Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The State of It
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| " Run away, turn away, run away, turn away" - Healey's Bronski Beat budget | 28 oct. 2026 | 00:33:23 | |
John Healey’s first Budget is being dubbed the “Bronski Beat Budget”: a Chancellor running away from the big decisions on welfare and defence. With growth downgraded, energy bills set to soar and taxes at record highs, how much room for manoeuvre does he really have? And is this Burnham’s economy now, with the Chancellor merely keeping the engine running until the Prime Minister’s 10-year plan arrives? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Brexit, oil and immigration: Labour's three rows | 27 oct. 2026 | 00:32:43 | |
Arguing in the Labour party is ramping up. Andy Burnham has further fuelled the Brexit wars, floating a return to free movement and even EU membership, even though he claimed there was “nothing socialist” about free movement a decade ago. Is this political manoeuvring, or does Burnham himself know where he wants to end up? Meanwhile, Labour’s cabinet is split over North Sea drilling and immigration, with ministers publicly contradicting one another. Is Burnham a sort of Scouse Boris, coasting on charisma alone? And then there’s Wednesday's Budget. A fuel duty freeze, help with energy bills and a possible bank tax are all in the mix — but with the public finances under pressure, could John Healey have a rabbit up his sleeve? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Pictures: Getty Images 00:00 - The Free Movement Bombshell 00:33 - The Scoop: How Andy Burnham Reopened the Brexit Debate 01:22 - Did Burnham Cross His Own Red Lines? 03:41 - Testing the Waters: Tactical Leak or Honest Mistake? 05:46 - A Scouse Boris? Burnham’s High-Risk Politics 07:44 - European Summit Secrets & Whitehall Panic 09:20 - Cabinet Mutiny: The Ministers Pushing Back 12:10 - Rejoining vs Growth: The Threat to British AI & Industry 13:30 - Burnham vs His Past Self: The 2016 Anti-EU Speech 15:48 - Cabinet Split Round 2: The Rosebank Oil War 18:24 - Resignation Watch: Will Ed Miliband Walk? 21:17 - The Brutal Pile-On Against Shabana Mahmood 23:26 - Leaked Budget: OBR Warns of Record-Breaking Taxes 25:04 - Cost of Living: Fuel Duty, Energy Hikes & "Puffin" Borrowing 26:55 - John Healey's Warning: "An Economic Storm Is Coming" 29:40 - The Global Crisis: Why the Government Can’t Save Your Wallet 31:25 - Final Predictions & Tomorrow's Budget Special This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| You can't vibe-code your way to growth | 23 oct. 2026 | 00:33:04 | |
Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, a close ally of Andy Burnham, has sounded the alarm over the upcoming budget, warning the Prime Minister can’t “vibe-code his way to growth”. Patrick joins John Healey on the road, getting a glimpse of the Chancellor’s pro-business pitch — and the bottle of HP Sauce he keeps in his briefcase. Ben takes us inside the budget, unpacking four key areas: help with business costs, support for households facing rising energy bills, a fuel duty freeze and a package to tackle youth unemployment. Can Healey’s budget deliver meaningful change, or is the big stuff still being kicked down the road? Ben reflects on his time with Andy Burnham, exploring the mayor’s ambitions, political instincts and frustration with Westminster — and what his first 100 days reveal about his wider national project. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Andy Burnham's welfare plan: spend first, cut later | 20 oct. 2026 | 00:28:13 | |
Andy Burnham's welfare reforms are likely to start with more, not less, spending. In his review into Neets, young people not in education, employment or training, Alan Milburn will propose restricting access to universal credit for 16 to 24-year-olds, and spending money instead on employment support. The prime minister will tell MPs the government needs to spend first, cut later to bring about meaningful welfare reform. That may please Labour MPs but will the bond markets keep the faith? Meanwhile, the home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, is facing opposition within Labour over plans to double the wait for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years. Will Burnham back her reforms, or carve out an exception for migrant care workers? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| AI rows and pre-budget jitters – The State of It Live | 19 oct. 2026 | 00:34:00 | |
In this live recording of The State of It, Patrick and Steve assess the state of play ahead of budget day. John Healey is preparing a steady-as-she-goes budget, but with the big decisions on welfare, defence and tax rises pushed into next year, is Labour ducking the difficult choices? Meanwhile, AI evangelists want Britain to seize the opportunities, while Ed Miliband is pushing back on environmental grounds. Cue an almighty cabinet row. Reform UK’s poll lead has narrowed as Restore eats into its support. But is Westminster writing off Nigel Farage too soon? Reform remains the most trusted party on immigration and is sharpening its economic pitch to working-class voters. Finally, Andy Burnham faces one of Labour’s biggest challenges: reforming the welfare system. Recorded in Westminster as part of The Battle of Ideas festival. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - "The bond vigilantes are ready to split our throats" 00:09 - Inside Healey’s budget: Bank taxes & disappearing headroom 02:04 - "He’s a dud": Cabinet backbiting over the Chancellor 04:34 - The budget trap: Delaying big tax rises until next year 07:02 - Courting the squeezed middle: Business rates vs Reform UK 08:53 - Shock YouGov polling: Only 3% expect to be better off 11:24 - Is Reform UK finished, or are the pundits wrong? 15:45 - The bizarre reason Number 10 secretly wants a Tory comeback 18:12 - Cabinet AI civil war: Silicon Valley vs British jobs 22:30 - The UK grid crisis: Can we even power AI data centres? 24:51 - The Milburn Review: Plans to ban benefits for under-25s 29:19 - Broken PIP system: Backdated lump sums and 18-year assessment delays 32:15 - Can Labour ever shake the "welfare party" label? This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Burnham brings back Brexit wars: what’s the strategy? | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:31:37 | |
Andy Burnham has pulled the lever marked ‘Brexit’, threatening to reignite the wars of yesteryear. The soft left are delighted, but there’s unease in his cabinet. Is this a route back to a referendum, or just a meagre SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) deal? Or is Burnham already firing the opening shots of his election campaign — at the expense of the leave-voting areas he promised to win over? Has he already failed the Makerfield test? It’s budget season, and speculation is mounting over what’s inside John Healey’s red box. This is billed as a budget for the high street: for the white van man and the beauticians of Rotherham, funded by a crackdown on online retail giants. But with John Lewis sounding the alarm, how far will the chancellor go? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - The Brexit Wars Return 02:51 - Why Andy Burnham Wants Closer EU Ties 05:25 - Nigel Farage Delighted & Secret Cabinet Rifts 08:04 - The Real Cost: Free Movement & Single Market Traps 10:50 - Is Labour Priming The Polls For An Early Election? 13:46 - Has Burnham Abandoned The 'Makerfield Test'? 17:46 - The Russia Claim: Anatomy Of A 24-Hour U-Turn 20:06 - "Authenticity" Or Chaos? Burnham's Loose Talk 22:25 - The Budget: John Healey Targets 'White Van Man' 26:11 - High Street vs Online Giants: Retailers Strike Back 28:56 - Historic Tax Hikes: Distracting From The Pain This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Zack Polanski on the brink | 09 oct. 2026 | 00:23:28 | |
Zack Polanski's defeat in the Holborn & St Pancras by-election puts him in a tough position. The Green leader lost the by-election by 3,300 votes to Sagal Abdi-Wali, the Labour candidate. He's also facing criticism after the Green Party voted to declare that Zionism is racism. Polanski did not vote and has been accused of failing to show leadership. How tenable is his position now? Plus, parliament is back next week and the real business of government gets going. We look at what's in store and how the chancellor, John Healey, is preparing for a very, very difficult budget. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - By-Election Result: Labour Wins Holborn & St Pancras 00:36 - Is Zack Polanski’s Leadership in Trouble? 01:56 - Green Party Rifts & The Palestine Motion Controversy 07:34 - Is This the Beginning of the End for Polanski? 11:06 - Andy Burnham’s Electoral Boost & Labour’s Position 11:44 - Parliament Returns: Navigating the Autumn Budget 13:18 - John Healey, Treasury Trips, and Bank of England Warnings 16:39 - Defence Spending vs Public Services Dilemma 20:39 - Welfare Reviews, Jackdaw Gas Field & Election Speculation This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kemi Badenoch bets the house on the economy | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:31:56 | |
Kemi Badenoch's attack on Reform UK was all about character and her attack on Labour was all about economics. In her speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, she said she would to scrap inheritance tax on family homes and that under a Conservative government, couples would be able to leave an extra £1m inheritance tax free to their children. Badenoch was withering about Nigel Farage and Reform UK, saying: "The circus goes on and on and it will never stop because this is who Reform are — so to those who say ‘unite the right’, we are not uniting with that.” We look at the Conservatives' electoral strategy, their prospects — especially compared with a year ago — and the vibes among their MPs. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - Live from Tory Conference: Badenoch’s Speech Analysis 00:41 - The Inheritance Tax Gamble: Family Homes Exempt 02:01 - Strategic Shift: Winning Back the South & Abandoning the Red Wall 05:14 - Why Immigration Was Dropped From the Main Message 06:33 - "We Will Not Unite": Direct Rejection of Reform UK & Farage 08:03 - Character vs. Policy: The New Strategy Against Reform 10:45 - Key Omissions: Public Services and the NHS 13:17 - Football Legends, Identity, and Patriotism 17:36 - Vibe Check: A Surprisingly United Tory Party 20:19 - Badenoch’s Dominance: "Captain, Manager, and Owner" 22:13 - Path to Power: Rebuilding Economic Trust 25:08 - Behind the Scenes: Bars, Protesters, and Business Access 29:34 - Did Badenoch’s Speech Set the Political Weather? 32:50 - Looking Ahead to the Budget This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Andy Burnham's radical British reset | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:17:42 | |
The Labour Party is jubilant. Andy Burnham has fired the starting gun for the next general election with one of the most consequential conference speeches in recent memory. He used it to set out a series of major proposals, including an end to the triple lock, the abolition of first-past-the-post and closer ties with Europe. At the heart of his national project is a care service free at the point of use. Burnham has set out a vision that promises to put Britain on a different road. But can he persuade the country to buy into it? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Labour parties like it's 1997 | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:32:24 | |
At the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, the mood is jubilant. They have a popular leader who can speak fluently in public. Andy Burnham's speech on Tuesday will be a big moment and it's expected to be full of announcements. Whitehall and cabinet ministers are trying to keep up. The problem, as always, is making the sums add up. The prime minister has made social care the main topic of conversation. We discuss whether he is ready to ditch the triple-lock on pensions to pay for social care reform and whether he could fight an election promising tax rises. In Rachel Reeves's first budget, taxes went up more than £30 billion, and then she had to come back for more. The Treasury wanted to avoid a third tax-raising budget but the numbers are moving against them. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EXCLUSIVE - John Healey: budget will prove I'm pro-business | 26 sept. 2026 | 00:34:39 | |
John Healey, the chancellor, tells us his budget will offer people breathing space on both the cost of living and the cost of business. He said he was concerned about the rising price of fuel and that he wanted wealthy people to stay in Britain. In July, Andy Burnham, the prime minister, said that he would use "any flexibility" in the government's fiscal rules, but Healey was clear that there was no room for manoeuvre on the fiscal rules. Listen to the full interview to hear how he's getting notes in caps lock from Gordon Brown, his thoughts on bringing down the welfare bill and a Treasury Dragon's Den. Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Producer: Euan Dawtrey Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A snap election - surely not? | 25 sept. 2026 | 00:27:54 | |
The Labour Party conference starts in Liverpool this weekend. It's a chance for Andy Burnham to lay out his vision for the country. Expect worldview, class, solidarity and hope. How much criticism is likely to come from allies of Keir Starmer? Darren Jones, Starmer's former right-hand-man, has been giving interviews. Will others do the same? Could Burnham call a snap election? An MRP mega poll for The Times and Sky News suggested that if an election were held now Labour would win 241 seats, the Conservatives would have 130 and Reform UK would be in third on 123 seats. The split on the right makes it tempting for Labour to call a snap election. Is that a realistic possibility? Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - Tactical Voting: The Left’s New “Cheat Code”? 00:10 - Heading to Liverpool: Navigating Labour Conference 01:26 - Decoding Andy Burnham’s “Hope Again” Vision & Liverpool Roots 04:07 - Inside Number 10: How the New Team is Bedding In 06:56 - The Reform UK Threat & Marginal Seat Panic 09:12 - The Dangers of Relying on Tactical Voting 14:10 - Snap Election Rumours: Is Burnham About to Gamble? 18:55 - Labour Infighting: Sacked Cabinet Ministers Strike Back 23:07 - Critiques From Within & What Success Looks Like 26:07 - John Healey Interview Preview This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Raise taxes, fix welfare later: Labour's tough sell | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:32:49 | |
What a difference a year makes The Labour Party conference awaits. Has Andy Burnham's folksy charm and optimism taken the party as far as it can, or can he consolidate power and popularity? Six-party politics A YouGov poll for The Times and Sky News puts Reform UK and the Conservative Party on level pegging for the first time in 18 months. Thursday's mega poll, the first MRP from YouGov in a year, will be a fascinating snapshot of the shifting electoral tectonic plates. Labour MPs are pinning their hopes on a split on the right, but will Burnham's government be able to build enough support from potential Green and Liberal Democrat voters? What will Andy Burnham's government do about welfare? Three reports into work and benefits are imminent: Charlie Mayfield's recommendations about how to keep people in work, Alan Milburn's report into Neets (young people not in education, employment or training) and a government review of mental health conditions. All of them put the welfare system into the spotlight. The timing creates a political problem for the government because next month's budget will not address the welfare bill. Raising taxes without fixing welfare is difficult for a prime minister who has talked about the power of politics to change things. Meanwhile his chancellor, John Healey, is buffeted by rising borrowing costs, which hit £18.3 billion in August, up nearly a fifth on August last year. Brexit re-litigated? On the plane to New York, Andy Burnham refused to rule out rejoining the European Union. A year ago he said he hoped the UK would rejoin the EU in his lifetime. Could he really be tempted to try to boost economic growth by aligning more closely with the EU or putting rejoining the EU in the next manifesto? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Trump and Burnham meet: what could go wrong? | 18 sept. 2026 | 00:29:54 | |
The Burnham Trump meeting Andy Burnham and Donald Trump will meet for the first time in New York next week. It's the biggest foreign policy moment in Burnham's premiership so far and there are many different ways in which it could go wrong. Burnham wants to be more confrontational with Trump than Starmer was...without damaging relations with the US. Autumn budget: the walls are closing in It's now accepted that next month's budget will be a money-raising budget. Does the new government have a plan for growth? Are the Liberal Democrats still relevant? The Liberal Democrats are about to hold their conference and some of their MPs are worried that Ed Davey isn't doing enough as leader. We look at their electoral strategy and their prospects. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Pictures: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Mr Hope and Mr Sensible step into the danger zone | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:35:41 | |
Will Labour raise taxes? The cost of government borrowing is going up and up. That means the chancellor, John Healey, may well need to cut spending or raise taxes next month - and tax rises are much more likely. Labour MPs are overwhelmingly happy for the first time in living memory, but is that because they haven't woken up to the grim economic reality? The Labour Party conference slogan this year is 'Hope Again', but while the prime minister is projecting optimism, the chancellor is cutting a much more sombre figure as his fiscal headroom shrinks. Will Andy Burnham's desire to lead on economic policy survive next month's budget? How likely is an early election? The assumption has been that Burnham will either stick to the Labour manifesto or he'll call an early election. Would he consider breaking, or at least bending, the manifesto to pay for all the things he wants to do? The donations row explained Labour's plan to block donations to Reform UK from Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo is nakedly partisan. The row shines a light on the strange world of political donations and the surprisingly vague laws that govern them. How much of a difference would the £72m make to Reform's electoral prospects? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Assisted dying is dead. What next? | 11 sept. 2026 | 00:22:58 | |
MPs have voted against the assisted dying bill. The legislation was defeated by a margin of 16 votes, with 286 MPs in favour and 270 against, after 314 MPs backed the plan last year. It's a huge moment in the House of Commons.
Plus, Andy Burnham is turning left, trying to appeal to the voters that Keir Starmer lost to the Greens and the Liberal Democrats. Will it work? And are the odds of an early election narrowing? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Parliament TV This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Why the UK is risking US anger with Israel sanctions | 08 sept. 2026 | 00:29:32 | |
Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Parliament TV Audio: Sky News This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Reform's conference begins with a crisis | 04 sept. 2026 | 00:24:58 | |
Reform UK’s 2026 conference has begun in Birmingham under a cloud after Channel 4 broadcast allegations of an attempt to circumvent the rules on foreign donations — prompting Nigel Farage to turn on two of his closest aides, Dan Jukes and James Orr. Farage’s relationship with Jukes has been described as “father-son” so it’s a huge step for Farage and for Reform. Find out how it all unfolded in the early hours. The extraordinary fallout has overshadowed Farage’s big migration announcement with Jordan Bardella, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally running mate and the man who hopes to be the next French prime minister. Nigel Farage says Reform UK has done nothing wrong and that the investigation was carried out by far left activists. How much does the story damage Brand Reform? Are voters more interested in his small boats policy or in the questions raised by the documentary? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Ben Riley-Smith, political editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Starmerism with a human face: when vibes meet reality | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:31:25 | |
What is Labour's policy on North Sea oil and gas drilling?
What did we learn from Kemi Badenoch's reshuffle?
Reform UK Conference: what to expect
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| West Bank sanctions: the snag - and Burnham's blockbuster autumn | 25 août 2026 | 00:27:54 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - Parliament Returns: The Autumn Political Agenda 01:45 - Ed Miliband, Gaza Sanctions & West Bank Trade Bans 07:50 - Early Release Scheme & Police Backlash (PC Harper Case) 10:45 - The Mini-Budget, Welfare Reviews & 10-Year Plan 15:00 - Reform UK's Housing Policy & Citizenship Split 23:30 - Kemi Badenoch Meets Giorgia Meloni in Rome This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Burnham's three big tests - and trouble at Reform UK | 18 août 2026 | 00:35:25 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday Times Fraser Nelson, columnist, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Farage wins Clacton – but his £5m headache remains | 14 août 2026 | 00:18:49 | |
Nigel Farage has done the inevitable and defeated Count Binface in the Clacton by-election. To celebrate, Reform threw a gigantic Glastonbury-style festival on Clacton beach. Farage-fest 2026 featured disco, live music and even a Ferris wheel. But during his victory speech, Farage admitted for the first time that he may have made a mistake by failing to declare the £5m gift he received from Christopher Harborne. Now, just hours after his victory, the parliamentary standards watchdog has resumed its investigation into the Reform leader. So, after the Ferris wheel and the fanfare, what next for the embattled Farage? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: Getty images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| PC Harper's killers: Andy Burnham's first major test | 11 août 2026 | 00:29:56 | |
Last week, Andy Burnham said he had reached “the very limits of what is possible”, appearing powerless to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. But after a wave of public outrage, he has now promised to stop it. This is Burnham’s first major collision between style and substance – can his positive-vibes politics really trump the reality of a political nightmare? Then over to Clacton, where a tanned Nigel Farage has embedded himself in his constituency. What comes next for Reform’s leader after he does the inevitable and defeats Count Binface in the by-election? Can he get Reform back on track after a difficult few months? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: PA media This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Will a Reform-Restore alliance unite the right? | 04 août 2026 | 00:26:56 | |
Has Andy Burnham's vibes-based politics collided with the reality of governing as he wrestles with the prison early release crisis? Restore leader and right-wing insurgent Rupert Lowe has publicly reached out to Nigel Farage, urging him to unite the right. Can Farage and Lowe finally put the bad blood behind them, or is the divide simply too deep? And on the left, the Greens have endured a bruising few weeks, with leader Zack Polanski's social media habits creating unwelcome headlines. But has Westminster been too quick to write them off? With Polanski at the helm, anything is possible. Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Burnham Bounce: how long can it last? | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:27:54 | |
Andy Burnham's first week as prime minister has been decisive, optimistic and proactive. Labour has overtaken Reform UK in the polls for the first time in more than a year. Now Burnham is taking on education and social care reform: knotty political questions with many landmines. We look at the pitfalls that lie ahead. Zack Polanski's Green Party is losing support. And as Reform and the Conservatives fight to be the main party of the right, how does the new Labour government change things for Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch? Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday Times Executive producer: Molly Guinness Producer: Euan Dawtrey Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Andy Burnham's week of maximum vibes | 24 juil. 2026 | 00:29:55 | |
Andy Burnham's first week as Prime Minister has been all about creating good vibes. He's pledged to end rough sleeping, cut VAT on energy bills, cap bus fares at £2, and save Britain's pubs. The obvious question is: how is he going to pay for it all? Steve takes us inside Burnham's call with Donald Trump, where everything was surprisingly cordial and the pair ended up talking about their mums. But next week, the easy announcements give way to the hard choices. Burnham is expected to unveil major interventions on social care and unemployment. Can he deliver reform while also tackling the cost of living, boosting defence spending and keeping the public finances under control? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producer: Euan Dawtrey Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| No, you're a factionalist: Labour's new battle lines | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:30:27 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, George Clare Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Russel Herneman This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Shabana Mahmood: The 'ruthless' incoming Chancellor? | 16 juil. 2026 | 00:29:19 | |
Who is Shabana Mahmood, the 'ruthless' politician set to enter Downing Street as Andy Burnham’s Chancellor? After a fierce cabinet debate effectively ended Ed Miliband's hopes for the Treasury, all eyes are on her. And what does her potential appointment means for the future of UK politics, from welfare reform to the economy? Meanwhile, Westminser has descended into a surreal waiting game as the incoming Prime Minister prepares to take power. No one knows if their job is safe, and desperate insiders have resorted to asking our very own Steven Swinford if he knows anything they don't. Will Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting or Yvette Cooper feature? And how exactly will Number 10 North work? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Burnham's cabinet: Ed Miliband fails the smell test | 14 juil. 2026 | 00:27:51 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images. 01:10 - Blocking Ed Miliband From Chancellor 02:30 - Why the City Doesn't Trust the "London Left" 03:50 - Will Miliband Accept a Demotion? 05:05 - The Brutal Briefing War Behind Closed Doors 06:40 - Defending the "Net Zero Zealot" 07:45 - Cabinet Jenga: Filling the Great Offices of State 09:25 - Angela Rayner & The "Day One" Loyalists 11:05 - The Starmer Purge: Who Is Getting Sacked? 12:45 - The Yvette Cooper Foreign Policy Question 15:05 - Secret Policy Clashes: Josh Simons vs. Miatta Fahnbulleh 17:15 - Angry Loyalists With "Nothing To Lose" 19:40 - Starmer’s Bizarre Leaving Present 21:30 - Flying to the World Cup Final 22:35 - Burnham's Radical Plan for the Cost of Living 25:00 - The Warning Over a "Mega Budget" & Wealth Taxes 26:15 - North vs. South: The Growing Regional Rebellion Picture: Getty Images Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nigel Farage's Clacton by-election gamble | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:25:36 | |
A furious Nigel Farage has said he will ‘stick two fingers up to the establishment’ by resigning and then winning a by-election in Clacton. Kemi Badenoch has accused him of having a hissy fit and Andy Burnham has said it's a gimmick designed to distract from questions over undeclared gifts.
Who is George Cottrell, aka Posh George? Listen to the series here podfollow.com/posh-george Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nigel Farage and Posh George: why it matters | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:27:02 | |
Nigel Farage could face an investigation by the parliamentary watchdog after a Sunday Times investigation and podcast series raised questions about gifts and benefits in kind that he has received from George Cottrell, a crypto-gambler and convicted fraudster, who's better known as Posh George. Gabriel and Steve discuss how Reform UK has reacted to the story and what could happen next. Both George Cottrell and Nigel Farage deny any wrongdoing. Listen to the series here: podfollow.com/posh-george Episode 3 is out on Thursday 9th July Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Image: Getty/Alamy This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Paranoia in the Labour Party: the Andy Burnham enigma | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:19:52 | |
Andy Burnham is keeping his cards close to his chest and no one seems to know who'll get what job. That means there's a huge amount of paranoia and jostling for position the Labour Party. Cabinet ministers and MPs are lavishing praise upon him, but they're worried about his plans - both on policy and personnel. There's a lot of ill-feeling that could bubble up to the surface surprisingly quickly. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - Burnham's Intense One-on-One MP Meetings 00:32 - Paranoia and Panic in the Cabinet 01:44 - Will Burnham Appeal to Southern Voters? 02:50 - Desperate Ministers Begging to Keep Their Jobs 03:40 - The Ghost of 2007: Burnham's "Woman Problem" 06:13 - Ed Miliband's Chancellor Dilemma 07:18 - How Departments Are Pandering to Burnham 08:29 - Is David Miliband Making a Comeback? 10:54 - The Real Reason Angela Rayner Has Been Weakened 13:10 - Burnham's Frustration with Westminster "Ambulance Chasers" 16:56 - A Long Goodbye: Starmer's Farewell Barbecues 17:30 - The £15 Billion Defence Plan Black Hole 18:20 - Government Paralysis and the Rochdale Case This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| "You can't have more Milibands than women in top jobs" - Cain and Abel mark II | 30 juin 2026 | 00:29:28 | |
There is considerable intrigue around Andy Burnham's possible cabinet, not least because the eldest Miliband brother is being linked to the position of Foreign Secretary. Are we about to see UK politic's Cain and Able story return for a second round? And most importantly, Is Andy Burnham ready? Burnham's debut speech caused headlines with his bold plans to reshape the British state. But there are difficult questions lurking behind the rhetoric, namely what does any of it actually mean? Plus, Reform UK gears up to choose their top candidates to challenge Burnham in his own backyard. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk 00:00 The Return of David Miliband? 02:53 The Miliband Brothers Psychodrama 04:23 Labour's "Boys Club" Optics Problem 08:02 The Brutal Fight for Top Cabinet Jobs 11:20 How Burnham is Manipulating Westminster 13:56 Burnham vs Starmer: The Real Difference 16:27 The Hidden Cost of Devolution (Tax Rises?) 19:31 What is "Number 10 North" Really About? 22:31 Why the Tories Fear Ed Miliband as Chancellor 25:29 Nigel Farage's Secret Plot for the North 27:35 The £5 Million Farage Crypto Investigation This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Andy Burnham builds a plane mid-flight as Starmer checks out | 23 juin 2026 | 00:25:20 | |
Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer both want an orderly transition but one day in, it's looking anything but orderly. It's a transition beset with bad blood and uncertainty and also some serious technical hurdles. Is he building a plane mid-flight or is he more like Gromit, sitting on a speeding train, laying down the track in front of him? The biggest unanswered question facing Andy Burnham is who will be his chancellor. Three names are in contention: bookmakers' favourite Wes Streeting, rank outsider Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband — the bête noire of the bond markets. Patrick reports from parliament's bars, where the champagne is flowing and Labour MPs have suddenly become shameless attention-seekers, hoping to seduce Andy Burnham's allies. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Audio: Reuters Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk 0:00 - Can Andy Burnham Build the Plane Mid-Flight? 1:15 - Drama on the Commons Terrace: Euphoria & Champagne 4:20 - Keir Starmer's "Revenge" Timetable 6:30 - The Next Chancellor: Miliband vs. Streeting vs. Mahmood 13:12 - Scrapping the Triple Lock & Upcoming Wealth Taxes 17:37 - Inside Number 10: Starmer's Farewell Speech 19:33 - The £10bn Defence Plan Rupturing Labour 21:55 - Civil Service Gridlock: Why Access Talks Are Delayed 25:20 - The Crypto Billionaire Bankrolling Nigel Farage & Reform UK 29:00 - Will There Be an Emergency Election? This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power | 22 juin 2026 | 00:20:53 | |
Andy Burnham could be prime minister within weeks after Keir Starmer's resignation. He may now need to build a government before the World Cup final. This is where the real trade-offs start. How long can Andy Burnham's hopey, changey, Northern Soul vibes last in Downing Street? There's already an almighty row going on over who will be his chancellor. Also today, where did all go wrong for Keir Starmer and what did Labour MPs think of his resignation speech? Wes Streeting has said he will not contest Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership, but are there any other possible candidates for the leadership contest? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Executive producer: Molly Guinness Producers: Harry Kitson, Euan Dawtrey Picture credit: Getty Images Audio: Reuters 00:00 — Starmer’s Resignation: The Total Lack of Contrition 00:48 — A Surreal Timeline: Six Prime Ministers in a Decade 01:56 — The Emotional Exit vs. The Bitter Backroom Reality 03:04 — Where It Went Wrong: Sins of Tone & Policy U-Turns 04:30 — The Brutal Verdict: "He Wasn't Up To It" 05:47 — Outsourcing Power: Sue Gray, McSweeney, and Rachel Reeves 08:46 — Enter Andy Burnham: Can He Rebrand the Labour Party? 11:36 — Ed Miliband vs. The Financial Markets 14:31 — Team Burnham's Impossible Economic Trade-offs 16:36 — Will the Gloss Wear Off? The Unforgiving Spotlight of No. 10 18:24 — Legitimacy Crisis: Nigel Farage Demands an Early Election 20:06 — The Whitehall Machine in Total Chaos This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now? | 19 juin 2026 | 00:33:06 | |
Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield makes him Labour leader and prime minister in waiting. How will the next days and weeks play out? Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered. So does that mean a bloody contest rather than a coronation? In a special episode recorded live on Times Radio with Ed Vaizey, we go through the possible scenarios. And if Andy Burnham does become prime minister, what will he do with power? Who will be in his cabinet? We're told that Shabana Mahmood has turned down the offer of chancellor and will stay as home secretary. Is Ed Miliband still a likely candidate for chancellor? And what to do about Wes Streeting? We also look at the Conservative win in Aberdeen South. Is this a green shoot for the Conservative Party? And will the Makerfield result prompt some soul searching in Reform UK? Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times Radio Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Harry Kitson, Erin Carney Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images 00:00 - Intro: "They’re Going to Have to Drag Him Out" 00:20 - Welcome to The State of It: The Makerfield Shockwave 00:56 - An Extraordinary Result: How Andy Burnham Defied Political Gravity 03:00 - "Vote Burnham, Get Starmer Out" Campaign Strategy 04:05 - Keir Starmer Strikes Back: Leadership Contest or Coronation? 06:37 - Starmer's Response: "I'm Not Going to Walk Away" 07:14 - Inside Starmer's Bunker: Refusing an Orderly Transition 09:16 - The Secret List: 80+ MPs Backing Andy Burnham 11:06 - Nigel Farage's Disappointment: Reform UK Share Drops 12:00 - Kemi Badenoch's Tories Resurge in Scotland 13:04 - Did Reform UK Choose the Wrong Candidate? 14:04 - The Identity Schism Deepening Inside Reform UK 16:00 - What Does an Andy Burnham Premiership Actually Stand For? 17:48 - Tax Overhauls: Radical Land Tax vs. Council Tax 18:38 - The NATO Summit and the Defense Investment Plan Dilemma 21:00 - Tough Decisions on Welfare Cuts and Benefits 23:16 - The Power Brokers: Louise Haig & Anneliese Midgley 24:40 - Cabinet Secrets: Ed Miliband vs. Shabana Mahmood 27:12 - Shabana Mahmood’s Hardline Immigration Reforms 28:22 - Wes Streeting's Defiance: Forcing a Platform Battle? 32:38 - What Happens to the Hardcore Starmer Loyalists? This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Ghostings and betrayals: Starmer's cabinet prepares for an Andy Burnham coup | 16 juin 2026 | 00:28:43 | |
Makerfield is the most consequential by-election in history. Andy Burnham is confident he'll win. What happens then? When and how does he make a move? What can Keir Starmer do to thwart him? We have several scoops for you today. Listen to find out which cabinet ministers are thinking of resigning after Makerfield and which senior figure has been ghosting the PM. If Andy Burnham does get to Number 10, the whole direction of his premiership will depend on who he picks for his cabinet. We bring you the latest on what his team is thinking. And of course it's also possible that Reform UK could beat Labour in Makerfield — what then? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Executive producer: Molly Guinness Video editor: George Clare Picture credit: Getty Images Audio: Times Radio This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| A circular firing squad: the bitter war over defence spending | 09 juin 2026 | 00:30:37 | |
Exclusive stories from the front line of the government's war over defence spending. And there's a swagger about Andy Burnham's team: they're more and more confident that he'll win in Makerfield. What happens next? And how will the enmity between Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer influence the outcome? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Getty Images Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The tragic death of Henry Nowak and a political reckoning | 02 juin 2026 | 00:31:38 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture: Henry Nowak with his father, Mark (Family handout/PA) Audio: PA, ITV This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| We’re all just normal people railing against politics | 26 mai 2026 | 00:28:41 | |
In the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK have put forward a local plumber in the hope of derailing Burnham’s push for power — but a string of deeply questionable old social media posts has left the campaign wobbling. Meanwhile, on Reform’s right flank, Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is threatening to split the vote after a Sunday Times poll put them on 7% — enough to potentially hand Labour the advantage. Back in Downing Street, Rachel Reeves is machine-gunning her colleagues. The question is whether she genuinely believes she can survive in post under an Andy Burnham leadership. Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Inside Keir Starmer's plan to remain PM till 2027 | 19 mai 2026 | 00:28:35 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| What the hell’s going on in Westminster? | 14 mai 2026 | 00:26:26 | |
Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary, but he hasn't launched a leadership challenge. Why not? More than 90 Labour MPs have now called for the prime minister to go, but Keir Starmer is hanging on. What can he do now? And what's the next move for Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Keir Starmer: the end game | 12 mai 2026 | 00:37:29 | |
An extraordinary day in British politics: Keir Starmer vows to fight on, but the resignations keep on coming. How long can the prime minister survive? What's next, and who will move first? Wes Streeting has one shot: will he take it? What is Andy Burnham's plan? Recorded at Temple Church as part of the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, editor of Insight, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Reform shake Labour to its core | 08 mai 2026 | 00:25:26 | |
For now, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to stay as the Reform leader Nigel Farage calls this a “truly historic shift in British politics” Steven and Lara caught up at the Times office in Westminster just after 4pm to unpack the results from England’s local council and mayoral elections, alongside national contests in Scotland and Wales, as Reform and the Greens surge and Labour suffer huge losses. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| "They're going to have to drag him out" - Starmer prepares for a leadership battle | 05 mai 2026 | 00:31:22 | |
Thursday's local elections are set to blow apart Britain’s political duopoly, and the fallout for Labour could be existential. Pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister as rivals circle. Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham are all positioning. But who moves first? Meanwhile, it's not all smooth sailing for the insurgents. Questions over Reform's Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Thai-based crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne aren’t going away. And on the left flank, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has seen his approval ratings dip after questioning police tactics during the Golders Green attack. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Mandelson: Starmer’s original sin comes back to haunt him | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:34:41 | |
Morgan McSweeney has told MPs that the revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were like a knife through his soul. The more we learn about the appointment process, the madder it sounds. And the odd thing is that crucial decisions were not written down: there are no receipts. There's a mood building in the Labour Party that Keir Starmer will need to go big or go home: come up with a bold agenda, make the case for it and then deliver it. Has he got it in him? And how far to the left will he take the government? Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Starmer picks a fight with the wrong guy | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:31:43 | |
Sir Olly Robbins dropped bombshell after bombshell when he spoke to MPs. Robbins, who was sacked as the Foreign Office’s chief civil servant, has accused Downing Street of placing the department under constant pressure to get Lord Mandelson through vetting. He also said the prime minister had tried to find an ambassadorial job for Matthew Doyle, another Labour peer who's been in trouble for a friendship with a paedophile. Where does it all leave Sir Keir Starmer? Plus, we reveal when the next tranche of Mandelson files will be published. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Parliament TV Audio credit: Parliament TV This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| BONUS: Can Keir Starmer survive the Mandelson vetting scandal? | 17 avr. 2026 | 00:16:10 | |
Everything you need to know about the latest instalment of the Mandelson scandal. What Labour MPs are saying about Keir Starmer; our verdict on whether he can survive it, and why Patrick thinks the prime minister is doing "the political equivalent of smoking outside a hospital". Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producer: Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images Audio: Reuters, x.com/KemiBadenoch, x.com/Nigel_Farage This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Guns or Butter: the great defence spending row | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:31:50 | |
Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Get ready for a pub brawl, it's local election time | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:25:45 | |
As Reform rolls its tanks onto Labour’s lawn across the old Red Wall and the Greens set their sights on London, Starmer braces for a bruising set of local elections. Has David Lammy given up on London? And Steve reveals Reform's antagonistic campaigning slogan... Meanwhile, with the economic toll from the Iranian conflict unfolding, we explain how it might take Gabriel a little longer to find his daily packet of Quavers. Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||