Politics Unpacked

GPs are being told to stop handing out so many sick notes as part of the government's efforts to get more people back to work. And why are women turning to Reform?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Cindy Yu.

Former Conservative Chairman Jake Berry is the second ex-Tory minister to defect to Reform this week, but is this working in Nigel Farage's favour?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Tim Montgomerie and Zoe Strimpel to unpack the politics of the day.

Keir Starmer reiterated his tax pledges at PMQs as Kemi Badenoch accused him of 'flirting' with a wealth tax. Hugo Rifkind pauses and unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Jon Harvey. 

Keir Starmer is hoping to use the French President's visit as a chance to talk migration, but will they reach a deal? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times Columnists James Marriot and Sarah Ditum to unpack the politics of the day. 

The government could be facing another backbench rebellion, this time over its plans to reform special needs support. Why aren't the 'Starmtoopers' as loyal as the Prime Minister hoped?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers.

A year after Labour's landslide election victory, how serious is the threat to Keir Starmer from a new left-wing party led by Zarah Sultana and (possibly) Jeremy Corbyn?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of day with Michael Binyon and Latika Bourke.

Keir Starmer says the Chancellor is going nowhere, but have the very public tears of Rachel Reeves left the impression of a government in crisis as it approaches its first birthday?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana  

Keir Starmer faces MPs after his government is forced into a humiliating reversal over welfare reform. But it's the appearance of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and questions over her future, that dominate.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Ayesha Hazarika.

Despite last week's U-turn, Keir Starmer still faces a backbench rebellion over welfare. Is it particularly difficult for a Labour Prime Minister to cut benefits?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Timandra Harkness.