Red Box Politics Podcast

Matt Chorley delves into the history of the iconic Red Box, the symbol of power given to every cabinet minister and prime minister.We find out what's in them, hear from the man behind the company that makes them, and what they meant to David Cameron, Ed Balls and George Osborne.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss Nicola Sturgeon’s farewell speech, how good is artificial intelligence at impersonating a prime minister, and an elaborate practical joke in the Tory MP WhatsApp group. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Swing voters from across England say they prefer Rishi Sunak to Keir Starmer as prime minister in the latest Times Radio Focus Group.Matt is joined by James Johnson of JL Partners to discuss their views on the party leaders, the Budget, and whether Boris Johnson is a 'liar liar pants on fire'.Plus columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss Johnson's partygate evidence, Rishi Sunak's decision to publish his tax return, and Keir Starmer's habit of making big promises. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Rishi Sunak claims Labour is 'soft on crime, soft on criminals', while Keir Starmer says the prime minister is out of touch and needs 'to get out of Westminster'.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss when you should get the state pension, whether Louise Casey should run the Metropolitan Police, and Boris Johnson's grilling over 'partygate'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt speaks to Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, who has just resigned as the government's 'food tsar'. He explains why he's quit, what's wrong with our supply chains and why it's so difficult to persuade the Government to change Britain's diet.Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and Henry Zeffman on Boris Johnson's Partygate defence, and whether Nicola Sturgeon's social media warning echoes Tony Blair's 'feral beasts' speech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will the inquiry into whether Boris Johnson misled Parliament over Partygate finish his political career - or open the door for his return?Matt is joined by Times Political Editor Steve Swinford to bring you the definitive guide to the Committee, the key evidence for the prosecution and defence, and what it all means for Johnson's future.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss cropped photos of Suella Braverman in Rwanda, paying to see a GP in Ireland, and whether the John Lewis model can survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Owen became foreign secretary aged just 38, before going on to break away from Labour as one of the ‘Gang of Four’ and lead the SDP.He talks to Matt about this defining moment in British political history, the legacy of the party today and whether prime ministers suffer from 'hubris syndrome'.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott rate MPs on their TikTok skills and discuss politicians doing silly things for charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt looks at the government's new plan to get seven million adults back into a job. He speaks to Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, who says he's not trying to stop people playing golf, while listeners share their reasons for leaving the employment market.Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Charlton discuss the death of the midlife crisis, when Britpop turned on Tony Blair, and Jeremy Hunt's Brexit pubs guarantee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Budget day, and we've been on a Jeremy Hunt - talking to people around the country called Jeremy who all look after the finances of a local club, society or association.Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire for PMQs Unpacked, pausing and unpacking the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer accuses Rishi Sunak of stoking a culture war.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton talk about bunking off school, when interviews go wrong, and how Robert was transformed into Harry Styles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by three men whose daughters took their own lives to talk about their campaign for suicide prevention to become part of the school curriculum.Andy Airey, Mike Palmer and Tim Owen are known as the '3 Dads Walking' because they've raised more than £1m for charity through a series of walks in memory of their daughters Sophie, Beth and Emily. Plus: Brand new columnist pairing Daniel Finkelstein and Henry Zeffman discuss the latest polling on small boats, Theresa May writing a book, and are people on the left more miserable than people on the right? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of this week's budget Matt jets around the G7 to speak to a raft of international correspondents who lay out the economic problems they're facing, and the policy solutions they're implementing. The Times' Economics Editor Mehreen Khan rounds things off by previewing what's to come in Jeremy Hunt's statement on Wednesday.Plus columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on the resolution of the Gary Lineker saga, the loss of alcopops from the inflation shopping basket and Mark Drakeford's moving speech following the sudden death of his wife. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From Ron Burgundy to Jeremy Corbyn's 'strong message here', Matt looks at what happens when the TV autocue goes wrong. He speaks to Lauri Plesco, the woman who has operated the teleprompter for almost every US president since Jimmy Carter.Plus columnists Katy Balls and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss Rishi Sunak's day trip to Paris, whether the prime minister is on a roll, and whether lawyers really are all lefties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 170 years since Gladstone commissioned the Northcote-Trevelyan review, which gave birth to the impartial civil service. Why has the system survived, and is it now under threat? Matt speaks to former cabinet secretary Lord Butler, who ran Whitehall under Thatcher, Major and Blair, and to the co-creator of 'Yes Minister' Jonathan Lynn, who reveals which modern minister is heir to Jim Hacker.Plus columnists Jane Merrick and Tom McTague on the government simultaneously stopping small boats and welcoming foreign workers, whether weight-loss drugs can help cut the benefits bill, and why so many school students have private tutors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and the politics students of Vyners School to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer says the government's illegal migration bill won't deter channel crossings, while Rishi Sunak calls Starmer 'just another lefty lawyer'.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Gary Lineker, making flashing a criminal offence, and how to get children reading with author Anthony Horowitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Rishi Sunak's trip to France for the first Anglo-French summit in five years, Matt discusses the state of relations between Paris and London. He's joined by the former ambassador to the UK Sylvie Bermann, and a French teacher gives the prime minister tips for his conversation with Emmanuel Macron.Plus columnists Iain Martin and Dorothy Byrne discuss the government's plan to stop small boats crossing the channel, Sue Gray's new job, and why the UK has become more socially liberal in such a short space of time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Jeremy Fleming, the director of the intelligence agency GCHQ, is stepping down after nearly six years in the role. Matt speaks to two of his predecessors, Sir David Omand and Sir Francis Richards, about what it takes to run the UK's intelligence, cyber and security agency.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and John Stevens on Boris Johnson putting his dad forward for a knighthood, why Keir Starmer is dodging questions over Sue Gray, and what Jeremy Hunt has in store in the budget . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Northern Ireland Minister and self-styled Brexit hardman Steve Baker sits down with Matt and Times Political Editor Steve Swinford for a frank discussion about the severe depression and anxiety he has suffered since the EU referendum.He also discusses Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal, being the admin on every Whatsapp group in Westminster, and says it's fanciful to think Boris Johnson could return to Downing Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2021 Frank Field, now Lord Field, was told he had weeks to live. 18 months on he tells Matt he's published his memoirs and is 'just happily waiting for the end'. He talks about his faith, his clashes with Gordon Brown, his relationship with Margaret Thatcher and his advice to Jeremy Corbyn.Plus: Columnists India Knight and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss doing government business on Whatsapp, politicians keeping their hands in their pocket and vaccinating chickens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Keir Starmer claims that the average family in Britain will be poorer than in Poland by 2030, and Rishi Sunak says the Labour leader should stop making unfunded spending commitments.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Matt Hancock's Whatsapp messages, docking child benefit for missing school and whether vaping is safe for young people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch have been the cleverest duo on the podcast for nearly three years. Today Matt and Danny say goodbye to David, who is leaving The Times, with an hour long special in which they discuss the Brexit deal, trust in politicians and listener questions for the 'Cerberus of Columnists'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Betty Boothroyd, the first female speaker of the House of Commons, has died aged 93. Matt is joined by current speaker Sir Lindsey Hoyle to reflect on her no-nonsense style, humour and charm.And Nigeria decides: After Africa's most populous country went to the polls over the weekend to choose a new president, we hear how the election is unfolding and what's at stake.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Giles Coren discuss the Brexit deal, Keir Starmer's economic plan and what are Anglo-Saxon shore forts? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt hosted this year's Parliamentary Book Awards, where he sat down with winner and children's TV legend Floella Benjamin.Columnists Manveen Rana and Katy Balls discuss the surprising number of people who want to be Tory MPs, the public's continued support for Ukraine, and Therese Coffey's suggestion that we eat more turnips.Plus: Matt heads to Turnips restaurant in London's Borough Market to find out more about the environment secretary's favourite seasonal vegetable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio focus group returns, this time with a group who voted Conservative in 2019 but say they currently plan to back Labour. Matt is joined by James Johnson from J.L Partners to discuss his findings, which aren't all good news for Keir Starmer - one voter calls him a 'wooden turncoat'.Plus columnists James Marriott and Jane Merrick on the government's plan to reduce the backlog for asylum claims, Keir Starmer's five 'national missions' and ITV's Mark Pougatch remembers football commentator John Motson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Rishi Sunak says he'll keep fighting until he gets a new Brexit deal for Northern Ireland, while Keir Starmer asks if he'll let MPs vote on his plan.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Digital ID cards are inevitable, why there's a tomato shortage, and Robert showcases his impression of William Hague. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes faces questions about her views on gay marriage, Matt discusses the role of faith in politics with columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch, while former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron says she should be honest about her religious beliefs.Plus: Over the last six months, employees at 60 British businesses have been taking part in an experiment - can they move to a four-day working week without losing any pay? Now the results are in, Matt speaks to some of the firms who took part to find out whether it could be replicated across the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Ashton was the first - and last - Briton to lead European foreign policy, with an in-tray including Iran's nuclear programme, natural disasters and talks in Ukraine during the 2014 pro-democracy protests.She tells Matt what it was like to sit across the table from Putin, and whether she became a lightning rod for critics of the EU at home.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Camilla Long compare rewriting Roald Dahl's books to tearing down a museum, and discuss whether we should bother listening to economic forecasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty years on from the march against the Iraq War, Patrick Maguire is joined by historian Phil Tinline to ask whether protests ever actually work. They hear from some of the people who have organised the UK's biggest recent marches, including the ban on fox hunting, tuition fees and Brexit, to reflect on how effective their protests really were. Plus the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe and former Number 10 adviser Jimmy McLoughlin discuss whether women are routinely subjected to victim blaming after Lancashire Police released the health information of missing person Nicola Bulley, why Liz Truss is staging her comeback, and the state of Britain's courts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire get's the latest polling on Nicola Sturgeon’s possible successor with Dr Emily Gray from Ipsos and explores the wider implication of her resignation on the UK political landscape. Expert analysis comes from former deputy leader for the SNP Jim Sillars, Scottish Political Editor Kieran Andrews and Katy Balls from The Spectator.  Plus columnists Manveen Rana and James Marriott discuss whether modern politicians have gone soft, whether cancel-culture is taking over book publishing and the reaction to Lancashire police releasing personal information about missing mother Nicola Bulley.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire presents highlights from the reaction to Nicola Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister live on Times Radio. The Conservatives' Ruth Davidson, Labour's Shadow Scotland Secretary Ian Murray, SNP MP Angus Macneil and pollster Sir John Curtice all speak on a dramatic morning in British politics.Plus Alex Massie and Matt Chorley reflect on her achievements and shortcomings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade after the Commons voted to introduce civil marriage for same-sex couples, Patrick Maguire looks back at a moment of change for the country and the Conservative Party with former MP Matthew Parris, former culture secretary Dame Maria Miller and former equalities minister Baroness Featherstone.Columnists Robert Colvile and Dorothy Byrne consider whether the Brexit summit at Ditchley Park was an innocent meeting of minds or remainer skulduggery.Plus Patrick is joined by historian Andrew Lownie to imagine what might have happened if Edward VIII hadn't abdicated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New polling for the Times shows that 70% of voters think the Conservatives give the impression of being sleazy and disreputable - up from 51% in April 2021. Patrick Maguire asks what Rishi Sunak can do to turn the page on propriety before the next election, with former independent MP Martin Bell and former Downing Street chief of staff Lord Barwell.Plus columnists Libby Purves and Martha Gill on whether government credit cards are a scandal or not and the guestlist for King Charles' coronation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do Queen Victoria, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens and an anonymous prostitute have in common? They all wrote letters to The Times that rewrote history.Matt is joined by Letters Editor Andrew Riley and Archive Editor Rose Wild to dip into the notable notes that changed Britain.Plus Manveen Rana and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss tax, Turkey and avoiding parking fines. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt talks to shadow health secretary Wes Streeting about NHS pay, Labour's relationship with the unions and his experience as a gay Anglican - before he plays our own version of the word association game 'Mallet's Mallet'.Plus columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss amateur detectives disrupting the search for Nicola Bulley, the rules of modern etiquette and the new Conservative deputy chairman's support for the death penalty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire to pause and unpack the exchanges between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Westminster to address Parliament, both leaders talk tough on Putin.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on policing porn, whether MPs should be awarded a medal after leaving office, and how to pronounce 'Türkiye'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon is under pressure following the row over her gender reforms and a drop in the polls.But is she in serious trouble, or will the dominant force in Scottish politics continue to confound her critics?Matt hears from former Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, the SNP's Emma Roddick, politics professor John Curtice and Times columnist Alex Massie.Plus Finkelvitch: Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch are back to discuss Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle, Liz Truss's lack of apology and their collection of political badges.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Truss is back to make the case for her tax-cutting agenda. Does she have a point, and is anyone listening? Matt is joined by journalist Katy Balls, pollster Patrick English and economists Paul Johnson and Mark Littlewood.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss Boris Johnson, petrol prices and the death of satirist Kit Hesketh-Harvey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All week, people in politics have been asking whether the next general election is going to be a similar result to 1992 - when Labour were expected to win but lost, or like 1997 when Labour won in a landslide victory. Who better to ask than former Labour leader Neil Kinnock?In a wide-ranging chat, Neil talks about the challenge of facing Margaret Thatcher at PMQs, sharing funny tweets with Keir Starmer, how he feels about the trans-debate given his grandson has transitioned, and what Labour need to do to win the next election. Plus columnist Iain Martin and former head of Channel 4 News Dorothy Byrne on the rumoured comebacks of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, Iain's defence of Brexit and commemorating political moments with blue plaques. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister has been in office for 100 days, a big achievement by recent standards. Matt has some exclusive polling from YouGov showing what the public thinks of his performance so far, and discusses the scale of the electoral task ahead of him.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether false modesty is worse than bragging, the Times investigation into the practices of British Gas debt collectors, and what to do with jade vaginal eggs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. Rishi Sunak accuses Keir Starmer of siding with 'extremist protestors and union bosses', but the Labour leader says that's 'rank pathetic'.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Therese Coffey will clean up the environment, fines for wood burning stoves and the bird charity removed from Twitter for posting about woodcocks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years after the UK left the European Union, Matt hosts a panel of experts from The Times to answer questions sent in by readers. Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss whether Rishi Sunak is the new John Major, and whether he's heading for an election like 1992 or 1997. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why do politicians find it so hard to say sorry? After Nadhim Zahawi declined to apologise following his sacking by the Prime Minister, Matt discusses the art of the political apology with US author Marjorie Ingall and The Times' Matthew Parris.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester, Libby Purves and Paul Johnson discuss the government's NHS blueprint, whether we need to change the way we think about old age, and what happens to young people after a recession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and tests his theory that speeches in the House of Commons aren't as good as they used to be. He looks back at some famous moments in the chamber with speechwriter Jessica Cunniffe and historian Nigel Jones, while Times sketchwriter Quentin Letts defends the modern MP.Plus columnists Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana debate the survival of Nadhim Zahawi, the politics of Rod Stewart, and Matthew's battle with biscuits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group meets for the first time in 2023. James Johnson from J.L Partners leads a group of swing voters from across the country as they give their views on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and Nadhim Zahawi.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss a crackdown on laughing gas, and will artificial intelligence will make creativity redundant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. This week, Keir Starmer asks Rishi Sunak if being prime minister is too big a job for him, and Sunak accuses him of playing 'petty politics' over Nadhim Zahawi's tax affairs.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss same sex marriages, Robert's trip to meet voters in Blyth Valley, and whether toddlers are getting more precocious. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One in four terminally ill people of working age find themselves in poverty. For them and their families, the agony of grief is compounded by financial worries.Matt hears from people pushed to bankruptcy by their illness, and discusses the Marie Curie charity campaign to give them the state pension.Plus Finkelvitch: Columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch ask whether it's time to sack Nadhim Zahawi, failures in the probation service, and political fantasists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rishi Sunak gets ready for a cabinet trip to Chequers and Keir Starmer plans an outing for his team, Matt asks if a political away day is a good way to build morale - or whether it's all flip charts, trust exercises and sitting on the floor.David Davis talks about his trip to Chequers with Theresa May, William Hague reflects on taking Tory MPs to a hotel in casual dress, and we hear about the Lib Dem away day that was visited by a six foot man dressed as a bee.Plus Times columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the prime minister and propriety, whether technology is making us unhappy and Nicola Sturgeon asking why 16-year-olds can't drink in a pub. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 is joined by Tory advertising guru Maurice Saatchi, Labour filmmaker Mark Lucas, cross-party producer Nick Frost and Times TV critic Carol Midgley.Plus columnists Katy Balls and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss whether Sunak is standing up to his party over tax cuts, why Starmer is at Davos, and why Andy Murray isn’t allowed to go to the toilet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nice to see the polls, to see the polls nice? Matt looks at exclusive polling showing that while the Conservatives are losing young voters, they have lost twice as many older voters who make up their base. He speaks to YouGov's Patrick English, Onward director Seb Payne and academic Dr Will Jennings, before a Tory council leader and peer play our version of the conveyer belt game.Plus Times Columnists James Marriott and Jenni Russell ask whether food has reached peak snobbery, the departure of New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern, and whether it's worth reporting a stolen bike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Tim Shipman to pause and unpack the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions. This week, Keir Starmer challenges Rishi Sunak on the 'lethal chaos' in the NHS, while Sunak says Starmer is in the pocket of the unions. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on the dangers of bringing cake to the office, misogyny in the Metropolitan Police and beyond, and why it's tough to be a dad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt takes to the streets to find out about Britain's litter problem. He speaks to a listener who's found everything from sex toys to a sawn-off shotgun, a plogger - a jogger who picks up litter - and the leader of The Rubbish Party.Plus Finkelvitch: Columnists David Aaronovitch and Daniel Finkelstein contemplate our changing attitude to the police, whether Rishi Sunak's latest climbdown is a sign of strength or weakness, and if adverts showing Keir Starmer in Mick Lynch's pocket are effective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Conservative Democratic Organisation is a new group calling for Tory party members to have a greater say in how the party is run, and who it elects as leader. Matt speaks to one of its key players, Lord Greenhalgh, who says Boris Johnson is "electoral gold dust" and will be back in Number 10 by the end of the year. Former MP Matthew Parris says the plan risks blowing up the party altogether.Red Box Reporter Lara Spirit has been back in the archives to learn about the general election of 1835 and the birth of the manifesto.Plus Times columnist Rachel Sylvester and IFS Director Paul Johnson discuss the launch of the Times Health Commission, and whether high street shops are making a comeback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt talks 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.Plus columnists Matthew Syed and Katy Balls discuss the hardest jobs they've ever had, the risks of shutting down Andrew Bridgen, and reports that Boris Johnson is looking for a safe seat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talk about making a drama out of a political crisis. If there's one man who's turned the defining moments of our age into hits on stage and screen, it's James Graham.The writer behind This House, Brexit: The Uncivil War, Quiz and Best of Enemies talks to Matt about using drama to create a public square for opposing political views, and why he won't be writing an epic operetta about Liz Truss.Plus India Knight and James Marriott on the Americanisation of British journalism podcasts and their plans for retirement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt and Tim Shipman are back to pause and unpack the exchanges at the first PMQs of 2023, which sees Keir Starmer accuse Rishi Sunak of going from 'clapping nurses to sacking them' and MPs condemning comments by Andrew Bridgen.Plus columnists Robert Crampton and Manveen Rana discuss whether we're getting used to strikes, if it's OK to wear slippers to work, and a new technology that can create a realistic avatar of a dead person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Ken Clarke told us better-off patients may have to start paying for GP appointments, Matt looks at the case for reforming general practice and hears about other healthcare systems around the world.Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on exclusive polling for the programme showing that just eight per cent of people would be "delighted" by a Conservative victory, and why politicians are keeping silent about Prince Harry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt's back, and he's joined by political big beast Ken Clarke to discuss a career spanning more than 50 years in the Commons and some of the biggest jobs in government. The former health secretary thinks the well-off may have to start paying to see a GP. Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss whether the Duke of Sussex should be removed from the line of succession, and whether Labour can think the unthinkable on the NHS.Plus, Times Red Box Reporter Lara Spirit is counting down every election since the 1832 Great Reform Act. This week, it's Earl Grey vs the Duke of Wellington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can the smaller political parties win in 2023 when the electoral system is stacked against them and they are struggling for the public's attention?Patrick Maguire sitting in for Matt talks to YouGov's Tanya Abraham, The Times' Political Reporter Geri Scott and the Green Party Deputy Leader Zack Polanski, before taking a look at the electoral map around the UK.Plus: Columnists Melanie Reid and Robert Colvile discuss how to be a ghostwriter and whether Liz Truss is about to make a comeback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Liberal Democrats are stuck at a distant third in the opinion polls, with a leader many people still haven't heard of. Do a series of by-election wins mean they could once again be a serious electoral force?Patrick Maguire sitting in for Matt, is joined by the Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper, YouGov's Tanya Abraham and journalist Nick Tyrone. He also speaks to historian and author John Campbell about the origins of the party and what it can learn from the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire in for Matt Chorley talks to the architect of New Labour, the former cabinet minister Lord Mandelson. They discuss Keir Starmer "sorting out the extremists" within the party, the challenge still facing him to get Labour into power and the need to avoid political gimmicks. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton ask what's the point of politicians making new year relaunch speeches, whether all children should study maths until 18 and if it's okay for former prisoners to earn lots of money from their notoriety. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are the Conservatives heading for a period out of office, or can they confound expectations before the next General Election?Sitting in for Matt, Patrick Maguire speaks to Tory-watchers Henry Hill, Salma Shah and pollster Patrick English. They're joined by former cabinet minister David Davis, who thinks Sunak is in with a chance but says "God help us" if Boris Johnson returns.Plus: Finkelvitch is back, with columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discussing the similarity between rail strikes and the bakers' strikes of the 1970s and how Labour will cope with increased scrutiny and a sometimes hostile press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Harriet Harman, Ed Miliband, Jeremy Corbyn and Keir Starmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Margaret Beckett, William Hague, Iain Duncan-Smith and Michael Howard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Robert Carr, Michael Foot, Neil Kinnock and John Smith Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Herbert Morrison, Arthur Greenwood, Hugh Gaitskell, George Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode,  George Lansbury, James Maxton, Hastings Lees-Smith and Frederick Pethick-Lawrence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this week.In this episode Sir Edward Carson, William Adamson, Sir Donald Maclean and Arthur Henderson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode, Sir William Harcourt, John Spencer, George Robinson, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice and Joseph Chamberlain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this weekIn this episode its Spencer Cavendish, Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Michael Hicks Beach and the First Earl of Kimberley John Wodehouse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this week. On this episode you'll hear about Granville Leveson-Gower, James Harris,  Lord Cairns and Charles Gordon-Lennox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast.In this episode you'll hear about John Spencer, Lord George Bentinck, Charles Manners, Marquess of Granby and John Charles Herries.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies has gone through every Leader of the Opposition and as a festive treat you'll be able to listen to each episode on the podcast this week.In the first episode it's Charles James Fox, George Ponsonby, George Tierney and Henry Petty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by a live audience for Politics Without the Boring Quiz, a test of how much the teams can remember from the most exciting, exhausting, febrile and funny political year since the last one.The politicians: Angela Rayner and Dehenna DavisonTimes Radio: Mariella Frostrup and Hugo RifkindThe Times: Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is Chorls Dickens, telling the story of Eber-Rishi Scrooge as he is visited by the spirit of his former business partner Jacob Rees-Marley, and the ghosts of prime ministers past, present and future. Will Scrooge learn from his mistakes, and plan a new year relaunch?Plus the latest installment of the Times Radio Columnists Festive Focus Group, led by former Number 10 pollster James Johnson, sees the group fight over the best Christmas film. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final Disunited Kingdom of 2022, Matt Chorley puts some of our favourite journalists from around the UK to the test with a quiz of the fun local stories they have submitted throughout the year.Plus the latest installment of the Times Radio Columnists Festive Focus Group, led by former Number 10 pollster James Johnson. The group nominates their biggest winners and losers of the year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prue Leith is already a successful chef, author, dame and queen of the Bake Off tent, but she has her sights on another title: a peerage. She speaks to Matt Chorley about why she'd like to join the House of Lords, why Finland is so good at teaching children about food, and her upcoming one-woman show.Plus the second installment of the Times Radio Columnists Festive Focus Group, led by former Number 10 pollster James Johnson. Matt's regular panelists look back on the year for the Labour Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plenty of former MPs, advisers and political journalists have tried their hand at writing fiction, and they often turn to the drama and skulduggery of Westminster for inspiration. So what makes a good political novel? Matt Chorley speaks to Conservative peer and House of Cards author Michael Dobbs, who says if he wrote a sequel he would introduce new, younger characters.Plus the first installment of the Times Radio Columnists Festive Focus Group, led by former Number 10 pollster James Johnson. Matt's regular panellists look back on a dramatic year for the Conservative Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire analyse the dramatic scenes at Westminster 50 years ago, when a protest by MPs against rising unemployment caused uproar and led to the Commons being suspended.The events of the day are recreated by actor and impressionist Kieran Hodgson, before Matt speaks to a minister in Edward Heath’s government about his memories of the time. Plus Times columnist Melanie Reid and Daily Mirror political editor John Stevens talk about Conservative MPs calling for ministers to negotiate with nurses, the Scottish Government raising taxes, and why we should stop moaning about snow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio focus group meets for the last time this year. Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson from J.L. Partners to see what floating voters make of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer, and whether they've heard of Jeremy Hunt.Plus columnists Manveen Rana and James Marriott discuss how much they'd be willing to pay to hear Boris Johnson give a speech, whether farmers will vote Conservative, and James explains what happened when he went on a terrible stag do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Tim Shipman pause the action and analyse the exchanges at the last Prime Minister's Questions of 2022, with Keir Starmer accusing Rishi Sunak of going into hibernation over the NHS and Sunak claiming the strikes were Labour's 'nightmare before Christmas'. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss a major incident in the channel as a migrant boat capsizes, whether Starmer is secretly ruthless or not, and what Andrew Bridgen has been getting up to in Parliament.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding themselves on a week-long Times cruise from New York to Southampton, Matt Chorley talks to former cabinet minister Ed Balls about the chances of him returning to politics, his next big challenge and the risk of Keir Starmer becoming complacent in the same way Labour did ahead of the 1992 General Election.Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and David Aaronovitch ask whether union leader Mick Lynch has gone overboard in his latest round of media interviews, the motivation behind Priti Patel's new group calling for Tory party democracy, and whether Wes Streeting is the next leader of the Labour Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After giving evidence to the House of Lords, taking on David Beckham over human rights and becoming an unlikely cheerleader for Liz Truss, Joe Lycett is now a fully-fledged political comedian. He speaks to Matt Chorley about his year of political stunts, and what he has planned for 2023.Plus columnists Libby Purves and Jenni Russell on strikes, ministers in open-plan offices, whether we should all pay more tax and JK Rowling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Matt Hancock releases his 'Pandemic Diaries', Patrick Maguire asks what makes a great political diary? He speaks to Sir Alan Duncan, who published his recollections of the Brexit years, literary agent Martin Redfern and the political journalist Michael Crick.Plus, columnists Melanie Reid and Matthew Syed discuss the army being used to replace striking workers, the UK's coldest constituency, and England playing France at the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Summer 2021 the eyes of the world were on Afghanistan as the West's 20-year mission came to an end. This winter the situation for ordinary Afghans is dire, and the Times and Sunday Times have partnered with Afghanaid for our 2022 Christmas appeal.Patrick Maguire speaks to Times diplomatic correspondent Catherine Philp, former Afghan MP Fawzia Koofi and Afghanaid's Charles Davy.Plus columnists Manveen Rana and Kenny Farquharson discuss the politics of opening a new coal mine, SNP unity and the news that Rachel Reeves sends 3,200 Christmas cards every year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire and Tim Shipman pause the action and analyse the exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions, as Rishi Sunak promises action to stop "unreasonable" union leaders and Sir Keir Starmer accuses him of wobbling like blancmange over housing targets.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the the Strep A outbreak, the perils of the office Christmas party, and what happens when you hold a book signing and nobody turns up.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire travels back to the late 1970s and the Winter of Discontent with author Phil Tinline. What caused this prolonged period of industrial unrest, how did it end and what can today's union leaders and politicians learn from it?Plus columnist Danny Finkelstein and the Mirror's John Stevens discuss whether public support for strikes will hold, whether the government should water down its house building targets, and whether it matters that Matt Hancock's pandemic diaries aren't really diaries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How much politics is taking place on the sidelines of the World Cup? Patrick Maguire looks at the wheeling and dealing in Qatar with Sunday Times special correspondent Josh Glancy, and hears examples of sporting diplomacy over the years with former Times foreign correspondent Michael Binyon and former ambassador to Russia, Sir Roderic Lyne. Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the Government's plan to give workers the right to request flexible working and deadline day for Conservative MPs to declare if they're standing at the next election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK has seven living ex-prime ministers for the first time in modern history. But how should a former leader behave when they've left the top job? Patrick Maguire speaks to journalist Steve Richards and former advisers to both John Major and Boris Johnson, while Times sketch writer Quentin Letts gives his advice on how to retain your authority on the backbenches. Plus columnists James Forsyth and Melanie Reid ask who the public will blame for the Christmas strikes, whether Boris Johnson will really run again at the next election and whether football matches are better without alcohol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley visits the Political Cartoon of the Year Awards and speaks to cartoon superfans Jacob Rees-Mogg and Angela Rayner. He discusses the role of the cartoon in British political life - and why they remain relevant in the digital age - with winners Ben Jennings, Nick Newman and Clive Goddard. Plus columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the Buckingham Palace race row, whether second homes are good or bad, and a book dedicated to calling out untruths on the internet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Tim Shipman pause the action and analyse the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions, as Sir Keir Starmer calls for an end to charitable status for private schools and launches a personal attack on Rishi Sunak over his education policy.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on a breakthrough Alzheimer's drug, why the generation gap is threatening to sink the Conservatives, and what's the longest you've ever been for lunch? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They say that if you want a friend in politics, get a dog. But with an estimated 10.3 million dogs in the UK, have we now got too many?Matt Chorley talks to Anna Webb, Alexis Conran and others about the policies needed to deal with a rise in pet ownership - from how to regulate professional dog walkers to whether to fine people for going out without a dog poo bag.Plus Finkelvitch - Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss whether criticism of Qatar has gone too far, and whether attacks on Keir Starmer's private school policy will damage Labour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With immigration at a record high and claims of backsliding on Brexit, are we about to see the resurgance of a party to the right of British politics? Matt Chorley analyses the threat to the Conservatives posed by Nigel Farage, and asks Reform UK's leader Richard Tice why his party isn't doing better in the polls.Plus columnists Libby Purves, Rachel Sylvester and Paul Johnson on wind farms, a museum which has closed a 'racist and sexist' display about its founder, and whether the country can afford big pay rises for public sector workers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forget focus groups, watching Channel 4's Gogglebox can be a great insight into what the nation thinks about its politicians. The show's creator Stephen Lambert tells Matt how the idea came about and how it became must-see TV for prime ministers. Ex-Goggleboxers Steph and Dom talk about their time on the sofa, and Josh Tapper says it led him to want to be an MP.Plus columnists James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on Boris Johnson and Liz Truss joining a backbench rebellion, whether foreign students should be counted in the immigration figures, and why journalists - apart from James - don't dress as smartly as they used to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After more Conservative MPs announce they will stand down at the next election, Matt Chorley asks Lucy Fisher and Matthew Parris if it could turn into an exodus. He also hears from former MPs Gyles Brandreth and Edwina Currie, who talks about her later career as a novelist.Plus columnists James Marriott and Manveen Rana on immigration, energy saving, artificial intelligence and what happened when a minister sent the wrong recorded message to a conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Tim Shipman pause the action and analyse the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions, as Sir Keir Starmer compares Rishi Sunak to a bottom of the league football manager and Sunak accuses Starmer of flip-flopping.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on whether union boss Mick Lynch is the Grinch, how to escape 'goblin mode', holidaying in Qatar and our addiction to fast fashion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has withdrawn the whip from Jeremy Corbyn, but has to decide whether he can stand for Labour at the next election. If he doesn't, could he end up running as an independent?Matt and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire talk to Corbyn's former spokesman James Schneider and Labour MP Ben Bradshaw, and look at exclusive polling suggesting the Conservatives should stop going on about him.Plus columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch talk about whether we need to hear from ministers every day, reports that Rishi Sunak is registered with a private GP and Meghan Markle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV legend Lorraine Kelly tells Matt Chorley what she would do if she ruled the world, including appointing Captain Kirk as Prime Minister and locking up litter bugs. She also discusses why politicians underestimate "fluffy" daytime shows, and says she'll never follow Matt Hancock into the 'I'm a Celebrity' jungle.And after the Chancellor announces a review into an exodus from the workforce, Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride and his Labour Shadow Jonathan Ashworth talk about how to get millions of people back into work.Plus columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on corruption at the World Cup, whether we need more male teachers, and was anything achieved at the climate conference in Egypt? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lobby is the group of journalists who have special access at Westminster and cover the daily twists and turns of British politics.Have they become hooked on political drama and bringing down ministers at the expense of covering issues of substance?Matt is joined by writer Andrew Gimson, former political editor of the Times Philip Webster, political reporter for the Sun Noa Hoffman and Sir Craig Oliver, former director of communications for David Cameron.Plus columnists James Forsyth and Melanie Reid discuss whether Conservative MPs will swallow Jeremy Hunt's tax rises, Labour's response to the Autumn Statement and when is the right time to put up your Christmas decorations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode for Red Box subscribers to mark the start of the new series of Past Imperfect, Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson talk to Sir Keir Starmer about his childhood and the experiences that helped shape him.The Labour leader talks candidly about growing up in a crowded home, where money was tight and the phone was cut off. He shares bittersweet memories of his early years overshadowed by his mother’s degenerative illness and frequent stays in hospital high dependency units. He went on to become director of public prosecutions, and could be the next prime minister of the UK.The Past Imperfect series sees hosts Rachel and Alice talk to outstanding people about how moments in their early lives informed their identities, their careers and their drive to succeed.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has set out his planned tax rises and spending cuts in the Autumn Statement. Matt Chorley unpacks the key announcements and discusses the winners and losers with Times Radio's Lucy Fisher and Dominic O'Connell.Also on the podcast, a special edition of Think Tank Thursday with policy experts Polly Mackenzie and Rachel Wolf explaining what happens when budgets go bad.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott talk about Matt going running with Jeremy Hunt and why James is a solitary genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While Rishi Sunak is away, the deputies are out to play. Matt Chorley and Tim Shipman pause the action and analyse the exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions, with Labour's Angela Rayner asking Dominic Raab about the state of the economy and allegations of bullying.Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton ask whether Trump can make a comeback, why the trains are terrible, and where have all the eggs gone? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former head of the Foreign Office Simon McDonald tells Matt civil servants were scared to go into Dominic Raab's office.As well as claims about the minister's behaviour, he also discusses his long diplomatic career working with six foreign secretaries and five prime ministers, answers the charge that the civil service opposed Brexit, and talks about his part in the downfall of Boris Johnson.Plus columnists Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss how ministers should treat officials, and the failure of Trump-supporting candidates to win in the US midterm elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As many Ukrainian refugees come to the end of their initial six-month stay in the UK, Matt looks at what lies in store for those who came here fleeing from war.He speaks to Ukrainians Svetlana and Olga, hosts Caroline and Sarah, and the former minister for refugees Lord Harrington.Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss a new deal with France to stop small boats crossing the channel, stealth taxes and whether children should sing in school.Plus the nation's best-loved fox, Basil Brush, explains what he would do if he ruled world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dick Taverne entered parliament in 1962, and rubbed shoulders with some of the political giants of the 20th century. He was a minister in Harold Wilson’s government, and worked with Roy Jenkins to legalise homosexuality and introduce decimalisation. He even campaigned for remain on a bus with Liz Truss.Plus columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on Kwasi Kwarteng's non-apology over the mini-budget, the end of the age of secrecy in Westminster and the return of Big Ben's bongs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He was the 'Sultan of Swing' - the inventor of the swingometer and the father of modern election science.Matt reflects on the career of psephologist Sir David Butler with his biographer and friend Michael Crick, professor Jane Green and election night legends Jeremy Vine, Peter Snow and David Dimbleby.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether nurses should ever go on strike, why older people are the new radicals, and whether prime ministers should take an oath of office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Tim Shipman pause the action in the Commons, analysing the key exchanges as Sir Keir Starmer questions Rishi Sunak about the allegations of bullying against Gavin WilliamsonPLUS: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether they would take a peerage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock, who says ID cards should be "on the table" to help control our borders. Plus columnists Danny Finkelstein and Jane Merrick on Boris Johnson's peerages, claims of bullying by Gavin Williamson, and have plans for a new royal yacht finally been sunk? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt talks to Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross about facing Nicola Sturgeon in Holyrood, and accusations that he is guilty of "flip-flopping".Plus, Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on the UK as an immigrant melting pot, and whether Jeremy Hunt was right to spend £110 on a haircut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Johnson from J.L. Partners joins Matt Chorley to discuss what a focus group of undecided voters in key electoral seats think of new prime minister Rishi Sunak.PLUS: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the government's ambitions, Trump and the joys of reading a newspaper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer to react to a big rise in interest rates, before speaking to the 'Forrest Gump' of The Times - Michael Binyon reflects on 50 years as a foreign and diplomatic correspondent with a ringside seat at some of history's most significant moments.Plus James Marriott and Manveen Rana discuss the return of immigration to the centre of the national conversation, and ask whether social media echo chambers might not be so bad after all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause the action in the Commons, analysing the key exchanges as Sir Keir Starmer questions Rishi Sunak about the state of the immigration and asylum system. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on Matt Hancock entering the 'I'm a Celebrity' jungle, the price of tea and tinned fish. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Harry Cole and James Heale to discuss their new book about the former prime minister, Out Of The Blue.PLUS breaking news about Matt Hancock going into the jungle.And David Aaronovitch and Trevor Phillips on the migrant crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt look for spending cuts to help balance the books, Matt Chorley talks to key figures from the first round of austerity including former health secretary Lord Lansley and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. How do they think the government and Labour should approach it a second time around?Plus columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the migrant crisis, Suella Braverman's survival and hating Halloween. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Rishi Sunak becoming prime minister at 42, Patrick Maguire asks: Are MPs really getting younger? And does age matter in politics? He's joined by broadcaster Joan Bakewell, former Lib Dem leader Vince Cable, politics professor Tim Bale and Alexander Curtis, who was one of the youngest mayors in British history.Plus columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss 'Rishinomics', a possible deal with France over channel migrants, and whether Twitter has been good or bad for our national conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sitting in for Matt Chorley looks at Labour's strategy for tackling the new prime minister, and asks whether Rishi Sunak puts the Conservatives back in contention at the next general election.Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott on the politics of the World Cup in Qatar and why the noughties was a boring decade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and is joined by Tim Shipman, The Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator, to unpack Rishi Sunak's first PMQs. PLUS Robert Crampton and Dorothy Byrne discuss the art of lying, the national curriculum, and the new prime minister's fashion sense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire gets the low-down on Rishi Sunak and the team he is bringing to Downing Street, and James Johnson from the Times Radio focus group explains how the public's opinion of the new Prime Minister has changed over time.PLUS: David Aaronovitch and Isabel Hardman discuss Liz Truss' farewell speech and what to expect from Sunak's first week in charge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire asks whether the new Prime Minister can rescue the Tory party from electoral defeat and what can actually be achieved by a government just two years from a general election. PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on Boris' exit from the race and how the Labour party approach the new regime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Friday Night Live returns to our screens for a one off 40th anniversary special, Matt Chorley has a chat with compere Ben Elton about champagne socialism, Tory Prime Ministers, and why he's not on social media.PLUS Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on what follows Liz Truss' resignation.AND What we learned during the 45 days of Truss' premiership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a dramatic day at Westminster, Matt Chorley and Times Radio's Lucy Fisher tell the inside story of the events that led up to the resignation of Liz Truss.He speaks to three Conservative MPs who wanted her out of Number 10, and columnists Iain Martin and Helen Lewis discuss the end game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Red Box Editor for The Times Patrick Maguire unpack the brutal exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions, as Liz Truss struggles to save her leadership and claims she's a 'fighter not a quitter'.Conservative MP Steve Double tells Matt that it's time for Liz Truss to consider her position after dropping most of her campaign promises. Plus columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether environmental protesters are 'tofu-eating wokerati', and why things go wrong in France too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley unlocks the secrets of the operation to monitor MPs' views, speaking to Siimon Burton, former whip special adviser under Theresa May and Boris Johnson and Nikki Da Costa, former No10 director of legislative affairs at Number, plus The Times' Lara Spirit on the latest in Westminster and data journalist Matilda Davies on how to excel at Excel. PLUS Finkelvitch (Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch) on what Tory MPs should do now.And Matt reports from parliament, grabbing chats with Conservative MP Charles Walker and party chairman Jake Berry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley presents live coverage and analysis of the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's statement, in which he put Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng's policies into the shredder one-by-one.PLUS: Matthew Parris and Libby Purves give their verdict on the Prime Minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the day Liz Truss performs another budget u-turn and sacks Kwasi Kwarteng, Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford speaks to Matt Chorley with news from Westminster.PLUS Andrew Neil on what it all means for the government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost everyone seems to agree we're not building enough house, so today Matt looks at how a house is built, from planning through to getting what politicians like to call shovels in the ground. He speaks to a builder, a planner and Martin Roberts from Homes Under the Hammer as well as a Conservative MP who criticises the government's planning reforms, Theresa Villiers. Plus Patrick Kidd and James Marriott discuss the last ten days of Liz Truss and mediocre politicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Times Radio's Lucy Fisher and Patrick Maguire from The Times Red Box live on stage at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, pausing the action to analyse the exchanges between Liz Truss and Keir Starmer at PMQs.PLUS: Alice Thomson and India Knight discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Johnson from J.L. Partners joins Matt Chorley to discuss the latest findings from the Times Radio focus group.PLUS: Finkelvitch on Sam Tarry's deselection and planning reforms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How likely is a second referendum in Scotland? Nicola Sturgeon has set out a timetable, giving the nation a year to decide whether they want independence. Matt Chorley speaks to two journalists in the thick of it, the Times' Kieran Andrews and Catriona Stewart, we also hear from the SNP's Stephen Flynn on why Sturgeon detests the tories and the polling legend Professor John Curtice crunching the numbers.Plus Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss Liz Truss in the tearoom and fixing childcare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Liz Truss got into trouble for playing Moving On Up at her Tory Party Conference speech, Matt Chorley explores the relationship between politics and pop.He hears from Al Mackenzie from the band D:Ream, Dave Rowntree, who was the drummer for Blur and then became a Labour councillor in Norfolk between 2017 and 2021, Matt Charlton, Music Journalist for the NME and Rolling Stone and Lisa Verrico, Music Journalist at The Sunday Times.PLUS James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the heavy cost of Kwarteng’s spending squeeze and young people's support for Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK politics may be bonkers, but countries around the world have also lost the plot, changing Prime Minister every few years. Matt Chorley takes a trip around the world speaking to foreign correspondents about how quickly the leader get's the chop.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on Latin and Liz Truss' dress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire take a forensic look at Liz Truss's first speech as party leader to the Conservative conference in Birmingham. PLUS Two former Times Political Editors Phil Webster and Francis Elliott delve into the audio archives to look back at the debut conference speeches of past leaders, from John Major and David Cameron, to Theresa May and Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the interview that caused Liz Truss's major headache on day 3 of Tory Party Conference. Matt Chorley speaks to Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt who says she hopes benefits will rise in line with inflation, a commitment the Prime Minister has not made.AND earlier this week Mordaunt joked about the bad communications strategy over the mini-budget, so Matt also convenes a crack team of government comms experts to advise on how the government can improve.PLUS: James Forsyth and David Aaronovitch on all the chaos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove has been a government minister for the majority of the last decade but now he's heading back to the backbenches. He tells Matt Chorley what he thinks of the government's decision to abandon its plans to abolish the top 45p rate of tax, and even plays the quiz.PLUS: Alice Thomson and Rachel Sylvester discuss another difficult morning for the government Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venetia Menzies, Data Journalist at the Times and Sunday Times takes Matt Chorley through baby name statistics. Find out which names are the most popular and which have fallen out of favour, and what happens when your name is the same is a frontline politician.PLUS: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid discuss where the Tories go next after that extraordinary poll for The Times put Labour 33 points ahead.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: Matt Chorley and The Times' Political Editor Steve Swinford reveal what Conservative MPs really think about the Chancellor's budget and the economic crisis.PLUS: Highlight's from Liz Truss' difficult series of interviews on local BBC radio stations.AND: Carol Lewis and James Marriott on property and the middle classes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire go through the Labour leader’s speech to the conference in Liverpool and whether this was his best one yet. PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on economic meltdown and memoirs.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down with the Deputy Labour Leader Angela Rayner. They discuss everything from Labour leadership, why Keir Starmer is a morning person and she isn't and why she wants to have slippery nipple shots with Therese Coffey.PLUS Finkelvitch, Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on Labour values and the call of office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Labour leader prepares to take the stage at the conference in Liverpool, Matt Chorley and Henry Zeffman rack through their contacts to find out how shadow ministers and aides think of him now. Former spinner for Sadiq Khan, Paddy Hennessey and former advisor for Keir Starmer, Ben Nunn also join Matt to discuss what the Labour leader needs to do now to win at the next election.PLUS Rachel Sylvester and John Stevens discuss the pound falling and the Italy elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's get Fiscal. Matt Chorley dives into the Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's fiscal statement and what it all means with the Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford and experts from the Institute of Economic Affairs, Institute of Directors, Institute for Fiscal Studies and the Resolution Foundation.Melanie Reid and James Forsyth also react and discuss the fiscal event. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Therese Coffey made her first big announcement as Deputy Prime Minister in the Commons today. With archive and new interviews, Matt Chorley hears from people who have held that role in both an official and unofficial sense, including Michael Heseltine, Nick Clegg, Peter Mandelson and David Lidington to find out how it works. PLUS: James Marriott and Patrick Kidd on anxiety, imposter syndrome and pot noodles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley heads to the four corners of the UK to speak to local reporters from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about what is making the headlines there. The quest to find the UK's most fun country continues...PLUS:Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss two wars - nuclear and class.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Times Radio's Chief Political Commentator Lucy Fisher to discuss what's coming up in a frantic week of politics as Liz Truss' cabinet set out three key policy plans in the House of Commons. We also hear from Institute for Fiscal Studies Director Paul Johnson, Miriam Deakin from NHS Providers and Abby Jitendra from Citizens Advice.David Aaronovitch and Robert Colvile discuss economic growth and beige food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirty years ago on 16th September 1992, a collapse in the pound sterling forced Britain to withdraw from the ERM. Matt Chorley speaks to the chancellor at the time, Lord Norman Lamont, about why he still thinks it was the right decision and if he still sings in the bath. We also hear from the two political editors of the Times and the Sun, Phil Webster and Trevor Kavanagh, on what it was like covering the story.Plus Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the Britishness of queuing and what the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner needs to do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If a lot can happen in seven days, think how much happened over the 70 years of the Queen’s reign. Matt Chorley looks at how life in Britain has changed from baby names to life expectancy, pay to power. Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire and Venetia Menzies go through the data and why some of the Queen's first state opening of parliament speech is still relevant today.India Knight and James Marriott discuss having a mid-life crisis and being glued to the TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley heads to the four corners of the UK to speak to local reporters from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about what is making the headlines there. This week, they talked about how each nation has been remembering the late Queen and welcoming the new King.Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss King Charles and the pen incident and their stories on getting the date wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the late Queen's coffin moves from Edinburgh to London, Matt Chorley takes a tour through Westminster taking in the history that surrounded her life from the place of her birth to the route of next week's funeral processionPLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss the right to protest during the period of mourning and the sacking of Treasury Permanent Secretary Sir Tom Scholar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week, they say, is a long time in politics. First uttered of course by Harold Wilson, number five in Queen Elizabeth’s 15.Matt Chorley looks back at what happened last week with the Times’ Associate Political Editor Henry Zeffman.PLUS Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss King Charles’ speech to parliament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queen Elizabeth II appointed 15 Prime Ministers and witnessed 18 general elections, 13 government referendums, three minority governments, and one coalition.Each Prime Minister enormously valued her experience and wisdom in their meetings with her.From Winston Churchill to Liz Truss, Matt Chorley tells the history of the Queen and politics.PLUS: David Lidington, former Lord President of the Privy Council who will take part in the Accession Council to formally proclaim King Charles as the new monarch, explains how the Accession works.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson from J.L. Partners who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group to find out what they think about the new Prime Minister Liz Truss, Sir Keir Starmer, energy bills and the windfall tax.PLUS: India Knight and Patrick Kidd discuss why what politicians wear matters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the new term in Parliament begins, Matt Chorley is joined by Tim Shipman, the Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator to analyse Liz Truss's first PMQs.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the new cabinet, hot tubs and boiled eggs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Truss has been appointed the new Prime Minister and as she made her way to Balmoral to be invited by the Queen to form a new government, Matt Chorley finds out what happened when previous Prime Ministers kissed hands. Featuring historians Hugo Vickers and Sir Anthony Seldon and David Cameron's Deputy Chief of Staff, Baroness Kate Fall. Plus Finkelvitch on Boris Johnson's farewell speech and legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you enter Downing Street? Matt Chorley speaks to the people who really know, including former prime ministers Tony Blair and David Cameron. He also speaks to former press secretaries, spinners and gatekeepers; Anji Hunter, Gus O'Donnell, Stewart Wood, Gabby Bertin, Katie Perrior and Will Walden. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brexit, Covid and Partygate came to define Boris Johnson's time in Number 10, with the latter conspiring to bring about his downfall. As Johnson takes his final bow, Matt Chorley is joined by Times Radio's new Sunday politics show hosts Adam Boulton and Kate McCann to look at the Three Acts of a Premiership.PLUS James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the festival of Brexit, energy bills, and Keir Starmer's birthday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new prime minister means a new cabinet. From great offices of state to great offices to change things, Alan Johnson, Justine Greening, David Gauke, Jill Rutter, and Simon McDonald on which cabinet roles are actually the best. Plus India Knight and Patrick Kidd on fantasy economics and fantasy films. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley gets news from all four corners of the UK. He speaks to Sarah Booker-Lewis the Local Democracy reporter for Brighton and Hove News, Ciaran Jones, Head of News at Wales Online, Rachel Watson the Scottish Political Editor of the Scottish Sun and Brendan Hughes Political Reporter for Belfast Live.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on hustling, Gorbachev and Emma Raducanu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Nick Thomas-Symonds to talk about his new book 'Harold Wilson: The Winner' exploring the life and times of the four-time election winning Prime Minister.PLUS Finkelvitch on jumping out of birthday cakes, earliest political memories, Liz Truss being a no show and Emily Maitlis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Conservative Party Leadership Election reaches its final days, Patrick Maguire asks what the future might hold for the losing candidate. He is joined by Phil Webster, former political editor of The Times and Katy Balls from the Spectator where they look back over six decades on politicians who missed out in their leadership contest.PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Cunliffe on Britain failing the young and Tory Party challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis about the energy price cap announcement then assembles an expert panel, Emma Munbodh from The Times Money Mentor and Citizen's Advice's Abby Jitendra, to answer listener's questions about how it will affect them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Shabnam Khan Dawran, an Afghan TV presenter who fled after the fall of Kabul last year. After the Taliban threatened to kill her for speaking out against their regime, she escaped to the UK where she is now a refugee. She tells her story now despite threats to her family.Also the columnist duo Knight at the Marriott, India Knight and James Marriott, on remembering lockdown and learning French. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire reflect on the Times Radio leadership hustings hosted by John Pienaar.PLUS Robert Crampton and Laura Freeman discuss the Finnish Prime Minister's partying antics and Autumn in August. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores how inflation is crippling the world. He hears from Times Correspondents Charles Bremner, Jane Flanagan, Bernard Lagan, Oliver Moody and Alistair Dawber. He also speaks to Daniel Tidemann from the Danish newspaper Berlingske and Andrew Sentance, Former Member of the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.PLUS Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss serving in a rival leadership candidate's cabinet and flying. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Michael Gove announces he's stepping back from frontline politics, Matt Chorley looks back on his life and career. He hears from former Prime Minister David Cameron, Times Policy Editor, Oliver Wright, Rachel Woolf, former Advisor to Michael Gove, and Polly Mackenzie, Former Head of Policy for the Lib Dems.PLUS Carol Lewis and Manveen Rana on bin strikes and heat pumps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michelin starred chef extraordinaire Tom Kerridge joins Matt Chorley to talk about the pressures the hospitality industry is facing due to the cost of living crisis.PLUS Melanie Reid and David Collins on an overseas hiring spree to help the care sector and wonky vegetables. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley grabs a basket and heads into Iceland to speak to their Managing Director Richard Walker, on how the cost of living crisis has changed the way we shop.Also, India Knight and James Marriott on wokeness, free speech and spicy sausages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After exclusive polling revealed that one in six people are regularly skipping meals, Matt Chorley looks at the demands on food banks. He hears from Josie Barlow, Manager at Bradford Central Foodbank, Brenda Fogg, who founded the Hope Restored foodbank in Llandudno, and Megan Kelly, a volunteer at Skegoneill Community Foodbank in Belfast.PLUS Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss harvesting and sewage. AND a special appearance from Stig Abell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley asks how food fraud is affecting what we eat. He hears from Professor Chris Elliott from the Queen’s Institute for Global Food Security in Belfast, Ron McNaughton, head of the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit at Food Standards Scotland and Dr Terry McGrath the Chief Technical Operator of Bia Analytical, a company who test spices.PLUS Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Starmer's plan and Civil Service groupthink. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley goes on a tour of Weston’s Farm in Horsham in West Sussex. He speaks to David Exwood, Vice President of the NFU and owner of the farm and an extra special guest.PLUS Libby Purves and Andrew Meredith on challenges farmers face and solar panels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley interviews the Tory leadership candidate and former Chancellor Rishi Sunak on the cost of living, GDP figures, the Northern Ireland Protocol and much more. He also speaks to comedian, playwright and author Harry Hill to talk Art of London and how he'd settle the question of the next Tory leader.Plus columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the day's news on Boris Johnson's legal action and Nicola Sturgeon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley discusses the future of British space travel with Joshua Western, CEO and Co-founder of Space Forge; Melissa Thorpe, Head of Space Port Cornwall; David Oxley, Director of Strategic Projects at Space Hub Sutherland; and Matthew Archer, Director of Commercial Spaceflight at the UK Space Agency.PLUS: James Marriott and India Knight discuss why charming people always come a cropper in the end. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores all four corners of the UK in Disunited Kingdom. He speaks to Ciaran Jones, Head of News at Wales Online, Caroline Wilson, Senior Reporter at The Herald, John Manley, Political Correspondent for Irish News, and Nicola Adam, Editor of the Lancashire Post and Blackpool Gazette.PLUS Alice Thomson and Trevor Kavanagh discuss the cost of living crisis and troubled teens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the former Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull on why British politics is similar to down under, Boris Johnson, the monarchy and his tribute to Olivia Newton-John.Also columnists Oliver Kamm and David Aaronovitch on not having a government, amnesty international and fine wines.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent Christina Lamb who has travelled back to Kabul, Afghanistan to find out how the country has changed a year since the Taliban began its march into the capital.PLUS: Rachel Cunliffe and Rachel Sylvester discuss the day’s news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire celebrates 100 years since Philip Larkin's birth. He speaks to former Poet Laureate and biographer Sir Andrew Motion who worked with Larkin at the University of Hull, James Marriott, Times' Deputy Books Editor and Daljit Nagra, Chair of the Royal Society of Literature. PLUS James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on Truss's tax proposals and the hosepipe ban. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss plan to usher in the return of grammar schools, but do they actually help provide opportunities to working class families? Patrick Maguire traces the history of the debate with Margaret Thatcher's Education Secretary Lord Baker, and asks Tory MP Jonathan Gullis why he thinks now is the right time to bring them back.PLUS: James Marriott and Martha Gill on youthful optimism and friendship in politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire explores all four corners of the UK in Disunited Kingdom. He speaks to Liam Thorp Political Editor at the Liverpool Echo, Liz Perkins Senior Reporter at the South Wales Evening Post, Hannah Brown, Political Reporter at The Scotsman and Caoimhe Quinn broadcast journalist at U105 in Belfast.PLUS Robert Crampton and James Kirkup discuss politicians' fears of nannying and swimming pools. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire questions whether the levelling up agenda is dead under a new Prime Minister. He hears from Ben Houchen, the Conservative mayor of the Tees Valley, Tory MP for Rother Valley Alex Stafford and Adam Hawksbee, the head of levelling up at Onward.PLUS Hugo Rifkind and David Aaronovitch discuss Penny Mordaunt's leadership endorsement and smartphones not rotting your brain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire speaks to former Treasury Minister John Glen, Poppy Trowbridge, who was Special Adviser to the former Chancellor Philip Hammond, Jeevun Sandher a former economist at HM Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions and Stian Westlake, the CEO of the Royal Statistical Society to talk all things Treasury.PLUS Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd discuss England's jubilant victory and being an influencer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies.Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast. This month George Lansbury, James Maxton, Hastings Lees-Smith and Frederick Pethick-Lawrence.This episode is hosted by the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley. Ahead of the Women's Euros final this Sunday, we dive into the history of women's football, the politics at play, and how far the game has come with the Times' Molly Hudson, the grandson of the women football legend Lizzy Ashcroft Steve Bolton, former England player Lucy Ward and Yvonne Harrison from Women in Football.PLUS James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the five big arguments the Conservatives need to have and colostomy bags. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and today's episode is all about Scotland. Can Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak save the Tories in Scotland and with it the Union? Patrick speaks to Times' Scottish Political Editor Kieran Andrews, Professor Sir John Curtice plus a few Scottish MPs and MSPs on how they feel the leadership race is going.Plus columnists Patrick Kidd and James Marriott on labour at the pickets line and favourite middlebrows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire explores who Labour might want as the new Prime Minister and how they might oppose them. With exclusive polling from Patrick English from YouGov, Labour spinners, Peter Mandelson, Ayesha Hazarika and John McTernan and Red Wall Tory MP Richard Holden.PLUS Robert Crampton and Martha Gill discuss Thatchermania, Lionesses and hot hot holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley. Boris Johnson is plotting a comeback, so we take you back in time to when former prime ministers tried to get back in power for the second time with Tim Montgomerie, Professor Richard Toye, Nick Thomas- Symonds and across the waters, Bernard Lagan. Plus columnists David Aaronovitch and Rachel Cunliffe on the leadership TV debate and Keir Starmer going back on his leadership pledges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and finds out about the 160,000 Tory members who will be deciding who is the next Prime Minister will be and why do they have so much power with Professor Tim Bale, Henry Hill from Conservative Home and Charlotte Pole from Women2Win.PLUS COLUMNISTS: Libby Purves and Carol Lewis discuss the nitty gritty policies from the two conservative leadership candidates, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, and whether they are too soft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Pub Landlord, Comedian and friend of the show Al Murray about politics, comedy and missing Boris JohnsonPlUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on Margaret Thatcher and sleeper trains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley gets to know the two Tory leadership finalists in more detail. Hear the life and times of Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss, and why their supporters are backing them to win.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on Liz Truss, Jane Austen and Business lunches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges at Boris Johnson's last ever Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: CCHQ - Armchair Generals Phil Webster and Elinor Goodman with the latest lowdown on the Tory Leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Gabriel Milland from Portland Communications who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group of swing-voters from Newcastle-under-Lyme who give their verdict on the Tory leadership election candidates.PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch with their take on the ins-and-outs of the contest, and whether S-Club 7 are underrated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from The Times' Policy Editor Oliver Wright, former Chancellor Lord Lamont and Gemma Tetlow the Chief Economist at the Institute for Government to delve into the Tory Leadership hopeful's economic plans.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss TV debates and museums. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from a former spinner from the Tories, Labour and the Lib Dems about how they prepared their respective leaders for political TV debates, and they offer their advice to the current tory leadership contenders. Krishnan Guru-Murthy who is hosting Channel 4's debate tells Matt what he is looking out for.PLUS: Melanie Reid and David Collins on the contest and the heatwave Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who better to divulge the strengths and weaknesses of the Leadership candidates than the people who know them best. Peter Cardwell worked with Rishi Sunak when he was a junior minister, Kirsty Buchanan was an advisor to Liz Truss and Katie Perrior worked at Tory HQ with Penny Mordaunt. They rate the chances of all three of becoming the next Prime Minister.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss Penny Mordaunt and narcissism in the office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Carol Lewis discuss why Penny Mordaunt is popular and why politicians need to target the young. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from Phil Webster, former political editor for The Times, and Elinor Goodman, the former political editor at Channel 4 news on Chorley's Campaign Headquarters for the latest from the Conservative leadership race.He also speaks to Andrea Leadsom former leader of the house about her book Snakes and Ladders.PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss the Tory Leadership Contest and the Voting System. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley introduces the Chorley Campaign Headquarters as the race to become Conservative Party Leader begins. He speaks to Phil Webster, Former Political Editor for The Times, Elinor Goodman, The former political editor at Channel 4 news, Henry Hill, Assistant Editor at Conservative Home and Patrick English, Political Research Manager at YouGov.PLUS Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd discuss tax policy and campaign videos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies. Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast.This month its Sir Edward Carson, William Adamson, Sir Donald Maclean and  Arthur Henderson.Listen live to the next Leader of the Opposition every Monday morning from 10am on Times Radio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Past Imperfect is a podcast from The Times hosted by Rachel Sylvester and Alice Thomson. Hear stories from outstanding people about how moments in their early lives informed their identities, their careers and their drive to succeed.Wes Streeting is a Labour politician who is already being tipped as a potential future leader of his party. He is a former president of the National Union of Students, who worked for the Blairite campaign group Progress before winning his Ilford North parliamentary seat from the Conservatives in 2015. He then served as shadow Secretary of State for child poverty before becoming shadow health secretary.Wes Streeting is a centrist who supporters say could win back the party’s traditional working-class voters without alienating middle England. He is a gay Christian Cambridge graduate who is also tough on crime and patriotic.But this rising star of the Labour Party hasn’t had an easy time climbing the ladder. Rachel and Alice sit down with Wes to talk about his childhood experiences growing up in poverty on a council estate in East London and how grandparents, who spent time in prison, impacted his life.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Boris Johnson resigned as the Conservative Party leader, Matt Chorley takes a look at the key runners and riders for the Tory leadership, who is backing who, and some advice from history on how not to muck it up. Including interviews with the Times' Henry Zeffman, Baroness Catherine Fall and Iain Anderson who both ran leadership campaigns.COLUMNISTS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on Boris, who will replace him and the costly Downing Street flat.Don't forget to listen to tomorrow's episode for another round up of the leaders of the opposition with Nigel Fletcher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley presents highlights from the rolling coverage of Boris Johnson's resignation on Times Radio, hosted alongside Patrick Maguire. INCLUDING: A political obituary for Boris Johnson & thoughts from India Knight and James Marriott. PLUS: Boris' Biographer Andrew Gimson, his former advisor Katie Perrior and his former Employer Max Hastings reflect on Boris' legacy as Prime MinisterAND: Boris Johnson's statement of resignation in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley, the Sunday Times Political Editor Tim Shipman and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pick through those explosive exchanges between Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson in the House of Commons.COLUMNISTS: For a special edition, Matt Chorley speaks to the former political editors Phil Webster and Elinor Goodman on the resignations in the cabinet and how it's different from the 90's toppling of Margaret Thatcher. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amid rising inflation, Matt Chorley asks what would make a good pay-rise for workers this summer. With expert economic and political analysis and an interview with the TUC's General Secretary Frances O'Grady. PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and Manveen Rana assess the government's complicated response to the Chris Pincher scandal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund on his investigations into Prince Charles and where his charity money comes from. Matt also speaks to Norman Baker who wrote to Scotland Yard to open up an investigation into the Prince of Wales and the Sunday Times' Royal Editor Roya Nikkah on the future of the monarchy.PLUS COLUMNISTS: Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd on the tory rebel plot 2.0 and ageing Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to tourism bosses about how the industry coping with rising costs, staff shortages and surging demand including Visit Britain, UK Hospitality, Tower of London and Stonehenge.PLUS COLUMNISTS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on MPs behaviour and offensive views. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With this week marking the 50th anniversary of the first pride rally in the UK, Matt Chorley speaks to LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate and Campaigner Peter Tatchell, who was there half a century ago and still goes every year, on his memories of how it all happened. PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss nerd fashion and winking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley analyses the exchanges between Deputy Leader Dominic Raab and Angela Rayner at Prime Minister's Questions. Pausing the action alongside the Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Carol Lewis discuss Boris Johnson abroad and shirt buttons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley asks whether the capital should be moved out of London, and exclusive polling for Times Radio what the public thinks. Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy explains why she'd rather restore hometown nightclubs than move the House of Lords to the North.PLUS: David Aaronovitch and Matthew Parris on Liz Truss, Putin and Prince Charles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley reveals what's really happening inside the Tory party as he plays out off-the-record texts from Conservative MPs, voiced by actors. He and The Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford analyse and The Times' former Political Editor Phil Webster puts them into historical context.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the plot to oust Boris Johnson and the value of an English Literature degree. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks back on the by-elections results of Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton. Matt crunches the numbers with Times Radio's Chief Political Commentator Lucy Fisher, pollsters Sir John Curtice, Lord Hayward and Professor Paula Surridge.COLUMNISTS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth with their analysis of the by-elections and the politics of Glastonbury. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the former prime minister of New Zealand, former head of the United Nations Development Programme and now President of Chatham House, about a new commission looking at how to prepare every country for the health threats of the future.COLUMNISTS: Patrick Kidd and Laura Freeman on the commonwealth, GCSE poetry and top gun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley analyses the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. Pausing the action alongside the Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim ShipmanPLUS: Robert Crampton and Carol Lewis discuss whether strikes were better in the 1970s, property and cushions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Jersey goes to the polls, Matt Chorley explores its significance alongside Guernsey and Sark.PLUS Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss strikes and the fall of Macron. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, taking place in Rwanda. He hears from Valentine Low, who writes on the Royals for The Times, Sue Onslow, Director at the Institute for Commonwealth Studies, Sir Simon McDonald, who was Permanent Under-Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service at the Foreign Office between 2015 and 2020 and Henry Zeffman, The Times Associate political editor.PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss strike action and gymnastics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former MP turned national treasure Gyles Brandreth talks about keeping busy, why he would have voted for Boris Johnson in the recent confidence vote and his new podcast with the Duchess of Cornwall PLUS: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid discuss Islamism and why Peers don't want to move to Stoke-On-Trent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears stories from the frontlines of the cost-of-living crisis, speaking to regional representatives for Citizens Advice to get a clear understanding of the hardships people in England and Wales are going through.PLUS: India Knight and Rachel Cunliffe discuss how to dress in a heatwave and the state of the economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley analyses the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions alongside Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman.PLUS Patrick Kidd and Alice Thomson discuss the Rwanda flight court order and obesity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a Times Radio investigation showed that nearly a million people are considering or have confirmed strike action this summer, Matt Chorley explores what this means for the industries affected. He hears from Paul Nowak, Deputy General Secretary of the TUC, Gary Smith, the general secretary of the GMB union and Steven Fielding, Professor of political history at the University of Nottingham.PLUS Danny Finkelstein and Oliver Kamm discuss the Government's Rwanda flights and accentism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire have been hitting up their contacts books, speaking to some of the Labour leader's closest colleagues, who are getting increasingly jittery about whether he is the man for the job. PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on early years learning and dealing with criticism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode comes courtesy of our sister podcast: Wine Times.Dabbling in wines from across the globe with Suzi and Will is the journalist and broadcaster Matt Chorley - who has an astute love for sauvignon blanc. As well as tasting three great wines Matt discusses why he believes people should pay less attention to politics, Will talks about his love for savoury wine and Suzi reflects on some of the greatest highlights from the 80's.2020 Sauvignon Gris, Château Le Coin, Bordeaux, France2020 Albastrele Blanc de Cabernet, Moldova2016 Johnny Q Shiraz Viognier, AustraliaAll the wines in the series are available at www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the story of the senior Conservative MP, loyalist and rebel David Davis. Matt Chorley sat down with him to discuss losing out to David Cameron in a leadership race, bringing down Theresa May, and why he wants Boris Johnson to go.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss Boris Johnson's future, capitol riots and shipwrecks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson from Kekst CNC who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group of people from Wakefield, who all voted Conservative for the first time in 2019. Find out what they think of Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer ahead of the constituency's by-election on the 23rd of June.PLUS: James Marriott and India Knight discuss whether second homes are immoral, and why James hates twee. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss train strikes, the NHS and why we are an anxious nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley takes us behind the scenes in Westminster to see how yesterday's extraordinary day in politics unfolded.PLUS Patrick Kidd and Daniel Finkelstein discuss the future for Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Deputy Leader and Justice Secretary Dominic Raab and now the former anti-corruption tzar John Penrose on whether or not Boris Johnson should be removed from No 10. We also take a look back through the archive when other Prime Ministers were removed from office, with memories from Michael Heseltine, John Whittingdale, Baroness Bertin and many more.Plus Carol Lewis and Rachel Sylvester discuss secret house sales and working a four day week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies. Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast.This month, Sir William Harcourt, John Spencer, George Robinson, Henry Petty-Fitzmaurice and Joseph Chamberlain. Listen live to the next Leader of the Opposition every Monday morning from 10am on Times Radio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire explores what might've happened if Edward VIII had remained king. He hears from royal historian Andrew Lownie and political historian Sir Anthony Seldon.PLUS Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss Tory party woes and the future of the monarchy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carole Walker sits in for Matt Chorley and speaks to journalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to get the news from the four corners of the UK. Also columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss ethics, nostalgia and being a macho man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can Rishi Sunak learn from former chancellors? We speak to Sir Howard Davies, a British economist, the first chairman of the Financial Services Authority and now the chairman of the Natwest Group. Carole speaks to him about his book.PLUS Columnists Hugo Rifkind and Angela Epstein on apocalypse fatigue and dogs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carole Walker sits in for Matt Chorley. She discusses how can the West break the naval blockade of Ukrainian ports? With the Times' Defence Editor Larisa Brown, Chair of Ukraine's biggest grain producer Dr John Rich, Chris Southworth, the General Secretary for The International Chamber of Commerce and Professor of War and Strategy Dr Alessio Palatano.PLUS: Manveen Rana and Alex Massie discuss 70's blackouts, immigration and the SNP. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Steve Brown who co-wrote 'Tony! The Tony Blair Rock Opera" with Comedian Harry Hill, as well as the actors playing Gordon Brown and Princess Diana.PLUS: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid discuss Rishi Sunak's latest economic support package. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Immigration is on the rise. But is this a good or a bad thing? Matt speaks to Matt Dathan, Chief Exec of Ipsos Kelly Beaver, former Joint Downing Street Chief of Staff of Theresa May Nick Timothy and former journalist James Kirkup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from College Green, Matt Chorley unpacks the much-awaited Sue Gray report with Lucy Fisher and Patrick Maguire picking through the 39 pages and nine pictures of several events that happened at Downing Street. We also head to the Commons for PMQs Unpacked where Sir Keir Starmer focused on pressing Boris Johnson on the cost of living and a windfall tax.Plus Alice Thomson, Quentin Letts and Robert Crampton talk rule breaking and gun controls.If you want to watch PMQs Unpacked again, you can go to our Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPiVSi2YJfE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores whether politicians are too obsessed with the red wall. He hears from Professor Jane Green from Nuffield College at Oxford University and part of the British Election Study, as well as Dr Rose de Geusfrom the University of Reading who released a report called Red Wall, Red Herring.PLUS Patrick Kidd and Daniel Finklestein discuss Boris Johnson misleading Parliament and the Chelsea Flower Show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from headteachers to see how the cost of living crisis is hitting our schools. He also speaks to  Anne Longfield, former Children's Commissioner and Robert Halfon, Conservative MP and Chair of the Education Select Committee.PLUS Carol Lewis and Rachel Sylvester discuss the politics of windfall tax and the care review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi to hear about University fee refunds, how cost-of-living is affecting schools and whether we test too much.PLUS Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the Tories losing in 2024 and Rishi Sunak joining the Sunday Times Rich List. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are hyperlocal newspapers on the rise? Matt speaks to Francesca Evans from Lyme Online, Joshi Hermann from the Manchester Mill and Phyllis Stephens from Edinburgh Reporter. Matt also speaks to the Independent Community News Network, News Media Association and the National Union of Journalists on the future of local journalism.PLUS James Marriott and Martha Gill on the cost of living and twitter rows. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss sustainable farming and he-peating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is this batch of politicians the worst ever? Matt Chorley speaks to journalists Isabel Hardman and Elinor Goodman, Dr Will Jennings and father of the House Sir Peter Bottomley on the calibre of current crop against MPs of the past. PLUS FINKELVITCH: Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss the government obesity strategy and Putin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from a panel of experts to see how the NHS can be fixed after Jeremy Hunt's new book claimed that 150 preventable deaths were occurring every week.PLUS Libby Purves and Manveen Rana discuss A Level Exams and Guinness drinking in Nigeria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Jeremy Hunt about his new book 'Zero' where it explains how the NHS is causing 150 preventable deaths each week. They explore how culture within the organisation and leadership from the top can be changed to prevent the preventable deaths.PLUS Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the housing crisis and the Bayeux Tapestry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson from Kekst CNC who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group of 2019 Conservative voters in the constituency of Neil Parish, who recently resigned, triggering a by-election. Will they stick with the Tories? PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on bad people, food banks and eating in the bath Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley gets reaction to the Queen's Speech as well as all the latest news from the four corners of the UK.PLUS: Patrick Kidd and Alice Thomson on Prince Charles, Keir Starmer and Eurovision. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire unpack Queen Elizabeth's first ever state opening of parliament, 70 years ago in 1952 to explain what has and hasn't changed in British politics during the reign of the Queen. Featuring Deadringers impressionist Jan Ravens as the voice of the Queen.PLUS. David Aaronovitch and Danny Finkelstein on the point of the Queen's Speech and Beergate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following last week's election results, which saw success for the nationalists in Northern Ireland and Scotland, Matt Chorley speaks to a panel of politicians and commentators to ask whether the Conservative and Unionist Party has what it takes to keep the Union together.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss what may and may not be in the Queen's Speech and making fun of millennials. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After our special documentary series, the Sunday Shows at 50, charting the rise and fall of Sunday political shows, Matt Chorley interviews broadcast legend Andrew Neil ahead of the launch of a new political TV show this weekend, discussing his plans to reinvent the format and his view of today's politicians. PLUS COLUMNISTS: James Forsyth and Rachel Cunliffe break down the election results as they unfolded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After almost five years near total silence, Big Ben is ready to bong again. Matt Chorley got exclusive access to the Elizabeth Tower to see how the restoration is going. He speaks to Keith Scobie-Youngs, from the Cumbria Clock Company who have helped to fix the clock and Matthew Hamlyn, chair of the Elizabeth Tower project board.COLUMNISTS Knight at the Marriott, The Times' India Knight and James Marriott, on the life of a celebrity, shorthand and whether politicians and business should pay to be on social media.If you want to see Matt Chorley going up the Elizabeth Tower, check out the Times Red Box YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtrKDjMo42k Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley convenes the Disunited Kingdom panel to preview the local elections from the four corners of the UK.PLUS: Alice Thomson and Patrick Kidd discuss what voters in the South West really think, and French MP expenses.BONUS: MPs and Times Radio listeners tell tales from the doorstep, telling their experiences canvassing for elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley dives into this potentially historic Northern Ireland Assembly election including interviews with U105's News Editor Grainne McKinney, Bill White from the polling company LucidTalk, Dr Clare Rice and Lord Peter Hain who is a former Northern Ireland Secretary.PLUS FINKELVITCH: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on all women shortlists, beergate and Roe vs Wade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a flurry of more accounts of sexual harassment and bullying within Parliament, Carole Walker speaks to those who've seen it first hand and people who have both tried and are continuing to try to improve political life for women.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester consider a Liberal Democrat and Labour electoral pact and the dangers of privatisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies. Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast.This month, Spencer Cavendish, Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Michael Hicks Beach and the First Earl of Kimberley John Wodehouse.Listen live to the next Leader of the Opposition every Monday morning from 10am on Times Radio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 years after New Labour's landslide, Matt Chorley lifts the lid on the fears, egos and infighting among the party's grandees. He dives into the Times Red Box podcast archive so you'll hear the voices of Tony Blair, Peter Mandelson, Anji Hunter, Margaret McDonagh, Phil Webster, Alistair Campbell and James Landale.PLUS James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on misogyny in Westminster and why we shouldn't mow our lawn to save the bees.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson from Kekst CNC who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group to find out what they think about partygate, the cost of living and sexism in parliament.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriot discuss the revelation that an MP watched porn in parliament and ambitious children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Sunday Times' Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley sits down for an exclusive interview with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps to discuss Planes, Trains and Automobiles.....and Ferries too.PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on Elon Musk and the use of anonymous sources in political journalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A victory for Macron who secured a second term as French President. Matt speaks to the Times’ Charles Bremner, and Sylvie Bermann, France’s ambassador to London. PLUS Times reporters in Europe on their reaction to the result. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt puts France under a microscope and heads to the different regions of France to find out what voters are thinking and what issues really matter to them. Interviews with local reporters, exclusive polling from YouGov’s Patrick English and David Runciman on the future of France and what that means to Europe.Columnists Rachel Cunliffe and James Forsyth talk about the possible end for Boris, our obsession with the Queen and keeping your name when you get married. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to one of Boris' former High Commissioners to the country and an Indian MP to find out what will be on the agenda for the PM's trip to India, PLUS: The Times' Carol Lewis and the Spectator's Katy Balls Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Patrick Maguire to analyse the exchanges between Sir Keir Starmer and Boris Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Robert Crampton and Janice Turner discuss the Prime Minister's 35 apologies and Anglophobia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As it's the first day back to Parliament after the Easter break, Matt Chorley speaks to Lucy Fisher, Times Radio's Chief Political Commentator and Professor Sir John Curtice from the University of Strathclyde to uncover what it all means for voters.PLUS David Aaronovitch and Daniel Finklestein discuss Boris Johnson's partygate fixed penalty notice and the French Elections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How's the UK's refugee policy going? Luke speaks to 'Aziz' Afghan refugee who has been stuck in a hotel for six months, Presenter Dr. Bendor Grosvenor, Debbie Gaze and Jane Finlay Blackall about housing Ukrainian refugees in their homes in the UK.PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss Boris Johnson's leadership and going to university. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week, we heard about the rise of Andrew Marr and his decision to leave Sunday mornings. It’s the last episode of the documentary series. Matt speaks to the new kid on the Sunday politics block, Sophy Ridge on Sky News, and we hear from Trevor Phillips on confronting ministers over the death of his daughter. PLUS the future of Sunday Shows with Tony Blair, Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week we heard about the 21st century boom of political shows, this week we hear about how the axing of Breakfast with Frost paved the way for a new face of Sunday politics, Andrew Marr. Featuring the man himself, Barney Jones, William Hague, Peter Mandelson and more.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50.Last week we heard about the rise of the BBC's 'On the Record', this week we hear how an explosion of new shows competed for dominance after the turn of the century. Featuring Jeremy Vine, Jonathan Dimbelby, Adam Boulton, Tony Blair, William Hague and more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week we heard how David Frost came to dominate Sunday breakfast time, now the tale of how Jonathan Dimbleby, John Humphrys and a crocodile had politicians for lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV shows with Sunday Shows at 50. Last week, we looked at the birth of Weekend World and this week, we look at how David Frost dominated the Sunday shows for over a decade. Interviewees including his son Wilfred Frost, his editor Barney Jones, Trevor Phillips, Peter Mandelson, Chris Evans, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV show, starting by going behind-the-scenes of the heavyweight, sometimes heavy-going, Weekend World which launched in 1972. The brainchild of John Birt, it was fronted first by Peter Jay, then later the formidable former Labour MP Brian Walden, and then finally former Conservative MP Matthew Parris. From Walden’s complex interviewing format, to a relaunch which cost Parris his wonky teeth, this is the story of a show which made political and journalistic careers. Interviewees including Peter Jay, former Times economics editor and first Weekend World presenter; Matthew Parris, Weekend World's last presenter; producers David Aaronovitch, Trevor Phillips and Peter Mandelson, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones hears from Daniel Roher, the director of new film 'Navalny', as well as Vladimir Ashukov, former Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation which was founded by Alexei Navalny. He also speaks to Andrei Soldatov, Senior Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis and Author of 'The Compatriots' after it emerged that Putin has removed over 100 agents from their posts.PLUS Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss Johnson's survival and ambulance waiting times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones sits in for Matt Chorley. How does a country join NATO? He speaks to Mary Elise Sarotte is a Professor of Post-Cold War history at John Hopkins University and the author of Not One Inch, Tytti Tuppurainen, the Finnish Minister for European Affairs and Torbjorn Sjostrom from the Swedish polling company Novus. PLUS minister Andrew Griffith and columnists James Marriott and Manveen Rana on the news that the government's plans to send migrants to Rwanda for processing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones speaks to journalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to get the news from the four corners of the UK. Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss partygate and Amber Heard's latest court battle with Johnny Depp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones speaks to Robin Niblett who is standing down after 15 years as Director of the International Affairs Think Tank Chatham House.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones speaks to Times France Correspondent Charles Bremner, Mireille Clapot, an MP for Macron's En Marche in Drome in the South-East of France and Lord Peter Ricketts to find out the latest from the French Elections.PLUS Carol Lewis and Libby Purves discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Maguire sits in for Matt Chorley and talks about the 1992 General Election and what an explosive election it was. Interviews with Neil Kinnock, Chris Patten and Phil Webster. Columnists Melanie Reid and Josh Glancy go through the news on Rishi Sunak, Germany’s response to Ukraine and best places to live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Pack, author of the new book 'Polling Unpacked', tells Matt Chorley about the history of opinion polls, and the five great polling disasters in UK and American history. PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss creative thinking Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to political podcast enthusiast David Runciman to dissect the last six years of Talking Politics and why more Prime Ministers are from Oxford rather than Cambridge.PLUS Dorothy Byrne and Abigail Rabbett discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Holly Watt, Sir Alistair Graham and Stephen Hammond to see what the rules are for employing spouses.PLUS Manveen Rana and David Aaronovitch discuss the Russian misinformation and Channel 4 privatisation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Radio's Chief Political Commentator Lucy Fisher, former Director of Downing Street Communications Sir Craig Oliver and David Herzsenhorn, Chief Brussels Correspondent at Politico and former Washington Correspondent at the New York Times. They explore the frequency of anonymous sources being referred to in the press and whether they can be useful or problematic.PLUS Carol Lewis and Libby Purves on employing your spouse and trigger warnings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies.Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast. This week, Granville Leveson-Gower, James Harris,  Lord Cairns and Charles Gordon-Lennox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week, we heard about the rise of Andrew Marr and his decision to leave Sunday mornings. It’s the last episode of the documentary series. Matt speaks to the new kid on the Sunday politics block, Sophy Ridge on Sky News, and we hear from Trevor Phillips on confronting ministers over the death of his daughter. PLUS the future of Sunday Shows with Tony Blair, Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Labour grandee Margaret Beckett who has announced she is retiring after half a century in politics, going through her career decade by decade.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss the days news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Sunday Times Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Manveen Rana and Robert Crampton discuss problems with the NHS and fast food job adverts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Tom Lubbock from Kekst CNC who has convened the latest Times Radio Focus Group to assess the situation in Ukraine, the cost of living crisis and Partygate.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and Oliver Kamm on Partygate fines and politicians discussing Will Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley reflects on nearly five years since the Manchester Arena bombing with the Northern Editor of the Sunday Times David Collins and Pete Weatherby QC, who represents seven of the families. Also, Times Radio's Phil Williams and Manchester Evening News' Helena Vesty on Manchester hospital admissions and the backlog plus what happened at the Oscars between Will Smith and Chris Rock. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week we heard about the 21st century boom of political shows, this week we hear about how the axing of Breakfast with Frost paved the way for a new face of Sunday politics, Andrew Marr. Featuring the man himself, Barney Jones, William Hague, Peter Mandelson and more.. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is in Leeds to find out how the Spring Statement will affect the local area. James Smith from the Resolution Foundation, Henri Murison, Leeds City Council Leader James Lewis and Kayleigh Hignell. PLUS Rob Parsons & Victoria Finan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and The Times' Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the vicious backlash against Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and hoarding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores why the number of fluent Russian speakers in the Foreign Office fell by a quarter in the years before the invasion of Ukraine.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and Oliver Kamm discuss President Putin getting "an easy off-ramp" and Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Radio's new Chief Political Commentator Lucy Fisher about her top 5 things: an event, a trend, a person, a place and an issue - that could explain how the rest of the political year might play out.PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss P&O Ferries and the Government's Covid Inquiry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies.Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast. This month it's John Spencer, Lord George Bentinck, Charles Manners, Marquess of Granby and John Charles Herries.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50.Last week we heard about the rise of the BBC's 'On the Record', this week we hear how an explosion of new shows competed for dominance after the turn of the century. Featuring Jeremy Vine, Jonathan Dimbelby, Adam Boulton, Tony Blair, William Hague and more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine is known as the breadbasket of Europe but what happens when war with Russia means everyone is scrambling for the crumbs? Matt Chorley speaks to George Eustice, Dr John Rich and Abi Reader from the NFU. Plus: India Knight and James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Sunday Times Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Dominic Raab and Angela Rayner at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Tom McTague Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorleys asks what is the the point of the UN ; former US ambassador to the UN under George W Bush, John Bolton, Peter Lee, Sarah Hunter and former Deputy Secretary-General at the UN Lord Malloch Brown. PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaaronovitch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another year passes and the home office is still a mess, this time over Ukranian refugees. Matt speaks to people who've worked as officials, ministers and advisors to ask what is going wrong with the department. PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of Sunday political TV shows with Sunday shows at 50. Last week we heard how David Frost came to dominate Sunday breakfast time, now the tale of how Jonathan Dimbleby, John Humphrys and a crocodile had politicians for lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in an interview with the Red Box Podcast in 2018 that he feared the march of democracy around the world was in retreat. Matt speaks to Jeremy again. PLUS Hugo Rifkind and Rosamund Urwin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Times' Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the role of women in the conflict and future jobs for John Bercow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Times Diplomatic Correspondent Catherine Philp, who touched down in Ukraine when the war kicked off. She explains what it's like to report on a war and describes her experiences in Ukraine.PLUS: David Aaronovitch and Daniel Finkelstein on the UK's humanitarian response. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley explores the Economic Crime Bill designed to crack down on the flow of dirty money to the UK.PLUS: Carol Lewis and Roger Boyes discuss the situation in Ukraine and house prices. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV shows with Sunday Shows at 50. Last week, we looked at the birth of Weekend World and this week, we look at how David Frost dominated the Sunday shows for over a decade. Interviewees including his son Wilfred Frost, his editor Barney Jones, Trevor Phillips, Peter Mandelson, Chris Evans, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley broadcasts live from Cardiff. He spoke to Welsh Secretary Simon Hart and he dives into the story of the Welshman who founded Donetsk in Ukraine.PLUS COLUMNISTS Will Hayward and Bronwen Weatherby talk about the Welsh response to Ukraine and policing in Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Matt Hancock finding love and the comeback of liberal democracy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise of Vladimir Putin and how he became such a fierce adversary of the West.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss whether Britain rises to the occasion when it comes to conflict. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The former lawyer, actor and comedian who is now leading Ukraine in war with Vladimir Putin. PLUS Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss helping Ukrainian refugees and petty past convictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley charts the rise and fall of the Sunday political TV show, starting by going behind-the-scenes of the heavyweight, sometimes heavy-going, Weekend World which launched in 1972. The brainchild of John Birt, it was fronted first by Peter Jay, then later the formidable former Labour MP Brian Walden, and then finally former Conservative MP Matthew Parris. From Walden’s complex interviewing format, to a relaunch which cost Parris his wonky teeth, this is the story of a show which made political and journalistic careers.Interviewees including Peter Jay, former Times economics editor and first Weekend World presenter; Matthew Parris, Weekend World's last presenter; producers David Aaronovitch, Trevor Phillips and Peter Mandelson, politicians including Neil Kinnock, Tony Blair, and William Hague, and prominent journalists Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Putin mounted his invasion of Ukraine, Matt Chorley analyses the global political and economic impact. GUESTS: Melanie Podolyak, James Johnson, Mick Antoniw and Danny Finkelstien. PLUS India Knight & James Marriott Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions. PLUS: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the days news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emmanuel Macron is one of Europe's key figures during the Ukraine crisis, but has failed to find a diplomatic solution. Matt Chorley finds out what his ambitions are and what he's really like. PLUS: Danny Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the 21st of February 1972, President Nixon landed in China - Matt Chorley asks how that visit changed US/ China relations in the following 50 years. PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Bishop of Exeter about levelling up the south west and talks about politics in the area with Patrick English from YouGov and the University of Exeter's Dr Hannah Bunting. Plus Alice Thomson and Sir Michael Barber discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As veteran MPs quit the Commons, a new Yougov poll for Times Radio reveals 1 in 5 want to be an MP. Matt Chorley speaks to those leaving and those looking to arrive in the Commons about what life is like on the green-benches.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss the latest scandal to hit the Royal Family and new curriculum guidelines for schools.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to journalists from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to get the news from the four corners of the UK. This week: How do attitudes towards immigration differ in each country? PLUS: James Forsyth and Rosamund Urwin discuss what the government can do about the cost of living crisis and Britain's baby shortage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Live from Glasgow, Matt Chorley speaks to Polling guru Sir John Curtice to take the temperature of Scottish politics before Ross Greer from the Scottish Greens and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole Hamilton debate the role of the smaller parties.PLUS Helen Stewart and Kenny Farquharson discuss the days news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar about problems for the party and whether they can regain Labour's lost love.PLUS Melanie Reid and Alex Massie discuss Boris Johnson's leadership and Valentine's Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Tony Blair, Donald Trump, Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson. Well...sort of. Five lookalikes explain what it's like impersonating British politicians.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss British Foreign policy towards Europe in the face of the Ukraine crisis, and whether Scotland could introduce women-only train carriages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With all the job changes in Downing Street, Matt Chorley speaks to Jack Brown, the former Historian in residence at 10 Downing Street and author of "Number 10 and hears from former advisers and permanent secretaries on why where you sit in No 10 really matters. Plus the Times' James Marriott and Carol Lewis talk about being envious and Labour's stance on defence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS Alibert: Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss heshuffle, teachers and farmers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Times’ Crime and Security Editor Fiona Hamilton, Regional London Director of the IOPC, Sal Naseem, and he speaks to two former Met heads Dr Victor Olisa and Shabnam Chaudri. And Finkelvitch, Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on when jokes have gone too far and University Challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite raising taxes Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak think they're Thatcherites, but some of their MPs think they're socialists. We speak to the people who knew the Iron Lady best to find out what Thatcherism is...Plus Rachel Cunliffe and Rachel Sylvester discuss the day's news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year, to mark 300 years since Robert Walpole became Prime Minister, Matt Chorley learnt about every PM through history each week. This year, he's learning about each Leader of the Opposition with Nigel Fletcher from the Centre for Opposition Studies.Each month you'll find a collection of episodes on the podcast. This month it's Charles James Fox, George Ponsonby, George Tierney and Henry Petty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the press gallery? Hundreds of journalists across different media organisations are now able to report from the Houses of Parliament. We take you back to 1738 where journalists had to fight to be able to report on what went on in the House of Commons with News UK archivist Nick Mays, former Political Editor of the Times, Philip Webster and Times Radio's Carole Walker. Plus columnists chat with FORMEL, James Forsyth and Melanie Reid, on resignations and scrapping exams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Veteran Political Journalist Michael Crick about his incredibly detailed biography of Brexit's Nigel Farage "One Party After Another".PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on the cost of living crisis and Botox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS ALIBERT: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss the Office of the Prime Minister and men behaving badly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After explosive scenes in the House of Commons, Matt Chorley unpacks what happened with the Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire.PLUS FINKELVITCH: Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch talk about the relationship between politicians and police and Jimmy Savile. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to an unofficial focus group of women called Sue Gray to find out what they think about the report and Boris Johnson. Plus Opinium pollster Chris Curtis goes through what the public think.COLUMNISTS Rachel Sylvester and Susie Boniface talk about levelling up and Boris Johnson's chances in the next general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt dives into the real spiking threat in nightclubs with chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee Dame Diana Johnson, St John's Ambulance, nightclub operator Peter Marks and student organisations trying to tackle this at their universities.PLUS FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid talk tax, Johnson's plea to MPs and political location hotspots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the former Editor of the Jewish Chronicle about Holocaust Memorial Day and the threat of anti-Semitism in the UK today. PLUSJames Marriott and Martha Gill discuss reasons to be positive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and The Sunday Times' Tim Shipman pause the action and ring the bell in yet another Prime Minister's Questions dominated by Partygate and the prospect of Sue Gray's report. PLUSAlice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the top stories of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Liz Truss continues negotiations to fix the Northern Ireland protocol, Matt Chorley speaks to political analysts and MPs on both sides of the Assembly to ask whether the island of Ireland is on the path to reunification.PLUS Danny Finklestein and David Aaronovitch react to the Police announcing that they will investigate Downing Street parties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Diplomatic Correspondent Catherine Philp, Former Defence Secretary Liam Fox, former UK Ambassador to Ukraine Leigh Turner and others to find out what's happening in Ukraine and what it means for the UK and the rest of the world. PLUSLibby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss the latest from Westminster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone is talking about letters of no confidence this week so Matt looks through letters which have shaped politics down the years, from campaigns to get prime ministers to change their policies, to Harold Wilson's letter to Daniel Finkelstein about watching the muppets. Daniel Finklestein, Dr Kit Kowol and Professor Richard Toye speak what we can learn from political letters.PLUS FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid on the political tv drama we're in and train announcements. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What makes a politician defect and change political sides? Matt talks to four politicians who decided to jump and how they kept it a secret including; Alan Howarth, Douglas Carswell, Anna Soubry and Dr Phillip Lee.PLUS KNIGHT AT THE MARRIOTT... India Knight and James Marriott discuss taking responsibility and why rule breakers get ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Boris Johnson claims 'he was not told' the Downing Street party would breach lockdown regulations, Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause the action between the exchanges at the dispatch box to explain what's going on.PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Boris Johnson's leadership woes and swimming in the Serpentine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Chief Political Correspondent Henry Zeffman, former SpAd Kirsty Buchanan and head of the Institute of Economic Affairs Mark Littlewood to find out who the woman behind the photo ops really is. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss fairness in politics.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley talks to Sir Mark Walport, Professor Linda Bauld and The Science Media Centre's Fiona Fox about going from anonymous scientists in front of a microscope to media sensations during a pandemic.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester talk Operation Red Meat, the BBC licence fee and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears from people who were in the room with previous Conservative Prime Ministers as they were forced out from office. The Times' Political Editor Steven Swinford analyses how close Boris is to following them.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the latest Number 10 Downing Street party to be revealed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley catches up with former civil servant, cancer patient and listener Clair Fisher about being moved into a hospice and why palliative care needs to be considered in the Health and Social Care bill.PLUS COLUMNISTS: India Knight and Hugo Rifkind talk about Boris Johnson's leadership, art degrees and dogs wearing clothes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Boris Johnson under fire for the latest party allegations, Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire pause the action between the exchanges at the dispatch box to explain what's going on. PLUSAlice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss parties and farming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and former Number 10 Pollster James Johnson convene the Times Radio focus group to find out what they think about the latest Number 10 party revelations. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Michael Gove's lift incident. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to former Ambassador to the US Kim Darroch, Times Diplomatic Editor Roger Boyes, and former senior civil servants Jill Rutter and Simon Fraser about the issues facing the Foreign Office, and what it can do to get back on top. PLUSThe Times Libby Purves and the Mirror's Susie Boniface talk party-gate and living forever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Danish political drama is back this year. Matt Chorley speaks to the show's creator Adam Price about life imitating art, what really happens in Danish politics and what to expect in season four.PLUS COLUMNIST FORMEL: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid talk about the Downing Street flat inquiry and the cost of living. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks back a year since the Capitol riots with Jamie Roberts and Robert Moore who were there. Also he spoke to Barbara Walter and Carlton Larson on the future of US democracy and a possible civil war.PLUS COLUMNISTS: Knight at the Marriott, India Knight and James Marriott, discuss compulsory vaccines, culture wars and loving pets more than children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A special PMQs Unpacked episode after Prime Minister's Questions was pushed back to 3pm. Matt Chorley takes over the role of Tim Shipman and pauses the action in the Commons with Mariella Frostrup.PLUS it's Wednesdays so it's our columnist duo Alibert, Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton on care homes and vaccine exemptions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Times Chief Political Commentator Henry Zeffman, former Labour MP Anna Turley, pollster Kelly Beaver and Financial Times journalist Seb Payne about Keir Starmer's speech resetting Labour's agenda, patriotism, and the flag. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss political nomenclature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carole Walker, sitting in for Matt Chorley, speaks to historian Brenda Van Coppenolle, and Conservative politicians Geoffrey Clifton Brown and Nicholas Soames about political dynasties in the UK.PLUSThe Times' Rachel Sylvester and the New Statesman's Rachel Cunliffe discuss schools, covid and France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a Christmas special, fellow Times Radio presenter Luke Jones speaks to Matt Chorley about growing up in Taunton, working in Westminster and what he loves about presenting politics without the boring bits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PM Christmas Special: Matt Chorley and historian and author Andrew Gimson dive into the lives of British Prime Ministers. This episodes goes through all the Prime Ministers from Margaret Thatcher to Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to a focus group of the podcast's regular Columnists who write for The Times discussing the politics of 2021. In part 2 of 2, Matt asks the group how they'll spend Christmas and which Times Columnist would make the best Prime Minister. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to a focus group of the podcast's regular Columnists who write for The Times discussing the politics of 2021. In part 1 of 2, Matt asks for the group's political highlight of the year and which politician had the worst year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley pits Labour's Jonathan Ashworth and Conservative Nicky Morgan, against Times and Sunday Times writers Patrick Maguire and Lindsay McIntosh and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika and Alexis Conran to see who will triumph in the big political quiz everyone is calling... Politics Without The Boring Quiz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Christmas Day, Matt Chorley and his fellow Times Radio presenter Mariella Frostrup go through some of their 2021 show highlights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley presents this year's Times Radio Pantomime, Bojo White and the Seven Political Dwarves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley talks to Armando Iannucci, the creator of The Day Today, The Thick of It and Veep. They discuss Iannucci's new book Pandemonium: Some Verses on the Current Predicament and what the new year might hold in store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No live PMQs this week, so Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire look back over the year and assess what we've learned from the exchanges at the dispatch box.PLUSRobert Crampton and Alice Thomson look at Conservative regicide and freedom of speech.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four months on from the evacuation, Jenny Kleeman, in for Matt Chorley, speaks to former Afghan MP Shukria Barakzai, and journalists Lynn O'Donnell and Stuart Ramsay about their experiences fleeing the country, and what life is like there now. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Lord Frost's politics, and when a party is not a party.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Eden Project founder Tim Smit about growing plants, hosting the G7 and making power with hot rocks. PLUSRachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss new possible Covid restrictions.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bumper podcast Matt Chorley speaks to Times Political Editor Steve Swinford, Conservative MP Charles Walker and Number 10 veterans Gavin Barwell, James Johnson and Kate Fall about whether the Shropshire by-election defeat could spell the end of Boris Johnson. PLUSScreenwriter Sarah Phelps talks about her latest drama, A Very British Scandal, series 2, which looks at the Duke and Duchess of Argyle's messy public divorce.PLUSColumnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth pick over the day's news.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to COP26 President and self-described "auditor in chief" Alok Sharma about the outcome of the climate summit, the challenges of touring the world in a pandemic, and more.PLUS India Knight and the Daily Mail's John Stevens discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Alice Thompson discuss the top stories of the day including the Prime Minister's backbench rebellion.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to economist, author and presenter of Radio 4's More or Less Tim Harford about how to make sense of the numbers around us, and what we can learn from pandemic statistics.PLUSDavid Aaronovitch and Daniel Finkelstein discuss the possibility of a new Conservative leader, and David Davis explains why he'll be voting against the government's new covid regulations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley asks comedian Andy Zaltzman, host of the BBC's "The News Quiz", how best to satirise today's politicians.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether Boris Johnson's time as PM is running out of steam and who might replace him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones marks the second anniversary of the 2019 General Election with some of the big winners and losers from that year. How has politics has changed since then?PLUS: Melanie Reid and John Stevens discuss the latest on the political scandal surrounding Number 10 and John has a special scoop on Geronimo the alpaca. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones sits in for Matt Chorley and discusses what does China want with former US ambassador to China under the Obama administration Max Baucus, MEP and co-chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Reinhard Hans Bütikofer and Senior Research Fellow at RUSI Veerle Nouwens.PLUS columnists Carol Lewis and James Marriott on Plan B, Christmas Parties and taking pride in Britain's past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Jones sits in for Matt Chorley. Panto is back so Luke speaks to producers, writers and directors including; Robert Shaw Cameron, Vikki Stone, Lisa Spirling and Michael Harrison.PLUS Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on cancel culture and bringing back old TV hits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One hundred years after the Anglo-Irish treaty was signed, Luke Jones (in for Matt Chorley) goes back to the moment in history when the treaty was agreed and its impact on relations between both countries up to this day.PLUS: Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester talk about new plans to punish middle-class drug users, and the man who made Britain's biggest model railway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Lords debate a bill over whether to scrap Hereditary Peers by-elections, Matt Chorley finds out how the Hereditary Peer by-election system works and speaks to the Lord behind the bill.PLUS: Melanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the day's headlines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks at the progress of the campaign against smoking, which began in 1971, and the politics of lighting up with Former Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt who passed the public smoking ban in 2007. PLUS: India Knight and John Stevens discuss whether they'll go to their office Christmas party and whether they'll miss Angela Merkel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Alice Thompson discuss the top stories of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Number 10 pollster James Johnson convenes the final Times Radio focus group of the year to discuss new covid measures and what to get Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer for Christmas.PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss reshuffles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley assesses the state of relations between Britain and France with Lord Ricketts, Britain’s ambassador to Paris from 2012 until 2016, and Sylvie Berman, France’s ambassador to London from 2014-17. One of them rates the relationship as 3 or 4 out of 10, the other thinks it's as bad as anything since Waterloo.Plus Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on the politics of pandemic panic and the prospect of a Labour reshuffle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley interviews Writer James Graham and Director Jeremy Herrin. Their new play: "Best of Enemies" is about the debates of William F Buckley Junior and Gore Vidal which aired on ABC more than half a century ago, introducing viewers to a whole new style of dramatic on-screen punditry.PLUS: James Forsyth and Melanie Reid discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do prisons work? Matt speaks to the former justice secretary Robert Buckland, former prisoners Tyrell and David Breakspear and Paula Harriott from the Prison Reform Trust.PLUS columnists India Knight and James Marriott on migrants, old photos and Matt's flared jeans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson on anti-depressants, babies in the House of Commons and the snowflake generation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to former White House advisor Fiona Hill, former UK Ambassador Tony Brenton and former Kremlin spokesperson Sergei Markov about how the West can deal with the migrant crisis on the Polish border and increased military activity on the Ukrainian border. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss speeches, business and social care.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley interviews Katharine Birbalsingh, the new Chair of the Social Mobility Commission, also known as "Britain's Strictest Headteacher".PLUS: Rachel Sylvester and Carol Lewis discuss the day's news.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why MPs do reality TV? Matt speaks to the culture secretary Nadine Dorries, former MPs; Matthew Parris, Julia Goldsworthy, Michael Fabricant and more.PLUS columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on migrants and HS2.Thanks to the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 for the archive material. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What can the polls tell us? Matt Chorley speaks to Chris Curtis from Pollsters Opinium and Political Scientist Paula Surridge to reveal what's really going on in British politics.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott discuss the rail review, and other stories from today's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Carol Lewis discuss asylum laws, sleaze and Carry On vs. Bond.SPECIAL TREAT: The man who spent three years restoring the Big Ben clock in a barn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to author and friend of Clarissa Eden, wife of Anthony Eden, who died this week at the age of 101. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Alok Sharma's COP26 legacy and Christopher Chope.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Chief Whip Andrew Mitchell speaks to Matt Chorley about his new book Beyond a Fringe: Tales from a Reformed Establishment Lackey.PLUS The Times Libby Purves and the Mirror's Susie Boniface discuss COP26, sleaze and sex work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the present sleaze scandal the worst? Or do we need to travel back in time to the 90's or the noughties? Matt speaks to some of the journalists who broke the stories of these historic sleaze scandals, David Hencke, Christopher Hope and Heather Brooke.PLUS columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on whether we can move on from this sleaze scandal, MPs second jobs and levelling up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley reflects on what Remembrance Day means to MPs and finds out about some of those who served and died in the war with parliament historian Kathryn Rix and current MPs Chris Bryant and Tom Tugenhat.PLUS Knight at the Marriott, India Knight and James Marriott, talk about their best flight stories and marrying young. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's transport day at COP26, and Matt Chorley speaks to journalists from the four corners of the UK to find out what green travel is like across the country. PLUSRobert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss Boris Johnson's COP intervention and House of Lords reform. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hears about a day in the life of two GPs as they face winter pressures and a mounting backlog of patients, as well as Royal College of GPs Vice Chair Michael Mulholland and Health Minister Maria Caulfield on what can be done to help them and their patients. PLUSDaniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss Geoffrey Cox's Caribbean endeavours and the Royal Court's Fink blunder.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to historian Anthony Seldon, Catherine Haddon from the Institute for Government, Chris Evans MP and Nick Mays from the News UK archives to find out whether the government conducting their business on encrypted apps will make chronicling history more difficult. PLUSLibby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss sleaze and fallen heroes.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could we live forever? Matt Chorley speaks to Richard Faragher, professor of gerontology at the University of Brighton, on the science of living forever.Plus columnists Melanie Reid and James Forsyth on rebel MPs and pantomimes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In just 60 years there will be more Nigerians than Europeans. Matt Chorley looks at the future of migration in Africa with Roger Boyes, Yvonne Ndege from International Organisation of Migration, Paul Morland, Dr Parag Khanna.Plus James Marriott and John Stevens discuss the Owen Paterson U-turn and enthusiasm.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Chief Political Commentator of the Sunday Times Tim Shipman pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Angela Rayner (in for Keir Starmer) at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss meat tax, will money and nudist holidays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by James Johnson, who chairs a panel of swing voters from Plymouth, Manchester and Derby, to get their views on Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer, the budget and climate change.Plus: Finkelvitch, Daniel Finkelvitch and David Aaronovitch, on climate hypocrisy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Former Cabinet Minister Danny Alexander who's arrived at COP26 to argue for greener investment in Asia.PLUSLibby Purves and Rachel Sylevester discuss the day's news and praise the inventor of Tiramisu Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Fiona Hill to talk about going from a County Durham comprehensive to working for three US presidents.PLUS a look back at a week that had a budget and more Brexit rows, with James Forsyth and Melanie Reid.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to a panel of economic experts each with their own key takeaway from Rishi Sunak's Budget. PLUS:India Knight and James Marriott discuss the day's news.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Times Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the exchanges between Boris Johnson and Ed Miliband (in for Keir Starmer) at Prime Minister's Questions.PLUS: Robert Crampton and Polly Mackenzie discuss the top stories of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley puts questions sent in by Times Radio listeners to COP26 Spokesperson Allegra Stratton.PLUS: David Aaronovitch and John Stevens discuss the day's news as well as why parents can't behave at their children's football matches. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to Adam Macqueen, author of a new book chronicling six decades in news as captured by the satirical magazine.Plus Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on NHS backlogs and overhauling the honours system. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As The Green Party host their party conference, Matt Chorley asks whether they can gain from environmental issues becoming mainstream and what they can learn from successful green parties in other countries.PLUSMelanie Reid and James Forsyth discuss the day's news.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks at the impact of the past year on political attitudes with Sir John Curtice and Gillian Prior from National Centre for Social Research.Veteran broadcaster John Humphrys recalls the Aberfan disaster, 55 years on.PLUS India Knight and James Marriott on wasting your twenties, and not reading bad books   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire pause the action to analyse the despatch box exchanges at Prime Minister’s Questions. PLUS Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the day's news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by former No10 pollster James Johnson for the monthly Times Radio Focus Group in association with Kekst CNC, asking a panel of swing voters in Wolverhampton, Rother Valley and Swindon what they noticed about the conference season, the rising cost of living, and their thoughts on Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer.Plus Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch on anonymity online and how the rich call politicians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Labour frontbencher at the Cheltenham Literature Festival, just an hour after news broke of the killing of Sir David Amess. They discuss MPs' safety, honesty in politics and cross-party working.PLUS:Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on police attitudes towards threats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley looks at the link between GCHQ and Cheltenham and speaks to GCHQ's historian David Abrutat and former GCHQ director David Omand. Also Ed Balls pops in to chat about food, new labour and strictly.PLUS the Times' Carol Lewis and Jack Malvern discuss Covid in the city and eavesdropping. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hosts a panel live at the Cheltenham Literature festival asking how important personality is to a politician's success. PLUS: An interview with Gyles Brandreth on his memoirs. AND David Sanderson from the Arts section of the Times and Manveen Rana of the Stories of Our Times Podcast dissect the days news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley and Patrick Maguire take a trip down political history lane and analyse their favourite PMQs exchanges in front of a live audience at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.PLUS Author Tim Marshall and the Cheltenham Literature Festival's Head of Programme's Nicola Tuxworth discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Irish Culture Minister Catherine Martin, Irish Ambassador to the UK Adrian O’Neill and visits a new exhibition showcasing negotiating documents to commemorate 100 years since the start of negotiations of the Anglo Irish treaty.PLUSDavid Aaronovitch and Daniel Finkelstein discuss party conference and Sally Rooney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to legendary cartoonist Peter Brookes about satirising the cabinet.PLUSLibby Purves and the Atlantic’s Tom McTague discuss the energy crisis and Newcastle United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In an exclusive first interview, former NATO ambassador now Parole Board member Sir Stewart Eldon, tells Matt how they decide who gets to come out of prison.PLUS columnists Knight at the Marriott, India Knight and James Marriott, go through Boris Johnson's speech and why we call people scum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.