Share
Politics Unpacked
Introducing: How To Win An Election
Introducing: How To Win An Election.
As the next General Election approaches, Matt Chorley is joined by three of the sharpest, funniest and best-connected strategists who know a thing or two about winning (and losing).
Peter Mandelson was Labour’s director of communications for Neil Kinnock in 1987 and 1992; New Labour’s architect and later cabinet minister in 1997, 2001 and 2005; and Gordon Brown’s right-hand man in 2010.
Daniel Finkelstein advised the SDP’s David Owen in 1987, worked for John Major in the run-up to 1987; for William Hague ahead of 2001; and advised David Cameron before 2010 and 2015.
Polly Mackenzie was a Lib Dem policy expert, working for Charles Kennedy in their record-breaking 2005 election; for Nick Clegg in 2010, and after five coalition years in No 10, was there for the 2015 wipeout too.
How To Win An Election will be your guide through the twists and turns of a tumultuous campaign every Tuesday. Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.
More episodes
View all episodes
PMQs: The Last One Before The By-Election
40:30|In a rowdy session of PMQs before the Gorton and Denton by-election, Keir Starmer attacks both the Greens and Reform - but Kemi Badenoch accuses Labour of being the "paedo-defenders party".MPs Debate Former Prince Andrew
32:11|The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following his withdrawal from public royal duties, but what are the rules when it comes to debating a royal - and what, exactly, can they say?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick KiddWill SEND be Labour's Next Rebellion?
36:55|The government hopes to tackle the sensitive and costly system for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England - but will Labour MPs support the reforms, or force Starmer into yet another U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne.What Andrew's Arrest Means For The Monarchy
28:57|The royal family faces its biggest crisis in decades following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied wrongdoing. Does this weaken the monarchy, or has the King done enough to separate himself from his brother?Ed Vaizey unpacks the news and politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.Former Prince Andrew Arrested By Police
18:29|Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct whilst in public office. He's the first senior Royal figure to be taken into custody in modern history. He denies wrongdoing. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story - plus the other politics of the day - with Megan Kenyon and Sarah Ditum.Reform Without Farage's Fireworks
29:39|Robert Jenrick sets out Reform’s economic case aiming to make the party credible. But without Farage on the stage, is it losing its radical edge? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Robert Crampton.Reform Team, Assemble
30:59|The Reform UK 'shadow cabinet' has assembled. Nigel Farage has appointed Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Zia Yusuf to key roles - but will voters be convinced that the party is truly a government-in-waiting?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.Starmer's Stay Of Execution
32:42|Cabinet ministers believe Sir Keir Starmer may now survive beyond May because Labour's leadership contenders are too busy squabbling to unite behind a successor. But can the PM get through the next few months without another self-inflicted wound?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Patrick Kidd.Starmer Seeks Relief On The World Stage
33:25|Sir Keir Starmer has survived to the end of a torrid week - will he find solace focusing on the internatonal agenda?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.