Politics Unpacked

With Keir Starmer away, his deputy Angela Rayner takes deputy prime minister's questions from Conservative MP Alex Burghart. Does he impress on his first outing at the despatch box?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Grainne Maguire.

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Has Elon Musk already overstayed his welcome in the court of Donald Trump? Can a government be made up entirely of mavericks? And how does the billionaire find the time?

Pus: Should we be following the advice of Rishi Sunak's father-in-law and denounce the weekend? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Juliet Samuel

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Rachel Reeves is under pressure to explain her CV, after it emerged that she used a false claim to win her seat as an MP - but does it matter?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Iain Martin and Lara Spirit, including the row over assisted dying and whether Sue Gray will get a peerage.

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Thousands of people, including children, have been questioned by police over non-crime hate speech, but is that involving police in political problems? 

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Tim Montgomerie

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Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Manveen Rana. Can Europe hold Donald Trump responsible if the US walks away from its role as the world's policeman, or are politicians this side of the Atlantic to blame?

You can read Matthew's column here.

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In her second outing at PMQs, Kemi Badenoch attacks Keir Starmer over the government's National Insurance rise - but he says she's resorting to the "magic money tree".

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Ria Lina.

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Has the liberal dominance of the old entertainment industry given way to the dominance of right-wing YouTubers, podcasters, streamers and influencers?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott.

You can read James' column here.

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After Paul Johnson tells us he's changed his mind about the scale of the recent Budget, is the government missing the chance to be more radical?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit.

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Can Keir Starmer learn anything from the Democrats' defeat in the presidential election, or are the UK and the US too different to draw comparisons?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and playwright Jonathan Maitland

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Donald Trump's victory might be a bitter pull for liberals around the world to swallow, but they can't avoid his overwhelming success at the ballot box.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Lara Spirit. You can read Hugo's column in the Times here.

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In Kemi Badenoch's first PMQs as Tory leader, she ask whether Keir Starmer will get on with President-elect Trump and protect the "special relationship", but was her explosive style successful?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at Prime Minister's Questions with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Andy Zaltzman.

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In 2020 Keir Starmer promised to abolish university tuition fees - so will his government suffer from the decision to increase them in line with inflation?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Libby Purves and James Marriott. 

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Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have been making their closing pitches in front of large crowds in the US, but are the differences between British and American politics exaggerated?

And is Kemi Badnoch right to be frustrated about how her comments are sometimes reported?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire. 

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Were the markets hostile to the budget or are our jitters a hangover from Liz Truss? Should we bring back food rationing? Can you hold a grudge for as long as a crow?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Robin Brant. 

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As Biden makes another blunder, is the US president making the campaign impossible for Kamala Harris? And are both parties failing to diagnose the real problems in Washington D.C.? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed. 

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Labour's first budget in nearly fifteen years will also be the biggest tax-raising budget in history. Hugo unpacks it all with Times Radio's Political Correspondent Theo Usherwood. 

Plus: In Rishi Sunak's last hurrah at PMQs, he talks up his record in Number 10. Hugo pauses and analyses the action with the help of Lara Spirit and comedian Jon Harvey.

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Do politicians have to be outrageous to get attention? Why is the nation's birth rate plummeting? Plus, a lesson in how to carve turnip lanterns. 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Laura Freeman. 

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Will racist language used at Trump's latest rally help or hinder his bid for the White House? Are we really living in unprecedentedly bad times? And are new MPs right to complain about Parliament's old customs? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire

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After the Wall Street Journal reports on secret conversations between Elon Musk and Russia's president, just how much influence does the world's richest man wield? And is facial recognition the future of your supermarket shop?

Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness. 

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As Commonwealth leaders press the case for slavery reparations, has the summit in Somoa gone wrong for the prime minister? And how serious are Donald Trump's claims of election interference?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris

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With Keir Starmer away, it's Angela Rayner v Oliver Dowden at deputy prime minister's questions - or the "battle of the gingers".

Lara Spirit pauses and unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and Geoff Norcott.

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Will the government's sentencing review stop the prison overcrowding crisis? Are entrepreneurs scared to start their own business? And were there any sensible ideas contributed the government's big conversation on the future of the NHS?

Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Libby Purves

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Donald Trump has been serving (briefly) at a McDonald's, while Kemi Badenoch worked at one during her A-levels - does having the fast-food restaurant on your CV help connect with voters? Can the government stop the pre-Budget media frenzy, and what do Thatcher, Cameron and Starmer have in common?

Lara Spirit unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Maguire and Emma Duncan.

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Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch took part in their first televised hustings, and if the clap-o-meter is anything to go by, Badenoch won the debate - but has she won over her party?

Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with Robin Brant and Timandra Harkness.

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Why is the government still being dogged by stories about Taylor Swift tickets, is Robert Jenrick's conversion from centrist to right-winger credible, and is Kemi Badnoch the heir to Keith Joseph?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.

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Rishi Sunak focuses on the threat from China as the foreign secretary heads to Beijing. But is it, as Keir Starmer says, just "political point scoring"?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action at prime minister's questions, with the help of Tim Shipman, Lara Spirit and comedian Alistair Barrie

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If the chancellor increases employer national insurance contributions, will she have broken Labour's manifesto promise? And could weight-loss jabs help cut unemployment?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other news, with Libby Purves and Juliet Samuel.

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As cabinet ministers come close to jeopardising the government's investment summit, is Labour still in campaign mode? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire.

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The prime minister's been at the first meeting of the new Council of the Nations and Regions, but why is his new "envoy to the nations and regions", Sue Gray, missing?

Patrick Maguire unpacks the politics of the day with Sir Trevor Phillips and Timandra Harkness. 

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With James Cleverly out of the Conservative leadership contest and Boris Johnson teasing a possible return to frontline politics, does that party know what it stands for?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed.

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PMQs is back, with Keir Starmer facing questions about freebies and the budget - but why is everyone afraid to say Sue Gray's name? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the Commons chamber, with the help of Patrick Maguire and comedian Gráinne Maguire.

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Ministers are drawing up plans for political parties to have to publicly justify why they are appointing peers to the House of Lords. 

Will it help combat “cronyism” in the second chamber? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day, and all the other stuff, with Times columnists James Marriott and Melanie Reid. 

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How and why was Sue Gray ousted from Downing Street, and what does it tell us about Keir Starmer's government?

Times columnists Patrick Maguire and Hadley Freeman join Hugo Rifkind to discuss the inside story of the reshuffle at No 10.

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Patrick Maguire is unpacking the politics of the day with Rachel Sylvester and Timandra Harkness. 

They discuss Boris Johnson's new memoir 'Unleashed', the government's decision to give up sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, and why businesses were asked for £30,000 for breakfast with the business secretary.

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Keir Starmer's decision to repay some of the hospitality and gifts he received since entering No. 10 has reignited the discussion about freebies in political life.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Janice Turner. 

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The four Conservative leadership hopefuls have been speaking to the party's conference in Birmingham, but who is pulling ahead in this contest? Hugo Rifkind is joined by Tim Montgomerie to unpack the key moments.

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How is Liz Truss's fight to save western civilisation going? Why is Jonathan Gullis finding it hard to get back into teaching? And is Boris Johnson right to say you shouldn’t apologise for things you don’t believe.

Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the Conservative Party conference with Libby Purves and James Marriott.  

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How badly have Kemi Badenoch’s maternity pay comments damaged her campaign? And does Keir Starmer have a woman problem?

Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the Conservative Party conference with Patrick Maguire and Hadley Freeman. 

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Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Miranda Green and Carolyn Quinn.

If the government can swallow being nice to Trump, why not Elon Musk?How did Keir Starmer and Donald Trump's Washington dinner go, and will Boris Johnson's memoirs overshadow the Tory leadership contest?

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After another day of stories about Keir Starmer taking big donations - all within the rules - why is the prime minister struggling to move on?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Jenni Russell. Does the government know how to get the economy growing, and what part does Englishness play in the Tory leadership contest?

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Wes Streeting says the NHS is letting people down, but should he be spending so much time talking the health service down?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins.

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Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the politics of the Labour Party conference with James Marriott and Libby Purves.

Is being deputy prime minister a proper job? Is America turning its back on the great legal weed experiment? And… Judge Libby returns.

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It's the Times Radio Focus Group, where Hugo steps outside the Westminster bubble to hear the opinions of ordinary voters. 

This month, we find out whether stories about freebies and donors have cut through to Labour voters.

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Ed Vaizey is unpacking the politics of the day with Timandra Harkness and Matthew Bell. 

Is Robert Jenrick right about English identity, could Nigel Farage end up in Downing St, and are smartphones as bad as all that?

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Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton join Hugo Rifkind to discuss the divisive Scottish independence referendum, 10 years on.  

Plus: Do ministers want civil servants to go back to work, are self service checkouts terrible, and should Brits do away with pints?

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Hugo Rifkind is back to unpack the politics of the day, and all the other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.

Today he's joined by James Marriott and Libby Purves to discuss the extent to which BBC should have noticed the Huw Edwards case, whether Britain has lost its respect for regional identity and the decline of Anglo-Saxon names. 

Plus, Judge Libby is back to rule on some of the biggest questions of ethics and morality in public life. 

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Columnists Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire join Hugo Rifkind to discuss Keir Starmer's breach of parliamentary rules in failing to declare that clothes were bought for his wife by a Labour donor.

Plus, isEd Davey ambitious, what can the government learn from Italy, and why has Hadley stopped writing for the Jewish Chronicle?

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It's Friday, so Ed Vaizey is back to unpack the politics of the day with Trevor Phillips and Miranda Green.

Could Labour plug the financial black hole with the return of PFI, why is there still no love lost between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, and what did people make of Trevor's suggestion that Keir Starmer should send for Michael Gove? And why hasn't Miranda been given an honour?

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Hugo Rifkind is here to unpack the politics of the day, and plenty of other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.

Today he's joined by Manveen Rana and Patrick Kidd to discuss taking benefits away from pensioners, pausing free speech protections on campus, and whether human touch can ever be replicated by a machine.

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Hugo Rifkind is unpacking the action from Prime Minister's Questions, joined by Sunday Times chief political commentator Tim Shipman and comedian Ria Lina.

As Rishi Sunak surprises everyone by still being leader of the opposition, Nigel Farage gets booed and Keir Starmer seems reluctant to leave his script.

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Hugo Rifkind is back to unpack the politics of the day, and all the other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.

Today he's joined by James Marriott and Libby Purves to discuss why so many people are going straight from university to long-term sickness, whether ID cards could tackle illegal immigration, and 'Judge Libby' delivers her verdict on some of the ethical dilemmas of the day.

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Hugo Rifkind is here to unpack the politics of the day, and plenty of other news, with the brightest minds from the Times and the Sunday Times.

Today he's joined by Hadley Freeman and Patrick Maguire to discuss threats from the wealthy to flee the UK, Dominic Cummings' threat to start a new political party, and what we can tell about society from the rape case that has stunned France.

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As the 335 new MPs elected at the last election continue to deliver their first speeches to Parliament, Ed Vaizey asks what is the secret to standing out from the crowd. He takes a look at some of the best (and worst) from the past, including Boris Johnson, Theresa May.... and Ed Vaizey. 

Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss whether shutting libraries is cultural vandalism, if life’s greatest moments can be purchased, and we find out how James is getting on without a smartphone six months on.

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Ed Vaizey interrogates the past, present and future of espionage, from moments that could have come from fiction to the reality of spying in the modern world. He speaks to former GCHQ director Sir David Omand and Lord Robin Renwick, former UK ambassador to the United States and author of 'The Intelligent Spy's Handbook'.

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Timandra Harkness discuss how to make companies take responsibility for Grenfell, Tony Blair's call for closer links to Europe, andkicking hereditary peers out of Parliament.

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PMQs is back from summer recess, with Rishi Sunak quizzing Keir Starmer - although the prime minister is still having a hard time getting used to his new job title.

Ed Vaizey unpacks the action from the Commons chamber with the help of Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit.

Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether public inquiries are too expensive, whether Robert Jenrick is right to talk about segregation, and what does (and doesn't) make them proud to be British.

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Keir Starmer says it's all about growth, growth, growth - but why do some economists and politicians say we're looking at it the wrong way? Ed Vaizey finds out about the radical theory of 'degrowth', and asks whether happiness is a better measure of success than GDP.

Plus: Columnists Melanie Reid and Robert Colvile discuss Britain's faltering national pride, the crucial role of public libraries, and why the Tories are seen as a bit weird.

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MPs are back in Westminster after the summer recess, and the government has big plans for the new term - but where will it be plain sailing, and where could it all go horribly wrong? Ed Vaizey guides us through the promises and the pitfalls.

Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the scrapping of Ofsted's one-word judgements, the latest Tory leadership bid launches, and whether politicians can - or should - dance in public.

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With the SNP gathering in Edinburgh, party conference season is well and truly upon us. Ed Vaizey is joined by a panel of political advisers to discuss what to expect this autumn, as well as looking back at some of the best (and worst) moments from conferences past.

Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the four-day work week, whether you should let your dog lick your face, Keir Starmer moving Margaret Thatcher's portrait, and why AI may not be as revolutionary as originally promised.

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The Labour Party was born from the trade union movement, but is Keir Starmer's government on a collision course with the unions over public sector pay? Ed Vaizey speaks to shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake and the FBU's Matt Wrack.

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Timandra Harkness discuss whether ministers should ban smoking in pub gardens, the arrest of the boss of Telegram, and fossil fuel companies sponsoring the arts.

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It's been three years since the last British troops and diplomats left Afghanistan in the chaotic withdrawal of Western forces. Ed Vaizey finds out what's happened to the country since, with guests including Sunday Times chief foreign correspondent Christina Lamb.

Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the shoplifting epidemic, a hidden note found at the National Gallery, and whether former Cameron adviser Steve Hilton could be the next governor of California.

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Keir Starmer uses his speech in the Downing Street rose garden to warn of a turbulent time ahead, with a 'painful budget' on the way. Ed Vaizey unpacks it with former cabinet minister Jack Straw and Times Radio's Theo Usherwood.

Plus: What can the Tory leadership hopefuls learn from when the party was in opposition under Hague, Duncan Smith, Howard and Cameron?

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Michael Cockerell is one of the UK’s most experienced political film-makers, and has interviewed prime ministers from Macmillan to Johnson. He joins Ed Vaizey to reflect on his career and the art of making a political documentary.

Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Robin Brant discuss Keir Starmer's call for a decade of national renewal, whether Labour will change the way it elects its leader, and a new book assessing Liz Truss's (short) time in office.

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Is it ever possible to keep politics out of sport? Ed Vaizey looks at times when the two have collided, as well as how AI could change the world of athletics and whether we'll all be watching e-sport in the metaverse.

Plus: Columnists James Marriott and India Knight discuss the extravagance of US politics, freedom of speech in universities, finding joy in YouTube comments, and why group holidays are terrible.

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It's culture week here on the podcast, and today we're looking at the theatre - does politics still have a place on the stage?

Ed Vaizey hears from playwrights including David Edgar, who’s been writing for the theatre for 50 years, and discusses some of the best political drama including James Graham’s This House.

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell talk about the pressure on the government to give big public sector pay deals, why there's a culture war over 20mph zones, and Keir Starmer's choice of crisps.

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Was Barack Obama's speech to the Democratic Convention a reminder that great orators don't come along very often? Columnists Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins discuss the speech by the former US president, the role of political spouses, and why Tories are all taking Ozempic to lose weight.

Plus: We continue Ed Vaizey's culture week with a look at whether the golden age of the British TV and film industry has come to an end.

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We're looking at how music can shape politics, from Kamala Harris and Beyoncé's Freedom to Tony Blair and Things Can Only Get Better. Ed Vaizey is joined by guests including D:Ream co-founder Al Mackenzie.

Plus: Columnists Miranda Green and Henry Hill discuss why we're obsessed with America, Keir Starmer missing his summer holiday and whether Labour has caved in to the unions.

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Bill Clinton once said that regulating the internet would be like ‘nailing jello to a wall’, but in the UK new rules are on the way. Ed Vaizey looks at whether they can end the Wild West on the web with a former tech minister and one of Ofcom's online safety directors.

Plus Columnists: Libby Purves and Tim Montgomerie discuss the government's plans to let workers disconnect,the Tory leadership contest and the death of the theatre interval.

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25 years ago Vladimir Putin began his Russian reign in continuous positions as president or prime minister. How did the man in Moscow build his powerbase, how has he changed Russia since being there, and what should the UK look out for next? Theo speaks with those who've spent time dealing with the leader waging war on Western Europe.

Plus: Columnists Timandra Harkness and Scarlett Maguire discuss how social media can radicalise, the influential female MPs on the Labour benches, and why maths is back in fashion.

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How do people like Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin really hold onto power? The Pulitzer-prize winning historian and author of 'Autocracy Inc', Anne Applebaum, gives her take on how dictators like the Russian president prop themselves up, and the approaching inflection point in American politics.

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Jimmy McLoughlin discuss the new deal to stave off rail strikes, the tug of war for Labour's affections between big business and union bosses andtoday's record-breaking A level results.

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Where does the food on your plate come from? As farmers call on ministers to bolster national food security, Adam weighs up the pros and cons of buying British, and asks two top chefs for their best local recipes.

Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Dominic Lawson discuss how to crack down on violent shoplifters,whether Adam suits his white trousers and why Prince William shouldn't have grown a beard.

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In the wake of the riots that followed the Southport attacks, Adam Boulton asks what Keir Starmer can learn from other politicians who tried to rebuild and unite communities after a period of unrest.

Plus: Columnists Carol Lewis and Melanie Reid discuss how we can better care for mentally ill people in the community, whether we learnt anything from Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk and drinking martinis on a flight like Queen Elizabeth.

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As fighting in the Russian-Ukraine war intensifies, and Israel warns of an imminent Iranian strike, what does it take to report on these deadly conflicts? 

Adam Boulton is joined by three war journalists from The Times - Catherine Philp, Anthony Loyd and Manveen Rana - who have faced violence, kidnapping, and gunfire in war zones around the world. 

Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Tim Montgomerie discuss whether Keir Starmer has a handle on immigration, why Rishi Sunak was a 'weak' prime minister, and why humans are so fascinated by collecting relics.

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Fifty Years ago Richard Nixon became the first, and so far only, sitting US President to resign. Ed looks back at how Watergate caused his demise, and asks whether a scandal could ever bring down another President.

Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Laura Freeman discuss why it pays to be hated, why Bansky artwork is often stolen and what makes swearing in English so popular

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Fears that AI generated 'deepfakes' could threaten British democracy in the run up to the general election turned out to be largely unfounded. Ed Vaizey asks why that is, and whether AI and deepfakes will have a greater impact on the upcoming US election. 

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Syed discuss whether King Charles should break his royal silence on the riots and debate whether theOlympics is better than the World Cup,.

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As Kamala Harris confirms she's chosen Tim Walz as her running mate, Ed Vaizey looks back on some of the best and worst vice presidential picks throughout US history.

Plus: Columnists Anne McElvoy and Tim Montgomerie discuss whether Keir Starmer is handling the riots badly, the trap of political nostalgia, and why the Olympics are a silver lining to a distressing summer. 

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After the government announced it may ditch the Conservatives' law to fight cancel culture on campuses, Ed Vaizey asks whether freedom of speech at University is under threat. He hears the cases for and against - including from former universities minister Robert Halfon, who was in government when the law was passed.

Plus: Columnists Miranda Green and Carolyn Quinn discuss Keir Starmer's spat with X owner Elon Musk, the state of our prisons, and heckling Liz Truss at Fringe.

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As rioters rampage through towns and cities across the country, Times columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves join Ed Vaizey to discuss what Keir Starmer should do in the courts, online and in Parliament to stop the surge in far-right violence.

Plus: Vaizey's Voyage takes a tour around Europe to find out how the backlash against tourists might affect your summer holiday. 

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Keir Starmer says he's running a 'mission-led government', and this week Adam Boulton is looking at all five of his missions. Today it's his plan to 'build a NHS fit for the future'.

Plus: Columnists James Mariott and Jane Merrick discussKeir Starmer's plans to stop the summer of riots,the dangers of unregulated social mediaand why we should be reading more novels...

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Keir Starmer says he's running a 'mission-led government', and this week Adam Boulton is looking at all five of his missions. Today it's his plan to break down the barriers to opportunity and smash the 'class ceiling'. Will it work, and what is oracy?

Plus: Columnists James Heale and Rachel Cunliffe discuss whether the PM can risk taking a holiday, whether Mel Stride could win the Tory leadership contest, and why Parliament is crumbling.

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Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government, today it's his plan to 'take back our streets'. 

Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Robert Crampton discuss how misinformation contributed to the Southport protests, who is to blame for misuse of social media, and why soap operas make us more tolerant.

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Adam Boulton continues his analysis of Keir Starmer's five missions for the Labour government.

Today it's his plan to turn Britain into a “clean energy superpower”. And after the launch of the government-owned GB Energy, we hear about the battle to host its headquarters.

Plus: Columnists Tim Montgomerie and Anne McElvoy discuss the Labour-Conservative blame game over the economy, and how the Tory leadership contest is shaping up as Robert Jenrick launches his campaign.

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As Rachel Reeves addresses the nation with a warning about a £20 billion black hole in the public coffers, Adam Boulton is checking on the progress of Keir Starmer's five missions for the country, starting with the first: getting the highest economic growth in the G7.

Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Matthew Syed discuss whether Labour is already too soft on the unions, the Tory leadership contest, and Team GB's chances of winning big at the Olympics.

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It's Matt's last appearance on the podcast, and he's assembled comedians Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod and Nerine Skinner to give us their best political impressions - including the Tories in the running to lead the party.

Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss the Olympics, Strictly, and we find out whether Matt really has been bullying James.

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The starting gun has been fired and Conservative MPs have begun entering the race to become next leader of the party. 

Who will make it to the finish line? Matt speaks to supporters of some of the candidates, and hears advice from two Olympians-turned-politicians on how to go the distance. 

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell ask how the Tories can win over the under-30s, whether the end of cash is a good thing, and why organised crime gangs are getting into sheep rustling.

Columnists (02:00)

The Tory Olympics (25:00)

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PMQs is back, and this time it's Rishi Sunak putting questions to new prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Matt unpacks the action from the new-look Commons chamber with the help of Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit, as both party leaders are unusually consensual and polite.

Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss Starmer's ruthless streak after suspending seven rebel MPs, Kamala Harris' first presidential campaign rally, and James Cleverly's leadership video.

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Special advisers, known as 'SpAds', are being appointed left and right and centre by the new government. But what do they actually do? Matt is joined by former advisers Nikki da Costa, Henry Newman, Catherine MacLeod, Peter Cardwell, and Emily Walch, to discuss how to deal with your minister, the civil service, and the media.

Plus: Why was Tony Blair advised not to do televised debates?

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As the Times Red Box newsletter celebrates its 10th birthday, Matt rounds up all the previous editors to look back over a remarkable decade in politics, and finds out what it's really like to make sense of it in your pyjamas.

Plus: Columnists Libby Purves and Iain Martin discuss Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race and who will be the next Tory party leader. 

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As thousands of performers descend upon Edinburgh for the Fringe, those promising topical comedy are buried in hasty rewrites after the snap election. But is there less to satirise under Keir Starmer? Matt is joined by former MP Mhairi Black, who’s making her Fringe debut, Steve Richards, who’s taking his political stand-up on the road, Emma Sidi, who’s playing Sue Gray, and comedy critic Steve Bennett.

Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Kirkup discuss the cult of Donald Trump, university written statements, Pret subscriptions, and who is the coolest new MP?

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Matt takes a look at the government's new gang of four - Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner, Rachel Reeves and Pat McFadden. Will they make all the big decisions before they reach cabinet, and will it stop them from falling out?

Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss the ghost of Liz Truss and whether MPs should be allowed to read their speeches in the Commons chamber.

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King Charles III has set out the government's plans for the year ahead, but what happened the last time a King was on the throne unveiling the programme for an incoming Labour prime minister?

We look back at 1945, when Labour's Clement Attlee had defeated Conservative Winston Churchill, and find some surprising modern-day parallels. The voice of George VI is provided by the actor Kieran Hodgson.

Plus: Columnists Robert Crampton and Trevor Phillips discuss the scale of opposition to planning reform and Trevor's warning about tribal politics here and in America.

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Keir Starmer has promised to "deliver from the get-go”, but what does a focus on delivery really mean? Matt is joined by US political theorist Matt Stoller, who coined the term “deliverism”, and former government advisers Claire Ainsley and Sir Michael Barber.

Plus: The race to replace Rishi Sunak as Tory leader has been underway for 10 days - is it any clearer who could come next? 

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As Joe Biden gaffes his way through his latest press conference, columnists James Marriott and India Knight ask if he should stand down. They also discuss whether PM Keir Starmer should smile more, the luxury of not having a smartphone, and the collective joy of watching sport..

Plus: From interviewing prime ministers and presidents, to being unwitting target of a surface-to-air missile over Africa, The Sun's Trevor Kavanagh has seen - and done - it all. He tells Matt about his career, spanning nearly 50 years, and his biggest scoops. 

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After Keir Starmer told us his children are campaigning to get a German Shepherd, we find out whether there's room for one in the flat above Downing Street. Matt is joined by 'The Dogfather' Graeme Hall, and he speaks to the new Lib Dem MP Steve Darling about his guide dog Jenny.

And with big dog John Prescott retiring from the House of Lords, we look back at some of his best bits with columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana.

Columnists (04:05)

Political pets (23:30)

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Keir Starmer is in America for his first Nato summit as prime minister, but what kind of leader will he be on the world stage? Matt is joined by correspondents around the world to analyse the foreign policy challenges the Labour government will face in the coming years.

Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether a younger parliament is good news for Gen Z, why we shouldn't be surprised the French election was crazy, and whether MPs should be forced to wear ties in Parliament.  

Columnists (03:45)

Starmer Goes Global (26:23)

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As the Commons meets to elect the Speaker, who has made a success of the job - and who hasn't? Matt speaks to two former deputy speakers to find out how the job works, and asks why they'd like to ban mobile phones in the chamber.

Plus: After Joe Biden's press secretary bats away questions about the US president's health, we compare the way journalists cover the White House and 10 Downing Street.

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Now, as a record number of new faces arrive in Westminster, Matt pulls together a helpful guide on how to survive life as an MP - from asking for directions to taking control of your own diary and staying off social media after a drink.

Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Patrick Maguire on Rachel Reeves' first speech as Chancellor, why the Tory leadership candidates are shy about announcing they're running, and the role Reform UK and the Greens will play in the next parliament.

Columnists (03:08)

The Exit Interviews (25:07)

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Matt Chorley guides you through an extraordinary moment in British politics, as Rishi Sunak leaves Downing Street for the last time and Keir Starmer becomes the UK's first Labour prime minister in 14 years.

He's joined by guests including pollster John Curtice, Times Radio Political Editor Kate McCann, and Sunday Times Whitehall Editor Gabriel Pogrund.

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Former and Current Political Editors Fred Emery, Roland Watson and Steven Swinford tell Matt about reporting on half a century of elections for The Times. They discuss how election coverage has changed and how the 2024 campaign compares to previous years.

Plus: Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson discuss whether Boris Johnson's appearance on the campaign trail could lead to a late turnaround for the Conservatives, why the next Labour cabinet should avoid engaging in "class warfare" and the children who've lived above Number 10.

Columnists (03:37)

The Political Editors (24:18)

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