Share

Politics Unpacked
The Exit Interviews: Stephen Hammond
•
Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.
Conservative MP Stephen Hammond explains why he wouldn't recommend the job to a friend, why he was kicked out of the party over Brexit, and why he had to help Boris Johnson give him the sack.
Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester discuss whether the government will get any credit for cutting taxes in this week's budget, the problem of self-diagnosing neurodivergence, and what to expect from George Galloway as he returns to the Commons once again.
Columnists (04:26)
The Exit Interviews (24:45)
More episodes
View all episodes

The Chancellor Gets Down to Business
31:09|The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Parris.
PMQs: Burnham’s Borrowing Problem
45:27|Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions.Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia.
Andy Burnham's Small Ideas
29:56|The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.
What Burnham Can Really Achieve On Welfare Reform
31:36|The Prime Minister writes in the Times about the "economic catastrophe and moral failure" of one million young people not in employment, education or training.But can he succeed where Keir Starmer failed and convince Labour MPs that welfare reform is needed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.
Burnham Heads Further North
28:32|Andy Burnham parks his tank on the SNP’s lawn, challenging John swinney to work with him on devolution - but is this an offer of cooperation, or is it mostly political fighting talk?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.
Zelensky Rallies His Allies
34:18|The Ukrainian President said he felt 'betrayed' by the US over the loss of access to Starlink. Andy Burnham has pledged to 'heal' the rift - but can he do so without American support? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Andy Silvester to unpack the politics of the day.
PMQs: Badenoch Accuses Burnham Of Putting His Foot In It
53:47|PMQs Unpacked is back after recess, as Kemi Badenoch presses Andy Burnham on Brexit and benefits - and asks whether he ever gets tired of putting his foot in his mouth.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika to unpack the exchanges from the Commons, live at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Brexit Again
29:50|Brexit is firmly back on the political agenda, but does anyone really mean it? And did Robert Jenrick really mean what he said about using ‘lethal force’ in the Channel?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.
Burnham's Brexit Claim Questioned
35:52|After Andy Burnham says said it's clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, one of his ministers clarifies the Kremlin tried - but failed - to influence the vote. Has the PM been careless?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne