Politics Unpacked

Rather than aiming to be liked, should modern day politicians relish the relentless, universal public and online hatred they face and use it to fuel their arguments? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Carol Lewis. 

The prime minister is reportedly entering his "legacy era", with a major defence spending plan and new restrictions on children's social media use - but what will Keir Starmer's legacy actually be?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

Andy Burnham has officially confirmed he'll challenge Keir Starmer in a Labour leadership contest if he wins the Makerfield by-election, but Starmer says he's not going anywhere.Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon

Keir Starmer has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" over the murder of Henry Nowak. Why is Musk interfering in UK politics? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu.

Nigel Farage asks the prime minister to take action against "two-tier policing", but Keir Starmer accses the Reform UK leader of exploiting the murder of Henry Nowak.Plus: Kemi Badenoch seizes on the Mandelson files to accuse the government of raising taxes to fund higher welfare spending.  Hugo unpacks the exchanges at prime minister's questions with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and comedian Andy Parsons. 

Pat McFadden's assessment of Labour MPs will fuel claims that the party cares more about welfare recipients than taxpayers - is Keir Starmer's Labour becoming the Welfare Party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. 

Polling suggests that union members are just as likely to support Reform UK as they are to back Labour. Is Nigel Farage now leader of the 'party of the working class'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

Is Labour having a policy debate in public healthy for our democracy? What's behind an online conspiracy claiming Vladimir Putin is dead? And have we forgotten the power of a boozy lunch?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Sarah Ditum.

Tony Blair is said to be "fired up" and poised to escalate his involvement in Labour's leadership race, after being criticised by both Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting.Why can't the Labour party stop squabbling with itself?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jenni Russell and Daisy McAndrew.