Share

cover art for The Tory MP, The 3am Call And The Drunk Dog

Politics Unpacked

The Tory MP, The 3am Call And The Drunk Dog

Mark Menzies MP is being investigated by the Conservative party following claims he misused campaign funds, making a late-night call to a 78-year-old aide because he had been locked up by "bad people".

 

The Fylde MP, who has lost the Tory whip, denies the claims.


Matt discusses the remarkable details with Billy Kenber, the Times journalist who broke the story, Conservative MP John Hayes, and Times columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.


More episodes

View all episodes

  • Would You Buy Shares In The Tories?

    32:46|
    With Reform polling well and attracting more Tory defectors - including Suella Braverman's husband - who would you put your money on to dominate the right of politics by the next election?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire
  • 'Don't Bet Against Farage'

    29:48|
    Kemi Badenoch is Washington, but won't meet Donald Trump - who prefers Nigel Farage anyway. And why does Angela Rayner think Keir Starmer is like a civil servant?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Gaby Hinsliff. 
  • Starmer's Six Milestones

    22:07|
    Keir Starmer sets out six milestones for voters to judge his premiership, but did his speech reboot his premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech and the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. 
  • PMQs: Conviction Politicians, Not Politicians With Convictions

    41:29|
    Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer why he appointed a "convicted fraudster" to be his transport secretary.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at prime minister's questions with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Alex Kealy.
  • Too Many Targets?

    31:50|
    Keir Starmer is planning to set six numerical targets for the government to achieve before the next election, but do targets lead to results? And should the Louise Haigh accept thousands of pounds in severance pay?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.
  • The Sickness Benefits Trap

    40:34|
    Hugo is joined by Fraser Nelson to discuss whether the benefits system is trapping the people it's supposed to help, and unpacks the politics of the day - including Starmer's 'relaunch' - with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan.
  • Starmer Loses His First Cabinet Minister

    26:38|
    Transport Secretary Louise Haigh is the first cabinet resignation of the Starmer government, but what don't we know about the story, and how big a set back is it for the PM? Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with Tom McTague and Rachel Sylvester.
  • Have The Tories Got It Wrong On Immigration?

    29:25|
    As official figures show net migration hit a record 900,000 last year, the Tories have set out a "new approach" on immigration. But is it wise for Kemi Badenoch to start making policy so far away from the next election?Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.
  • PMQs: Taking The Biscuit

    42:43|
    Kemi Badenoch says businesses such as biscuit-maker McVities are losing confidence in the UK economy, but will her biscuit puns make Keir Starmer crumble or will he bite back?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Alistair Barrie.