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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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Burnham's Continuity Government?
33:56|The Chancellor says Andy Burnham is running a 'continuity government,' hinting that his economic policies won't differ much from Keir Starmer's. But can the prime minister really implement a 'fiscally disciplined' Budget without taking a hit to his poll ratings?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Michael Binyon.
Burnham’s Welsh Challenge
35:08|Andy Burnham is in Wales for his first official visit to the former Labour heartlands since taking power. He'll be hoping to spark a Welsh Labour recovery - but can the PM win back voters?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Daisy McAndrew.
Burnham's Balancing Act on Israel
35:15|Andy Burnham is set to announce tough new sanctions on West Bank settlements, but is warned they could turn into a de facto boycott of the whole country. How does he balance the competing demands within the Labour party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.
The Long Road to the Budget
33:43|Andy Burnham has hinted at tax rises in the Budget, saying he “won’t be unrealistic” about the state of the public finances - but what do prime ministers mean when they talk about 'challenging' and 'difficult' decisions? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers
Burnham On The World Stage
37:28|A visit to Ukraine is Andy Burnham's first chance to prove himself on the world stage. Will he, like other former PMs, end up over shadowing his foreign secretary?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.Picture: Getty Images
Burnham Banks On Optimism
32:38|In his first month in office, Andy Burnham has tried to project a message of hope and optimism. But as problems pile up, will that start to look out of touch?Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon.
The Problem With Labour's Asylum Leaflet
31:54|Asylum seekers are being given a pamphlet telling them that domestic abuse and sex with children is illegal.The government says it needs to teach people from different cultures about British values, but opposition parties have branded it a disgrace.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Jimmy McLoughlin.
Burnham: Popular Or People-Pleaser?
33:35|Andy Burnham tells the Times that the job of being prime minister is to be popular, rather than making a "fetish" of toughness. But does that mean avoiding difficult decisions?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.Reform Suspends Tory Defector
35:10|Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon