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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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Keir Starmer's Education Revolution
28:44|There's a big shake-up of the school curriculum on the way, but how radical is the government's thinking - and could they put standards at risk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Rachel Sylvester and Robin Brant.Tim Shipman: Brexit, Boris & Bust-Ups
21:44|Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman joins Hugo to dig into the final book in his Brexit quartet, 'Out: How Brexit Got Done and The Tories Were Undone'.How important was Dominic Cummings in the rise and fall of Boris Johnson, and what did Dilyn the dog do to his leg? What did Liz Truss's advisers really think about her fitness to lead the nation? And why couldn't Rishi Sunak cope with failure?You can buy Tim's book here, and there's a 20% discount for Times+ members.PMQs: Rayner vs... Who?
42:43|With Keir Starmer away, his deputy Angela Rayner takes deputy prime minister's questions from Conservative MP Alex Burghart. Does he impress on his first outing at the despatch box?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Grainne Maguire.Where Does Musk Find The Time?
33:26|Has Elon Musk already overstayed his welcome in the court of Donald Trump? Can a government be made up entirely of mavericks? And how does the billionaire find the time?Pus: Should we be following the advice of Rishi Sunak's father-in-law and denounce the weekend? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Juliet SamuelIs Reeves Haunted By Her CV?
34:51|Rachel Reeves is under pressure to explain her CV, after it emerged that she used a false claim to win her seat as an MP - but does it matter?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Iain Martin and Lara Spirit, including the row over assisted dying and whether Sue Gray will get a peerage.Criminalising The Culture Wars
32:48|Thousands of people, including children, have been questioned by police over non-crime hate speech, but is that involving police in political problems? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Tim MontgomerieIs Europe Delusional About Trump?
32:56|Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Can Europe hold Donald Trump responsible if the US walks away from its role as the world's policeman, or are politicians this side of the Atlantic to blame?You can read Matthew's column here.PMQs: The Magic Money Tree Is Back
40:43|In her second outing at PMQs, Kemi Badenoch attacks Keir Starmer over the government's National Insurance rise - but he says she's resorting to the "magic money tree".Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Ria Lina.Has Pop Culture Shifted Right?
31:27|Has the liberal dominance of the old entertainment industry given way to the dominance of right-wing YouTubers, podcasters, streamers and influencers?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.You can read James' column here.