The State of It

They unpack a missing-phone scandal and the implications of lost messages for high-profile political files. They trace manoeuvring within Labour as a senior figure appears to prepare a leadership challenge. They debate Britain’s limited options in the Strait of Hormuz and the tradeoffs between defence spending and domestic aid. They map rivalries, donor ties and the timing risks of messy disclosures before elections.

EXCLUSIVE: how the British government could intervene in the Strait of Hormuz. Is falling out with Donald Trump politically helpful for Keir Starmer?What is the government likely to do about energy bills?Angela Rayner is back and she's trying to reassure the City that everything would be fine if she were PM.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sharp look at who really runs Downing Street and why decision-making feels muted. They probe a crisis in delegation through the Scunthorpe story and a controversial winter fuel cut. Power shifts and key departures expose a double-headed leadership. They also question whether recent crises could reshape political purpose.

Keir Starmer is being accused of misleading MPs over his appointment of Lord Mandelson as US ambassador. How bad is it for the prime minister? Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A discussion of how rising oil and energy prices from the Iran conflict threaten plans to cut the cost of living. Political fallout and polling pressure on leadership as inflation risks echo past oil shocks. Debates over party messaging, Reform UK's mixed signals, and who holds power in Number 10. Timing risks around petrol, the price cap, and high-profile diplomatic visits.

Inside Number 10's Iran deliberations and how a cautious foreign policy strategy ends up pleasing no one. The legal and logistical dilemmas of UK involvement in Gulf strikes and risks to British nationals. How Gulf pressure and energy worries could hit the economy and the Treasury. The Greens' surprise by-election win and what it means for Labour, Reform and a shifting multi-party vote.

Steven Swinford, Political Editor at The Times, offers sharp analysis of party strategy. Patrick Maguire, Chief Political Commentator at The Times, brings Westminster insight. They discuss Labour's catastrophic by-election showing, demographic realignments, campaign mistakes, Andy Burnham’s exclusion, internal left-versus-centre battles, and the rise of Reform and the Greens reshaping British electoral politics.

A reporter travels into Kyiv on the Bravery Express using burner phones for safety. Candle memorials and high-level meetings mark the solemn anniversary. A survivor describes capture and forced labour, while the first lady raises the alarm about thousands of missing children. Kyiv copes with winter power cuts using tented charging and heating hubs, yet dance studios and daily life show determined resilience.

Three scandals raise questions about Keir Starmer's judgment and Labour's internal dynamics. Ongoing disclosures create persistent political vulnerability. A tense by-election looks like a three-way fight between Labour, Reform and the Greens. The Greens are actively courting Muslim voters over Gaza, reshaping local electoral math. Westminster wrestles with how to scrutinise the royal household and release sensitive files.

A journalist recounts being targeted by a think tank that hired private investigators and produced a secret report. The story covers covert organising, donor pitches and a campaign called Operation Red Shield. It explores how a paid smear chilled sources, reached security services, and reshaped political fallout around Labour connections.