Politics Unpacked

Gyles Brandreth, broadcaster, author and former Conservative MP who once served as a government whip and speechwriter. He recalls life as a whip during Tory turmoil. He compares modern and past leaders, shares backstage anecdotes about prime ministers, and reflects on political storytelling and rebuilding trust in Westminster.

Theo Bertram, former Downing Street adviser with insider party knowledge; James Marriott, Times columnist and cultural critic; Charlotte Ivers, ex-Downing Street civil servant and political commentator. They unpack leadership turmoil around Keir Starmer. Conversations cover Westminster chaos, media-fed drama, who might replace Starmer, and how politics attracts spectacle and hubris.

Matthew Pound, former adviser to Keir Starmer, gives an insider view of Labour strategy. Libby Purves, columnist and broadcaster, offers sharp cultural and leadership commentary. Seb Payne, political journalist at The Times, analyzes messaging and polls. They debate Starmer's speech, leadership confidence, Europe and young voters, media-driven chaos, and whether stability can be delivered amid party tensions.

Labour is losing heavily to Reform UK in areas once considered the party’s heartlands - what Nigel Farage calls a “truly historic shift” in British politics.Keir Starmer says he won't leave and plunge the party into chaos - but will it be up to him?Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby. Plus: Shadow Minister Victoria Atkins and Reform UK’s London Assembly leader, Alex Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's election day across the UK, and speculation is rife about a looming plot to oust Keir Starmer. But should the Labour Party just admit it's not as good at skulduggery as the Conservatives in their heyday?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris, to discuss scheming politicians, the drinking culture in Parliament, and how the 24 hour news cycle changed modern politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. A Times investigation reveals Zack Polanski made false claims when seeking the deputy leadership of the Green party, Kemi Badenoch's handling of hecklers, and what happened to relics of the early internet age.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group returns for the final time ahead of the local elections.JL Partners brings together 2024 Labour voters who are now on the fence — so what’s changed? Is Keir Starmer the problem, are his potential rivals any better, or are the Greens the real beneficiaries?  Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder Tom Lubbock to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour backbenchers are reportedly preparing an open letter urging Keir Starmer to name a resignation date — but who would actually replace him, and would voters be any happier?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The papers are full of speculation on who could replace Keir Starmer if he is toppled after this week's local elections. But does anyone know what's actually going on inside the party?Guto Harri unpacks the politics of the day with Carol Lewis and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the terror threat level raised to “severe,” the Metropolitan Police is reviewing whether pro-Palestine marches can go ahead. Where should the line be drawn between public safety and the right to protest?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.