Politics Unpacked

Cabinet ministers believe Sir Keir Starmer may now survive beyond May because Labour's leadership contenders are too busy squabbling to unite behind a successor. But can the PM get through the next few months without another self-inflicted wound?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer has survived to the end of a torrid week - will he find solace focusing on the internatonal agenda?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The trouble for Keir Starmer continues, as cabinet minister Lisa Nandy calls recent events 'unforgivable', and talks of briefings from Number 10 'dripping in misogyny'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PM faces questions over giving peerages to Peter Mandelson and Matthew Doyle, with Kemi Badenoch accusing him of 'stuffing government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a political whirlwind caused by the Mandelson scandal came close to ending Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, some of his supporters claim the media is addicted to drama - do they have a point?Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has lost a second senior aide, less than 24 hours after the departure of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.Are we now in the terminal phase of Keir Starmer's premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, Sebastian Payne and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alice Denby, City AM opinion editor who tracks Labour and Westminster, and Daisy McAndrew, TV presenter and royal commentator, dig into Mandelson’s alleged misconduct and the pressure on Starmer. They probe links between Mandelson and Epstein, Morgan McSweeney’s role, and mounting royal fallout affecting the monarchy. Quick-paced debate on political survival, palace scandal and the reshaping of party dynamics.

Keir Starmer says he’s sorry for believing Peter Mandelson’s lies, as anger grows over Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US - but is his apology enough? Or could it prove fatal to Starmer’s leadership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer described Peter Mandelson as a "liar" who "betrayed our country" at PMQs today.But he also admitted that he had been aware of Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him as US ambassador.Can the Prime Minister survive this growing scandal?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Libby Purves, writer and broadcaster known for cultural and political commentary, and James Marriott, journalist and political analyst, dissect the Mandelson-Epstein uproar. They explore allegations over leaked government emails and the parliamentary fallout. Conversations widen to power, secrecy, social climbing, public trust, and the human toll behind high‑profile scandals.