Nigel Farage's former adviser Gawain Towler joins the political masterminds to discuss how to be an insurgent force in politics. They look back at how UKIP finally made a break-through at Westminster and forced David Cameron into offering the EU referendum.If you have a message for Hugo, Polly or Danny send it to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theo Bertram, a former Downing Street advisor to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, brings a wealth of political insight. He discusses the elusive nature of power within Keir Starmer's government and whether the chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is truly in charge. The conversation highlights the challenges of political communication and media narratives, revealing how they shape perceptions and rivalries. They also analyze recent polling trends and voter sentiments toward Labour 2024, emphasizing the balance between principled leadership and the need for inspiration.

Sally Morgan, a Labour peer and former key advisor to Tony Blair, dives deep into the complexities of political campaigning and governance. She humorously describes the concept of a 'political washing line', explaining how some politicians, like Liz Truss, may appear all presentation but lack substance. The discussion navigates the delicate balance between effective governance and the relentless push for re-election, highlighting the importance of strategic coherence in political messaging and the interplay of personal relationships among leaders.

In this discussion, Kristen Soltis Anderson, a prominent US pollster and author of "The Selfie Vote", dives deep into the political ramifications of Trump's presidency. She analyzes Keir Starmer's charm offensive towards Trump and its potential impact on UK Labour politics. The conversation also touches on perceptions of masculinity in political support and the complexities of appealing to voters, particularly among women. Kristen’s insights into Trump's inauguration and the public's response add a compelling layer to understanding modern political dynamics.

Peter Hyman, a former adviser to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, discusses the intricacies of political strategy and governance. He shares insights on the government's five missions for national renewal while highlighting the challenges of public engagement. The conversation dips into navigating political satisfaction post-election and the importance of ambitious long-term goals. With humor, they examine the need for collaboration across sectors, managing budgets, and fostering connections with diverse voter demographics to ensure effective governance.

The hosts bid a humorous farewell to Peter as he heads to Washington, contemplating his future and potential comeback. They share funny tales of navigating the civil service and nostalgic memories from the ambassador's residence. The discussion dives into the complexities of U.S.-U.K. relations post-Trump, highlighting strategic political approaches. The looming local elections spark a conversation about party reputations, challenges of populism, and the importance of focusing on meaningful governance rather than just political games.

The hosts share hilarious personal stories about how politics has messed with their Christmas plans, offering a festive twist on serious issues. They ponder the future of left-wing politics and discuss Jo Swinson's surprising role in Boris Johnson's rise. The rise of independent MPs is examined, revealing their struggles and potential influence. The conversation dives into the fast-paced world of political scandals and changing voter demographics, all while anticipating some light-hearted holiday cheer and comfort products.

The rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK poses a challenge to the traditional two-party system in Britain. The hosts analyze how Labour and the Tories might combat this insurgent threat and consider strategic advice for Farage himself. They also reflect on Ed Miliband's pivotal decision regarding Syrian airstrikes and recount a meeting with Bashar al-Assad, revealing the complexities of international politics. The discussion culminates in a broader examination of right-wing populism and its impact on UK political dynamics.

The hosts delve into the timeless strategy of blaming predecessors, questioning its effectiveness. They explore whether voters will reward sensible approaches or long for charisma like Harold Wilson's. Navigating migration debates, they highlight the challenges of mixing legal and illegal immigration figures. Humorous elections mishaps provide light-hearted moments, while the discussion on political strategies reveals the delicate balance between taking risks and presenting credible policies. Can modern leaders escape the blame game and find transformative solutions?

Discover the behind-the-scenes chaos before Prime Minister's Questions, revealing how closely guarded strategies and political dynamics play out. Enjoy a humorous debate about the practicality of wellington boots amidst the pressures of public appearances. Engage in a thoughtful exploration of the intersection of personal beliefs and political decisions on controversial topics like assisted dying. Finally, uncover the theatrical side of PMQs, highlighting the challenges and strategies politicians face in this crucial moment of accountability.