Politics Unpacked

Andy Burnham tells the Times that the job of being prime minister is to be popular, rather than making a "fetish" of toughness. But does that mean avoiding difficult decisions?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK has unveiled radical plans to cut the welfare bill, including stopping foreign nationals from claiming a range of benefits. and abolishing personal indepednent payments. But has the party made a risky strategic choice?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Phil Tinline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but didn't attend the count. He claims to have beaten the establishment but with the parliamentary investigation into his finances reopening, what has he actually achieved?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu, Alys Denby and former Chairman of Reform UK David Bull. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham promised 'good growth in every postcode,' but does he have the vision to turn the economy around, or will he be a continuation of Keir Starmer? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins.Has Andy Burnham come unstuck over the vexed issue of early prisoner release? Is it ever OK to call someone a traitor in politics? And what exactly is Anthony Albanese saying about melons? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the latest YouGov poll for the Times showing Labour nudging ahead of Reform UK, pollster James Johnson argues that Andy Burnham should seize his 'goldilocks moment' and call an election.He joins Ed Vaizey, Charlotte Ivers and podcaster Jimmy McLoughlin to unpack the politics of the day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is due to embark on his summer tour of the UK. Is it a good use of the prime minister's time, and is he already reheating old policy ideas?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has been advised to tone down his 'blokey' social media presence after posting a string of videos about football and the pub - but is the approach helping his image as a man of the people?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Cambridge professor's resignation has reignited the debate over diversity and standards in British universities. Has the drive for equality gone too far?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch defended the Conservative Party's decision to select a former neo-Nazi as a council candidate in Somerset. But after banishing Tory 'wets' like former minister Grant Shapps - is this a double standard?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sonia Sodha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Westminster's favourite "will they, won't they" continues as Nigel Farage says he's open to talks with Rupert Lowe about reuniting the "patriotic right" - but is a deal really on the cards?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform would send the Royal Navy to the Channel to stop migrants crossing on small boats. Will the announcement help Reform reverse its slump in the polls? And would the plan really work?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Jack Blackburn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump is hailing a historic agreement to disarm Hamas, but some are sceptical it will work - can he deliver lasting peace in Gaza?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Drought and wildfires have hit England during the fourth heatwave of the summer. Are politicians are keeping up with a changing climate?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Andy Silvester. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has become the latest Prime Minister to promise to fix England's social care system. More than 20 attempts have failed over the past 30 years - so what makes this one any different?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham wants Britain to value "the hard hat as much as the graduation cap", pushing more young people towards technical training - but is that what the economy really needs?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is setting out how he plans to tackle some of Britain's biggest problems, with defence, social care and devolving income tax powers to local mayors all in his sights - but will his actions match his ambitions? Calum MacDonald unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's reserved style didn't give impressionists much to work with. Andy Burnham is different: expressive, animated and occasionally cringey - but will being endlessly parodied help or hurt his popularity? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham's first week in Downing Street has been full of promises - from tax cuts, to public services - but it's left Kemi Badenoch asking, "Is that it?" as she calls on him to be more ambitious. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has so far shown his new government knows how to spend money, but what about the harder bit - explaining where the savings will come from? Is the new PM already bumping into fiscal reality? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has met with his new cabinet for the first time since becoming prime minister. It's very northern, and it definitely doesn't include allies of Keir Starmer - will the exiled Starmerites make his life difficult?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Andy Burnham becomes the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, how can he avoid the fate of his predecessors?  Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has officially been elected Labour leader. In three days time, he'll become Prime Minister. He says he's got "a plan" - but can he deliver?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Theo Bertram and Alys Denby.You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband...Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer delivers his final Prime Minister's Questions before leaving office, calling it "the end of my political journey" in an at-times emotional final appearance at the despatch box.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack the exchanges, assess Starmer's legacy, and ask how his performances at PMQs will be remembered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As counterterrorism police now lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death, Reform UK MPs are raising concerns about their own safety. Is it time to rethink how Britain's politicians are protected?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Janice Turner. Are Andy Burnham's plans for government really ready? Do voters think Nigel Farage has behaved incorrectly over undeclared  gifts? And is Labour's woman problem worse than it realises?You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is being swept to power by Labour on a 'tidal wave of obsequiousness' - is he making the best use of his moment of maximum power? Why is there a backlash against Count Binface? And what is 'posh boy summer'? Ed Vaizey is joined by Alys Denby and Michael Binyon to unpack the politics of the day. You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has promised to make Labour MPs feel "happy and fulfilled" by easing party discipline and turning the Whips' Office into something more like an HR department. It's a very different approach to Keir Starmer's leadership - but will it work?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the penultimate PMQs before the summer recess, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly face off in the Commons - but with questions hanging over Nigel Farage's future, there's surprisingly little mention of the Reform UK leader...Ed Vaizey is joined by Lara Spirit and Matthew Syed to unpack the exchanges from the House of Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers.Why is Andy Burnham taking a "one-and-done" approach to Cabinet appointments? And who is reading Keir Starmer's Substack? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is under pressure after The Sunday Times revealed he had not declared benefits from an ally previously convicted of fraud in the US. He denies any wrongdoing.How serious is the challenge to his leadership, and to Reform UK? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pmAnd you can hear the full story of the Sunday Times revelations about Nigel Farage in a new podcast by the Insight team. It's called Posh George: The criminal behind Farage. Listen here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has sought advice from all her living predecessors except one - so who didn't get the call?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has accused female Labour MPs of engaging in "failed identity politics" by asking Andy Burnham to commit to making 50 per cent of his ministers women.Is she right to accuse them of "moaning"?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of leaving defence spending in a mess for Andy Burnham, but Starmer blames the Tories for underfunding the military when they were in government. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and comedian Alisdair Beckett-King. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer unveils the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan in one of his final acts as prime minister. But what will the incoming PM, Andy Burnham, make of it all? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has set out his vision for spreading power across the UK, including a new "No. 10 North".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire, Seb Payne and Joshi Herrmann to unpack the speech by the man who is almost certainly going to be prime minister within weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is the de-facto prime minister - has the Labour Party left the country in stasis while we wait for him to arrive in Downing Street?And why is an immigration minister arguing in public with the home secretary, and not getting the sack? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will Andy Burnham handle Donald Trump, does he have a genuine chance to reform welfare, and should we sympathise with the SNP MP accused of faking her Scottish accent?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch for the first time since announcing his resignation. The Tory leader asks if Starmer felt let down by his cabinet - but did her personal jibes go too far?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire and Ryan Tubridy. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's resignation was distinctly less dramatic than previous Prime Ministers' - is Britain just too used to upheaval in Downing Street?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer resigns, paving the way for Andy Burnham to be the next Prime Minister.What sort of leader will Burnham be, and why is the UK on its way to its seventh PM in a decade?Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves, Sebastian Payne and Theo Bertram, former adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham hails it as a 'change moment' - but Keir Starmer insists he'll stand if a leadership contest is triggered. Was Makerfield the PM's goodbye election?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump's deal to end the war with Iran has been roundly criticised in Washington - what will it do to America's reputation?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lammy stands in at the despatch box for the last PMQs before the Makerfield by-election. The Deputy Prime Minister says he's proud to serve under Starmer, while Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho claims Labour is "a government on life support".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and the Chancellor's former Political Director Matt Pound, to unpack the exchanges from the Commons.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is rubbing shoulders with global leaders at the G7 summit.  But have his foreign affairs credentials been undermined by John Healey's resignation?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer announces a social media ban for under-16s as Andy Burnham looks poised to trigger a leadership challenge. Is the Prime Minister shoring up his legacy or will he fight on?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Jack Blackburn and Janice Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer’s grip on power looks weaker than ever after the resignation of John Healey. Can the prime minister really hang on? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, claiming Keir Starmer's lack of funding for the military will make the UK "less safe"Hugo Rifkind spoke to The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Political Editor Anna Mikhailova about the damage the resignation has done to the Prime Minister's authority.And before the news of Healey's resignation broke, Hugo spoke to the New Statesman's Political Correspondent Megan Kenyon and the academic and podcaster David Runciman about whether social media was fanning the flames of unrest in Belfast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.