
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year. Matt spoke to Gary Lineker about exclusive polling for Times Radio showing which job the public thinks is harder - being prime minister, or being a professional footballer. He also explains why he thinks politicians should be paid more, before Emmerdale actor turned farmer Kelvin Fletcher and TV chef Clodagh McKenna make the case for their professions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
Dec 29, 2023•32 min
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year. Party political broadcasts have been around for nearly 100 years, featuring everything from men sitting woodenly behind desks to yogic flying. How are they made, do they change anyone’s vote and why are some of them so odd? Matt was joined by Tory advertising guru Maurice Saatchi, Labour filmmaker Mark Lucas, cross-party producer Nick Frost and Times TV critic Carol Midgley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Dec 28, 2023•36 min
