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Politics Unpacked
Focus Group: The Guy Just Makes Me Cringe
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In the first Times Radio Focus Group of 2024, we hear from 2019 Conservative voters who now say they've switched to Labour. Rishi Sunak is out of touch and makes them cringe, but Keir Starmer lacks the 'X factor' and reminds them of Marvin the Paranoid Android. James Johnson of J.L. Partners joins Matt to discuss the results.
Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss whether the latest Tory MPs to quit politics did so out of principle or to land a lucrative new job, whether they regret not writing about the post office scandal, and whether it's acceptable to email jokes to your colleagues.
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Why Burnham Is A Comedian's Dream
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35:23|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.Burnham's Reality Check
35:43|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.Burnham's Cabinet Assembles
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25:19|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.The Burnham Coronation
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34:23|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.PMQs: Starmer's Journey Comes To An End
53:13|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.How Safe Are Our Politicians?
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