Politics Unpacked

The dad jokes are flowing at Prime Minister's Questions, as Keir Starmer accuses Rishi Sunak of 'losing his marbles' after falling out with the Greek prime minister.Matt is joined by Giles Coren, Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the exchanges from the Commons chamber.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton talk about bringing funerals back into fashion, Robert's experience on the march against anti-semitism, and whether there really is a shortage of British ballet dancers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt is joined by parliamentary sketch writers old and new to discuss the art of the political sketch. Hear first hand from the people whose job is to poke fun at politicians, which MPs are the ones to watch, and what topics are off limit.Plus: A taster of the latest episode of How to Win An Election, where political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein chat about how to see off rebels within your own party. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political panel discusses the threat to the Tories from Reform UK. Social media incident involving Tory and Labour parties. Rishi Sunak's attempts to appear relatable. Reflections on the 2010 coalition decision and its impact.

As temperatures drop around the UK, Patrick Maguire and historian Phil Tinline look at how political problems can turn into a crisis during the winter months - from the industrial action and coal shortages of the 1970s to modern-day demands to help households pay their energy bills.Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Keir Starmer's taste in classical music, whether people really care about politicians swearing, why we're still obsessed with posh people, and is it too early to put up your Christmas decorations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conspiracy theories infiltrating politics, dominating Republican primaries;Complex issues of taking in refugees, need for better system;Implications of a Minister for Common Sense;Impact of economy on politics and cultural issues;Presence of conspiracy theories in British politics, role of social media;Prevalence of conspiracy theories in UK politics, challenges and impact;Conspiratorial politics becoming mainstream in the US, impact on Trump's victory

On the day of the chancellor's Autumn Statement, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer clash in the Commons over Sunak's missing pledge and Labour's record in Wales. Patrick Maguire is joined by Tim Shipman and Lara Spirit to pause and unpack the action.Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton play our election slogan quiz, share train horror stories, and learn why Robert is 'team Farage'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak has been under pressure from MPs on the right of his party since the cabinet reshuffle, which saw Suella Braverman replaced by David Cameron. But what options do his critics really have, and will they go as far as a leadership challenge? Patrick Maguire is joined by two seasoned Tory-watchers to explain what could happen next.Plus: Matt Chorley presents the first part of the latest episode of How to Win an Election, featuring political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rishi Sunak says the time has come to cut taxes, but how much are we really paying? Patrick Maguire asks how much they pay in Europe and America, and what, if anything, the Chancellor can do about them in this week's Autumn Statement.Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss David Cameron's introduction into the House of Lords, revelations from the Covid inquiry, and the prime minister's latest five-point plan.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a cabinet minister under both Maragret Thatcher and John Major, Norman Fowler is perfectly placed to chronicle the rise and fall of the two prime ministers. He tells Matt about his shock at being promoted by Thatcher, his battle to draw public attention to the dangers of Aids, and why he never forgave her for talking down 'Majorism'.Plus: Columnists James Marriott and Helen Lewis discuss whether the Tories have lost their heads over Rwanda, whether Labour has a woman problem and whether £20 is too much to pay for biscuits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British politicians Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer discuss challenges they face. The focus group criticizes David Cameron's return and Suella Braverman's departure. The hosts also explore the fallout from the Rwanda ruling and the Gaza ceasefire vote. They mention the concept of chicken boarding services and the popularity of chickens as pets. The focus group shows dissatisfaction with government leadership and regards Sunak as failed and out of touch. The Conservative Party faces challenges in appealing to centrist voters and winning back support.