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
18 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 40min
How To Defect
The podcast delves into the Tory unrest post-departure of Lee Anderson, discusses political defections from Gang of Four to Change UK, and Keir Starmer's reaction to diet advice. It explores the chaos caused by a new tax ban in the Labour Party and the impact of appearance on political canvassing. Additionally, it uncovers the internal struggles within the Conservative Party, the challenges of party unity amidst conflicting ideologies, and the intricacies of political defections in the British political landscape.
6 snips
Mar 5, 2024 • 41min
How To Do The Budget (And The Dishwasher)
Explore the impact of UK Budget decisions on elections, Rishi Sunak's personal life quirks, and the balance between politician's humanity and oversharing. Dive into political strategies in media, speculation on election outcomes, and taxation policies. Reflect on historical election campaigns, the power of fashion in politics, and surveillance of shadow cabinet members' attire.
Feb 27, 2024 • 39min
How To Deal With Truss
Discussing Liz Truss blaming the 'deep state,' Rishi Sunak's potential actions, Parliament's Gaza conflict mess, standing in unwinnable seats, and the PM's stance against his predecessor.
6 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 39min
How To Win In A Recession
Political masterminds discuss the impact of economy on elections, vetting candidates, and emotional experiences in politics. They explore challenges faced by women in public life, controversies in candidate selection, and strategies for winning during a recession.
9 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 55min
How To Survive The Campaign
Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein discuss surviving a campaign, Boris Johnson's coalition, and the best place to watch the exit poll. They share insights on working long hours and eating sugary cereals, address issues in election campaigns, and emphasize the importance of the youth vote and electoral implications.
18 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 39min
How To Follow A Focus Group
Political masterminds discuss the importance of focus groups and opinion polls in election campaigns. They debate the role of clean power, the popularity of Liz Truss in the Conservative party, and the significance of comparative leadership. The speakers also share their experiences meeting Prime Ministers.
Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
How To Form A Coalition
Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein discuss forming coalitions, including the last negotiations in 2010. They touch on homework, fashion choices, and snacks, as well as the potential for a Labour-Liberal Democrat deal. The podcast also explores the impact of appearance, factors influencing voting behavior, and the Northern Ireland election. Insights into policy-making, demography, and the process of forming a coalition government are also shared.
8 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 40min
How Not To Split The Vote
Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn discuss the potential split of the Conservative and Labour vote. They explore the influence of political events on elections, the Liberal Democrats' involvement in coalition talks, the issue of vote splitting, and the impact of 'The West Wing' on UK politics.
5 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 38min
How To Win A By-Election
Discussion on the impact of by-elections on Rishi Sunak, the return of Donald Trump influencing the UK General Election, an apocryphal story about mushy peas, Taiwan's recent by-election results, the fragility of democracy and Trump's threat to global stability, and the impact of by-elections on political parties.
Jan 9, 2024 • 39min
How To Destroy Ed Davey
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey's possible downfall discussed by Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein. Speculations on the timing of the general election and campaign strategies. Discussion on Ed Davey's involvement in the Post Office scandal. Opinions on charisma in British politics and its role in leadership.
