Politics Unpacked

With Parliament in recess, Matt Chorley looks at what it takes to win PMQs with former Ed Miliband advisor Ayesha Hazarika, Theresa May's former press secretary Paul Harrison, and which leaders were the best to caricature with sketch-writers Quentin Letts and Ann Treneman.PLUS:Times Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss the government's Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley is joined by Jonathan Lynn, co-creator Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister, to talk about the legacy of the hit comedy series, and how he thinks it may not have been beneficial to the way Whitehall works now.PLUS:Times' Columnists Daniel Finkelstein and David Aaronovitch discuss the day's news. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks 300 years since Britain got its first Prime Minister. In the first instalment of a special Prime Ministers' week, Matt Chorley is joined by Times Columnist Danny Finkelstein, Historian and political biographer Anthony Seldon, author and journalist Andrew Gimson and former civil servant Jill Rutter to discuss what qualities are needed to build the perfect Prime Minister. PLUS Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves pick over the days' news.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley tackles the philosophical questions behind pub passports and longer lockdowns, with AC Grayling, Baroness Deech and Alberto Giubilini.PLUS: India Knight and James Marriott on editing friends out and the curse of London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Times columnist Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton pick over the day's news, then Matt Chorley and Sunday Times Political Editor Tim Shipman pause the action at Prime Minister's Questions to explain the Commons exchanges between Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark a year of lockdown, Matt Chorley and former Number 10 pollster James Johnson convene the Times Radio focus group to see how people's attitudes to politics and politicians have changed over the past year. PLUS Times columnist Daniel Finkelstein and Red Box Editor Patrick Maguire talk protests, Scotland and flags.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley speaks to the Times' veteran war reporter Anthony Lloyd about Syria, Shamima Begum and what essential packing for life in a war-zone. PLUS Times Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss Nicola Sturgeon and the droves of people leaving cities for villages.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus edition we are bringing you an episode from another Times podcast - Past Imperfect.Ed Balls is a broadcaster, former Labour Politician and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer and the winner of Celebrity Best Home Cook 2021. He talks openly to Rachel and Alice about his time in government, how he overcame the bullying he faced as a child and why he kept his lifelong stammer a secret.Get The Times free for a month: thetimes.co.uk/pastimperfectBullies Out: www.bulliesout.comYoung Minds: www.youngminds.org.ukThe Brittish Stammering Associtation: www.stamma.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Chorley hosts the Parliamentary Book Awards, revealing the winners of the best books by, and about, politicians. Stephen Lotinga, from the Publishers Association, dishes out the prizes, and Chris Bryant, Nicky Morgan and Dan Jarvis discuss their work. PLUS: Rosamund Irwin and James Marriott on self-esteem, and one man who doesn't lack it, Dominic Cummings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How will nightclubs survive the pandemic? Matt Chorley speaks to CEO of Night Time Industries Association Michael Kill, Chief executive of late night bar and club operator REKOM Peter Marks and Graeme Park who is one of the original founders of the UK rave/club scene about how the nightlife industry will bounce back after the pandemic.PLUS Times columnists Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson pick over the day’s news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.