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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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Is Britain Prepared For War?
28:39|The government is urging the public to stockpile essential supplies, warning that conflict, climate disasters and cyberattacks could disrupt everyday life. But will people take the threat seriously?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon
The Chancellor Gets Down to Business
31:09|The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Parris.
PMQs: Burnham’s Borrowing Problem
45:27|Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia.
Andy Burnham's Small Ideas
29:56|The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.
What Burnham Can Really Achieve On Welfare Reform
31:36|The Prime Minister writes in the Times about the "economic catastrophe and moral failure" of one million young people not in employment, education or training.But can he succeed where Keir Starmer failed and convince Labour MPs that welfare reform is needed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.
Burnham Heads Further North
28:32|Andy Burnham parks his tank on the SNP’s lawn, challenging John swinney to work with him on devolution - but is this an offer of cooperation, or is it mostly political fighting talk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.
Zelensky Rallies His Allies
34:18|The Ukrainian President said he felt 'betrayed' by the US over the loss of access to Starlink. Andy Burnham has pledged to 'heal' the rift - but can he do so without American support? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Andy Silvester to unpack the politics of the day.
PMQs: Badenoch Accuses Burnham Of Putting His Foot In It
53:47|PMQs Unpacked is back after recess, as Kemi Badenoch presses Andy Burnham on Brexit and benefits - and asks whether he ever gets tired of putting his foot in his mouth.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika to unpack the exchanges from the Commons, live at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Brexit Again
29:50|Brexit is firmly back on the political agenda, but does anyone really mean it? And did Robert Jenrick really mean what he said about using ‘lethal force’ in the Channel?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.