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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.
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Starmer's Fuel Fiction
31:40|The government has railed against "profiteering" by energy companies during the cost of living crisis, but evidence suggests there hasn't been any - are ministers guilty of needlessly kicking the private sector?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Sarah Ditum.PMQs: It's Ed Miliband's Decision
42:09|Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood.Is Ed Miliband In The Driving Seat?
29:11|The Tories criticise the energy secretary for his 'cult-like fanaticism' - but is he now the most important person in Keir Starmer's government?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers.Trump, The Cost Of Living And Corbyn In Cuba
36:13|Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba?The Global Energy Crisis
32:39|As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world’s biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the government to step in, and can the country afford it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed.PMQs: Starmer Swerves Mandelson Questions
41:08|Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime Minister's evasive responses.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman.Can Farage Out-Stunt Ed Davey?
31:31|Reform UK launches a competition to pay one winner’s energy bills for a year - is the party attempting to out-stunt Ed Davey?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum.Starmer To The Rescue?
31:31|Keir Starmer claims he's brought financial stability back to the economy and defends his leadership during the war in Iran - but will the public be grateful?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne.Iran, Mandelson, and Farage Fighting The Polls
34:29|Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day - from the fallout from the Mandelson files, to the US easing sanctions on Russian oil, to Nigel Farage's problem with the pollsters.With Michael Binyon and Daisy McAndrew.