{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/92a301e1-443b-435f-b4e2-2e2dd1e37fc5/6647595656d2d80012f4f437?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Secrets Of The Whips Office","description":"<p>How do you maintain discipline in a government that's on the ropes after a long period in office, with a prime minister behind in the polls and beset by defections?</p><p><br></p><p>Former Tory MP and whip Gyles Brandreth charted the downfall of the Major government in his indiscreet diaries, and joins Matt to discuss the striking similarities between then and now.</p><p><br></p><p>Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Mariott discuss whether the nation is ready for what is shaping up to be a long election campaign, <a href=\"https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tech-titans-make-laughably-bad-philosophers-vcq56c2jf\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">if tech bros make bad philosophers</a>, and <a href=\"https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fawlty-towers-the-play-review-hugely-entertaining-blast-of-nostalgia-2jgtsrz0v\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">if TV shows work on stage.</a></p><p><br></p><p>Columnists (03:04)</p><p>Gyles Brandreth (24:50) </p>","author_name":"Times Radio"}