How To Win An Election
Times Radio
The Times brings together some of the most experienced strategists in British politics to discuss what's really going on behind the big stories, and elections taking place here and around the world.Daniel Finkelstein, Sally Morgan and Polly Mackenzie join Hugo Rifkind for an intelligent, adversarial and witty conversation every week.Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.ukExecutive Producer: Andrew Alexander Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 39min
How To Shut Down A Political Conspiracy
Polly Mackenzie, policy and communications expert, Sally Morgan, former Labour insider, and Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and ex-Conservative adviser, unpack the stolen phone story and whether it smells like conspiracy. They debate how smartphones reshaped political power and messaging. They also argue over vibes versus technical detail and size up possible coalition math.
Mar 19, 2026 • 41min
How To Run A Shadow Leadership Campaign
A lively unpacking of stealth political manoeuvres, from covert campaign tactics to keeping ambitions hidden. Heated debate over immigration stance and party strategy. Discussions about who might be quietly positioning themselves to step up after poor local results. Quick-fire book recommendations for shaping leadership thinking.
Mar 14, 2026 • 19min
How Starmer Became The Passive Prime Minister
Gabriel Pogrund, investigative journalist and co-author of Get In, and Patrick Maguire, reporter and co-author, dig into Morgan McSweeney’s rise and fall and its impact on Keir Starmer. They talk about how McSweeney propelled Labour to power. They explore the idea of a 'passive premiership', the Scunthorpe decision, preparation failures, Mandelson ties, and whether crises could reshape leadership.
5 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 41min
How The Mandelson Files Weigh On The PM
Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Tory analyst, offers political and historical perspective. Sally Morgan, former Labour insider and strategist, brings government and campaign know-how. Polly Mackenzie, policy expert, gives pragmatic policy analysis. They probe the Mandelson files and Starmer’s decision making. They debate leadership, cost-of-living pressures, energy policy and bold institutional reforms.
Mar 5, 2026 • 41min
How Trump's War Is Upending British Politics
Daniel (Danny) Finkelstein, Times columnist and Tory peer who offers conservative analysis. Polly Mackenzie, policy specialist and commentator on international law and immigration. Sally Morgan, former Labour insider and party strategist. They debate how US and Israeli strikes on Iran reshape UK cabinet dynamics, the role of legal advice in decisions, the Greens’ polling surge and Labour’s new migration stance.
5 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 38min
How Labour's By-Election Hammering Damages Starmer
Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Conservative peer, offers historical and electoral perspective. Polly Mackenzie, policy commentator, analyzes voter blocs and strategy. Sally Morgan, former Labour strategist, assesses Labour’s identity and governing trade-offs. They discuss the Greens’ surprise win, Labour’s strategic crisis, fractured party coalitions, Gaza’s electoral effect, and whether the Greens or Reform can scale nationally.
Feb 19, 2026 • 21min
How Government Responds To Andrew's Arrest
Daniel Finkelstein, conservative political commentator. Polly Mackenzie, constitutional strategist. Sally Morgan, experienced political adviser. They unpack Downing Street’s crisis playbook and who gets briefed. They debate rule of law versus royal privilege and whether the monarchy can adapt. They consider electoral risks of republicanism and how government information handling may tighten.
Feb 12, 2026 • 42min
How To Survive In The Number 10 Bunker
Daniel Finkelstein, Times columnist and Tory peer, offers sharp political analysis. Polly Mackenzie, policy expert and author, breaks down strategy and delivery. Sally Morgan, former Labour insider, recalls life in Downing Street. They discuss bunker dynamics during crises, rapid No.10 organisation, leadership styles, party shifts after departures, and how policy delivery and personalities shape political survival.
Feb 8, 2026 • 17min
Emergency Episode: McSweeney Resigns
Polly Mackenzie, political strategist advising on government strategy and personnel. Daniel Finkelstein, seasoned political commentator and columnist. They react to McSweeney's resignation, debate who shaped Starmer's strategy, examine vetting and accountability, and consider timing and electoral risks for Labour. Short, sharp analysis of crisis and what comes next.
Feb 5, 2026 • 40min
How Mandelson's Downfall Threatens Starmer
A deep dive into the fallout from the Mandelson-Epstein revelations and what it means for Keir Starmer's authority. Panelists debate Mandelson's political skillset, appetite for power and recurring personal weaknesses. They tackle elite entitlement, systemic corruption across politics and business, and whether documents should be handed to the Intelligence and Security Committee.
