Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4 The News Quiz: Ep2. U-Turn, We Defect
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Jan 23, 2026 Cindy Yu, Times columnist and journalist offering sharp topical commentary. Scott Bennett, comedian known for quick-witted panel turns. Susie McCabe, stand-up comic bringing topical comedy flair. Paul Sinha, quizzer and comic with measured observations. They riff on political defections and U-turns, a mass water outage in Tunbridge Wells, Brexit-era party chaos, Scottish budget quirks and ambitious rail and green energy plans.
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Defections Reveal Political Opportunism
- Political defections are now routine and reveal politicians' opportunism rather than principles.
- Andy Zaltzman and panel argue Reform UK is becoming a repository for failed Tory careers.
Resignation Left On The Printer
- Robert Jenrick accidentally left his resignation speech on a printer, exposing his plans.
- Panelists used this mishap to mock the low-tech way he cancelled himself out of the party.
Mainstreaming Dilutes Outsider Appeal
- Reform's attempt to mainstream by recruiting ex-Tories risks alienating its core supporters.
- Panelists note growth could dilute Reform's outsider appeal and hinder electoral success.