Politics Unpacked

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel Sylvester, a political commentator for The Times, and Timandra Harkness, a journalist and author, dive into the intriguing world of Boris Johnson's memoir and his ongoing appeal within the Conservative Party. They tackle the controversial decision to relinquish the Chagos Islands and the ramifications for UK foreign policy. The discussion also digs into the 'cash for croissants' scandal, critiquing the financial influence in politics and the disconnect it creates between politicians and the public, all served with a dose of wit and relatable analysis.

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.