David Gauke joins to discuss political honeymoons, crisis in prisons, and the South West's neglect. They debate MP leadership, fiscal policies, and Catalonia elections. Also, humorously chat about a framed Darren Bent picture gift.

Former Lord Chancellor and Conservative MP, David Gauke, discusses Rishi Sunak's voter strategy, Putin's defense minister change, and Labour's Tory MP embrace. Topics include party dynamics, government challenges, international agreements, defense spending, and Russian influence in Georgia.

Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies, and David Gauke, former Justice Secretary, delve into pressing global and domestic issues. Freedman discusses the fracturing Western alliance and the geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine and Russia, emphasizing Europe's defense challenges. Gauke contrasts this with the UK prison system's pressing need for reform, advocating for smarter crime reduction and rehabilitation over incarceration. Together, they explore how political dynamics shape national security and justice.

Former Tory MP David Gauke shares his insights on Kemi Badenoch's leadership potential and the current Conservative leadership race. He reflects on Labour's budget decisions, comparing them to past Liberal Democrat experiences, and discusses the complexities of the Tory party dynamics. The conversation highlights Rishi Sunak's confrontational style in Parliament and explores the implications of major economic choices, including tensions over inheritance tax. Gauke gives a candid look at political complexities that shape the future of the Conservatives.

George Eaton and David Gauke discuss the potential downfall of the Conservative Party in the UK general election, analyzing Boris Johnson's last-minute efforts to salvage the situation. They explore the challenges faced by the Tories in regaining voter trust and the implications of a weakened Conservative Party on the political landscape.

Rachel Cunliffe and David Gauke discuss Tory defections to Labour, implications of party switches, and potential realignment scenarios in British politics. The podcast explores the complexity of voter opinions, challenges traditional political labels, and advocates for nuanced approaches in understanding diverse ideologies.

Laura Trott, David Gauke, and Shevaun Haviland discuss the government's changing stance on tax cuts, the impact on funding public services, and Labour Party's engagement with business. They also delve into the prospects of winning for the Labour Party and their Green Prosperity Plan.

Jeremy Hunt, former Treasury minister, joins John Harris and Pippa Crerar to discuss tax cuts, getting people back to work, and the challenges the government faces. They also touch on the impact of the benefits system on the unemployed, the political debate on economic growth, and the government's failure to invest in infrastructure.

Former Justice Secretary David Gauke discusses the need to reverse Tory populism in his book 'The Case for the Centre Right'. He highlights the dangers of pursuing further populism, questions the facilitation of Boris Johnson by the conservative party, and explores the challenges in finding a space as a centrist centre right party.

Last week, the government unveiled around £30bn worth of cuts to public services as it attempts to plug a fiscal hole. Governments have attempted to rein in spending in the past and struggled to do so.Philip Coggan takes a look at why public spending tends to rise in the long run and the continuing political battle to contain it. Guests: David Gauke, former Conservative MP and Treasury minister from 2010 to 2017 Carys Roberts, Executive Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research Jagjit Chadha, Director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow of the Institute for GovernmentProducer: Ben Carter Production co-ordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross and Maria Ogundele Sound engineer: James Beard Editor: Clare Fordham