Politics Unpacked

The Political Editors is half a century of politics told by the people who wrote the first draft of history for the Times.Over the festive period we're re-releasing the entire series.In the third episode, Westminster veteran Sir Peter Riddell tells Matt about his time charting the dramatic end to the Thatcher era, underestimating John Major, Labour coming back from the wilderness, and how the job of covering politics has changed over the years. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Political Editors is half a century of politics told by the people who wrote the first draft of history for the Times.Over the festive period we're re-releasing the entire series.Julian Haviland became political editor of the Times in 1981, but his career in journalism began in the 1950s and covered every prime minister from Alec Douglas-Home to Margaret Thatcher. He tells Matt about his recollections of a smug Jim Callaghan, the decent but flawed Harold Wilson, and Thatcher having a stiff drink before her weekly audience with Queen Elizabeth.He also reveals that the Queen was horrified by police conduct at the Battle of Orgreave during the miners' strike, a story he confirmed but was unable to run at the time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Political Editors is half a century of politics told by the people who wrote the first draft of history for the Times.Over the festive period we're re-releasing the entire series.First up is Fred Emery, who became political editor in 1977 after a series of foreign postings including covering the Vietnam War and Watergate. He tells Matt about getting the scoop that President Nixon was about to resign, the fall of the Callaghan government and what it was like to interview Margaret Thatcher.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Tis the season and Matt has a new pantomime. This is the story of Keirnocchio, a wooden MP who desperately wants to become a real boy politician. When you wish upon a Starmer your dreams come true, and even if it means changing your mind, your poll lead will grow faster than your nose. Plus: Some of our favourite Times columnists join a festive focus group and debate the best Christmas song, and tell us their Christmas day traditions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the 8th annual Politics Without The Boring Quiz, a test of who has been paying closest attention to the most extraordinary year in Westminster...since the last one.Politicians Nickie Aiken and Wes Streeting go up against Times Radio presenters Hugo Rifkind and Ed Vaizey and The Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit in front of a live audience in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gardener, broadcaster and presenter of ITV’s Love Your Garden, Alan Titchmarsh, tells Matt why he dislikes fake grass, is "appalled by the very existence of cancel culture", and why he was "heartened" interviewing Keir Starmer.Plus: Some of our favourite Times columnists join a festive focus group - today they reveal what they thought of Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer's year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Number 10 pollster discusses changing language and the views of swing voters. Political masterminds explore writing jokes for politicians. The role of humor in politics and its impact on public opinion. Political affiliations of musical artists and the importance of jokes in party conferences. The purpose and influence of focus groups in understanding voter sentiments. Factors affecting public opinion towards Richie Cenac and the negative perception of Kier Starmer's face.

From inaccurate polls to soundbites, from going early to biscuits being thrown on the campaign trail - what lessons can Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer learn from electoral history? Matt is joined by Lara Spirit and Jack Kessler to delve into the archives. Plus: Some of our favourite Times columnists join a festive focus group - today they reveal their winners and losers of 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The British Film Institute has compiled a collection of political broadcasts spanning more than 100 years, from polling day with the Clangers to a Conservative film warning that votes for Labour are stepping stones to a communist state. Patrick Russell from the BFI national archive joins Matt to pick out his highlights.Plus: Columnists Gaby Hinsliff and James Marriott discuss the significance of Rishi Sunak meeting right-wing leaders in Europe this weekend, whether Martin Lewis is right to call for an end to Christmas presents for teachers and what happens when politicians mix with children. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana to discuss claims that Rishi Sunak is a bit thin-skinned, whether a Labour councillor has been blacklisted because of his sexy satanic novels, and what happened when Matthew jumped into the Thames to rescue a dog.Plus: Matt speaks to David Halpern, Founding Director of the Behavioural Insights Team - better known as the 'Nudge Unit' - about the role of behavioural science during the Covid pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.