Share

cover art for The Exit Interviews: Henry Smith

Politics Unpacked

The Exit Interviews: Henry Smith

As the 100th MP announces they are leaving the Commons at the election, Matt continues his series of interviews finding out what they've learned and why they're going.


Conservative MP Henry Smith talks about his disillusionment with the Conservative Party, abuse on social media, and why he's not going to persuade his children to follow him into politics.


Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the role Britain should play in the latest escalation in the Middle East, why employment law disputes drag on too long, and whether political adverts could be making their way onto a streaming service near you.


The Exit Interview (21:45)

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Build Baby Build

    27:53|
    With growth forecast to be less than a measly one percent this year, can Keir Starmer build his way out of the bad news?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Zoe Strimpel.
  • Are Labour And The Tories Panicking Over Reform?

    29:21|
    As Kemi Badenoch sets out a new migration policy and Labour attacks Nigel Farage over his views on the NHS, are the Tories and Labour panicking about Reform's rise in the polls?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.
  • PMQs: The Kemi Pivot

    35:32|
    Kemi Badenoch continues her scattergun approach to questioning Keir Starmer, jumping from the Chagos Islands deal to voice coaches to drilling for oil in the North Sea.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Marcus Brigstocke. 
  • The President Who Cried Tariff

    32:29|
    Donald Trump has suspended the hefty tariffs on Mexico and Canada that he threatened after last-minute negotiations with the two US neighbours...is this the president showing the world just how favorable complying with his terms can be? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. 
  • Keir's Not Driving The Train

    32:30|
    A new book reveals that Keir Starmer closest advisers have doubted his ability to lead. Does it matter if he acts more like an HR manager than a politician?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with the book's author Patrick Maguire, and Lara Spirit  Pre-order a copy of 'Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer' at timesbookshop.co.uk.
  • Brexit, Boomers & Centrist Dads

    31:42|
    It's the fifth anniversary of Brexit - is Ed a remoaner, what's gone wrong for the centrists, and is it time for boomers to open their pockets?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Zoe Strimpel and Robin Brant.
  • Focus Group: Rabbit In The Headlights

    25:28|
    In the first Times Radio focus group of 2025, we find out whether voters who backed Labour at the general election are suffering from buyer's remorse.Hugo Rifkind is joined by pollster James Johnson, of JL Partners. 
  • PMQs: The Next Lettuce?

    41:52|
    Kemi Badenoch goes on the offensive over the government's plans for growth, but Keir Starmer thinks she's going to be 'the next lettuce'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and comedian Lucy Porter. 
  • Extremism, Protest and Ed Miliband's Photographer

    32:40|
    The government has rejected advice to widen the definition of extremism, but how can it stop attacks from angry "loners" like in Southport?Plus, why is Ed Miliband hiring a vanity photographer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott