Share
Politics Unpacked
Jonathan Aitken: Ruin And Redemption
•
Jonathan Aitken's career in politics began 60 years ago as a speech writer for Alex Douglas-Home and saw him rise to the cabinet under John Major. It all came crashing down when he was convicted of perjury and sent to prison, where he then rediscovered his religion.
He talks to Matt about faith, prison reform, and why politicians lose their moral compass.
Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the possibility of Nigel Farage entering the I'm a Celebrity jungle, how happy we are as a nation, and whether Shakespeare is as good as James thinks he is.
More episodes
View all episodes
Burnham Gets Practical
34:21|Andy Burnham wants Britain to value "the hard hat as much as the graduation cap", pushing more young people towards technical training - but is that what the economy really needs?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.Burnham's Big Week
29:36|Andy Burnham is setting out how he plans to tackle some of Britain's biggest problems, with defence, social care and devolving income tax powers to local mayors all in his sights - but will his actions match his ambitions? Calum MacDonald unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.Why Burnham Is A Comedian's Dream
34:06|Keir Starmer's reserved style didn't give impressionists much to work with. Andy Burnham is different: expressive, animated and occasionally cringey - but will being endlessly parodied help or hurt his popularity? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd.Is That It, Burnham?
35:23|Andy Burnham's first week in Downing Street has been full of promises - from tax cuts, to public services - but it's left Kemi Badenoch asking, "Is that it?" as she calls on him to be more ambitious. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.Burnham's Reality Check
35:43|Andy Burnham has so far shown his new government knows how to spend money, but what about the harder bit - explaining where the savings will come from? Is the new PM already bumping into fiscal reality? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.Burnham's Cabinet Assembles
31:54|Andy Burnham has met with his new cabinet for the first time since becoming prime minister. It's very northern, and it definitely doesn't include allies of Keir Starmer - will the exiled Starmerites make his life difficult?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day.Can Burnham Stop The Churn?
25:19|As Andy Burnham becomes the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, how can he avoid the fate of his predecessors? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Seb Payne.The Burnham Coronation
33:09|Andy Burnham has officially been elected Labour leader. In three days time, he'll become Prime Minister. He says he's got "a plan" - but can he deliver?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Theo Bertram and Alys Denby.You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm.Is Shabana Mahmood Burnham's Chancellor?
34:23|Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband...Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.