

How To Win An Election
Times Radio
The Times brings together some of the most experienced strategists in British politics to discuss what's really going on behind the big stories, and elections taking place here and around the world.Daniel Finkelstein, Sally Morgan and Polly Mackenzie join Hugo Rifkind for an intelligent, adversarial and witty conversation every week.Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 30, 2024 • 38min
How To Form A Coalition
Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein discuss forming coalitions, including the last negotiations in 2010. They touch on homework, fashion choices, and snacks, as well as the potential for a Labour-Liberal Democrat deal. The podcast also explores the impact of appearance, factors influencing voting behavior, and the Northern Ireland election. Insights into policy-making, demography, and the process of forming a coalition government are also shared.

8 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 40min
How Not To Split The Vote
Nigel Farage and Jeremy Corbyn discuss the potential split of the Conservative and Labour vote. They explore the influence of political events on elections, the Liberal Democrats' involvement in coalition talks, the issue of vote splitting, and the impact of 'The West Wing' on UK politics.

5 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 38min
How To Win A By-Election
Discussion on the impact of by-elections on Rishi Sunak, the return of Donald Trump influencing the UK General Election, an apocryphal story about mushy peas, Taiwan's recent by-election results, the fragility of democracy and Trump's threat to global stability, and the impact of by-elections on political parties.

Jan 9, 2024 • 39min
How To Destroy Ed Davey
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey's possible downfall discussed by Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein. Speculations on the timing of the general election and campaign strategies. Discussion on Ed Davey's involvement in the Post Office scandal. Opinions on charisma in British politics and its role in leadership.

7 snips
Jan 2, 2024 • 37min
How To New Year Relaunch
It's the start of a huge political year, and Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are planning big speeches to try and frame the coming general election.Should the Conservatives 'let Sunak be Sunak', does Dominic Cummings have the answers, and is Labour's plan to borrow £28bn a gift to the Tories?Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt to discuss the choices facing the leaders, and to look at some of the other big elections taking place around the world in 2024.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 26, 2023 • 43min
How To Answer Your Questions
In this end-of-year episode, the podcast answers political questions about Downing Street and the White House, Nigel Farage's plans, and the impact of election campaign closing days. The hosts discuss holiday celebrations, campaign spending, importance of political principles, critiquing Rishishudnek's campaign, lack of women leaders in Labour Party, and predictions and concerns about upcoming elections.

Dec 19, 2023 • 35min
How To Tell A Political Joke, And Not Become One
Discussion on the power and purpose of political jokes, including examples from Prime Minister's Questions. The use of jokes in campaigns and conferences. The role of political jokes in diffusing tension and showing resilience. The significance of having a strong partner in politics.

6 snips
Dec 12, 2023 • 37min
How To Raise A War Chest - And How To Waste It
Explore the motivations behind political donations and the impact of spending limits on political parties. Learn about election fundraising, scandalous donations, and effective campaign strategies. Discover a political figure's curiosity sparked by a stone object.

9 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 38min
How To Bury Boris Johnson (And Other Political Ghosts)
Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, and Daniel Finkelstein discuss strategies for dealing with former party leaders, the importance of clarity and direction in politics, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of a digital identity system for elections.

13 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 39min
How To Crush (Or Cuddle) Your Rebels
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by political leaders in handling dissent within their party and the significance of strength and unity in leadership. They also delve into the broken promise made by the Liberal Democrats regarding tuition fees and the impact of austerity on universities and the economy. Additionally, the debate on the effectiveness of leaflets in a digital era is explored, along with the advantages and disadvantages of using digital techniques in election campaigning.


