Politics Unpacked
Episodes
The Exit Interviews: Steve Brine
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lesso...
Barmy Barometers
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can lipstick, packed lunches and pants tell us about the health of the economy? Matt is joined by The Times' Science Editor Tom Whipple to test the th...
Europe's Turn To The Right
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A wave of upheaval is happening across Europe, with hard right or Eurosceptic parties gaining traction in countries from France, to Italy, Hungary and...
PMQs: Poor Phil
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer has met a supermarket worker called Phil who is struggling with his mortgage. Rishi Sunak says Phil will pay more in taxes under Labour. ...
What Is A Conservative?
30 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and countless others argue over what is and isn't real conservatism, we ask what the different tribes stand for, and is that...
The Exit Interviews: Harriet Harman
29 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they'...
Take Back Control (Of Words)
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In America the Democrats are attempting to reclaim the word 'Freedom' from Republicans in the debate over abortion rights. So how do you use...
Anti-Tory Tactics
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is tactical voting about to go mainstream? Matt speaks to the organiser of an US-style primary who wants to give voters the chance to choose one candi...
PMQs: Complete S***t show
24 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After former cabinet minister Simon Clarke calls on Rishi Sunak to resign, Keir Starmer gets away with swearing about Tory in-fighting and Rishi Sunak...
Reasons To Be Cheerful
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From climate change to war to global poverty, the world seems like it's in a fragile state. Danish political scientist and climate contrarian Bjørn L...
The Exit Interviews: Robert Goodwill
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they'...
Death of a Census?
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Census provides a snapshot of the state of the nation - should it survive? Matt visits the cupboard where Emily Wilding Davison hid in Parliament ...
Happy Birthday, Schools!
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 1944 Education Act introduced free secondary education for all pupils, but only came about thanks to a meeting with Winston Churchill leaning back...
PMQs: Al Murray Rates The Jokes
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's PMQs Unpacked, and Matt and Tim Shipman are joined by comedian Al Murray to rate the jokes as Keir Starmer calls the government's Rwanda plan a "...
Is The UK Ready For Trump The Sequel?
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Trump kicked off his bid for the White House with a record-breaking win in Iowa, making him the likely Republican nominee in November's US elec...
The Exit Interviews: Charles Walker
15 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they'...
Political Antiques Roadshow
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From Gladstone’s despatch box to a packet of crisps with Nick Clegg's face on it, what is your political memorabilia worth? Matt is joined by Antiqu...
Focus Group: The Guy Just Makes Me Cringe
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the first Times Radio Focus Group of 2024, we hear from 2019 Conservative voters who now say they've switched to Labour. Rishi Sunak is out of touc...
PMQs: New Year, New Nonsense
10 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the first PMQs of the new year, with Rishi Sunak announcing a plan to overturn wrongful convictions in the Post Office scandal and Keir Starmer a...
Did Sturgeon Kill Independence?
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's nearly a year since Nicola Sturgeon resigned, and Humza Yousaf has set out his stall for the general election - with independence looking an incr...
The Exit Interviews: Chloe Smith
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they'...
The TV Debates Debate
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer has said 'bring it on' to TV election debates, firing the starting gun on months of arguments between parties and broadcasters. Matt goes...
Let Rishi Be Rishi
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The prime minister has left Westminster to meet 'real people' and give the voters a sense of the authentic Rishi Sunak. Will it be a success like John...
The TikTok Election?
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There may be no date set for the general election, but campaigning has already begun on our social media feeds. Matt hears what kind of adverts the pa...
The Exit Interviews: Mhairi Black
02 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Chorley sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to talk about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lesso...
What Election Year Is It?
01 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year.Heading into an election year in 2024, which election in his...
Lineker - Football vs Politics
29 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year.Matt spoke to Gary Lineker about exclusive polling for Times...
How To Make A Party Political Broadcast
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year.Party political broadcasts have been around for nearly 100 y...
The Museum Of Political Fiascos
27 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year.Welcome to the grand opening of The Museum of Political Fias...
The Art Of The Political Lunch
26 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week we're bringing you the very best of the podcast you might have missed this year.Very few people in Westminster have had as many lunches...
Matt & Mariella's Selection Box
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Mariella Frostrup for a special Christmas day edition of the coffee break. They crack open a drink, exchange gifts and look back at ...
The Political Editors: Steven Swinford
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Francis Elliott
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Roland Watson
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Philip Webster
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Sir Peter Riddell
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Julian Haviland
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
The Political Editors: Fred Emery
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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'r...
Keirnocchio: When You Wish Upon A Starmer
22 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
'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 polit...
Politics Without The Boring Quiz 2023
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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......
Titchmarsh on Starmer
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gardener, broadcaster and presenter of ITV’s Love Your Garden, Alan Titchmarsh, tells Matt why he dislikes fake grass, is "appalled by the very exis...
What The Voters Thought This Year
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Every month former Number 10 pollster James Johnson joins Matt for the Times Radio Focus Group. They look at why the parties find focus groups so usef...
Five Essential Election Lessons
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From inaccurate polls to soundbites, from going early to biscuits being thrown on the campaign trail - what lessons can Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer l...
100 Years Of Political Spin
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The British Film Institute has compiled a collection of political broadcasts spanning more than 100 years, from polling day with the Clangers to a Con...
Is Rishi Sunak 'Tetchy'?
14 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 black...
PMQs Unpacked: Political Tittle-Tattle
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the final Prime Minister's Questions of the year, the insults are flying: Rishi Sunak accuses Keir Starmer of engaging in "political tittle-tattle"...
Where Have Boris Johnson's Voters Gone?
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Four years on from Boris Johnson's 2019 General Election victory, Matt goes 'polling in the deep' with a panel of experts to find out how the British ...
Rishi Sunak's Nightmare Before Christmas
11 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While Rishi Sunak gives evidence to the Covid inquiry, at Westminster his MPs are debating whether to back his Rwanda policy. Can he find a way out of...
Ian Hislop's Wild Year
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From Rishi Sunak being fined for not wearing a seatbelt, to David Cameron's surprise return to the cabinet, to Nigel Farage's trip to the jungle, 2023...
Rishi Sunak's Worst Week
07 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rishi Sunak faces resignations and rebellions over his immigration policy, with questions being asked about his survival as prime minister. Will his e...
The Trial of Boris Johnson
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Boris Johnson is on oath to tell the truth at the Covid inquiry, as he explains what worked and what didn't as the British state struggled to respond ...
Local Journalism In Crisis
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As editors of regional newspapers challenge the BBC for threatening their future, Matt details why local journalism has been in such steep decline ove...
Labour's First Prime Minister
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's 100 years since the election of December 1923, which led to the formation of Britain's first Labour government under Ramsay MacDonald.How did the...
And Finally... With Trevor McDonald
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcasting legend Trevor McDonald is arguably the most recognisable face (and voice) in British news broadcasting history. He talks to Matt about hi...
From Child Refugee To Top Lawyer
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The headlines are dominated by statistics about who is coming to the UK and why; but what is it like to come to Britain as a child refugee, without yo...
PMQs Unpacked: Dad Joke Delivery
29 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The Art Of Political Sketch Writing
28 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is Farage A Tory Threat?
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As ministers try to plot a new path to cut record migration numbers, Reform UK - formerly the Brexit Party - hopes to win over disillusioned Conservat...
A Winter Of Political Discontent?
24 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
How Conspiracies Poisoned Politics
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Conspiracy theories aren't new, bu they're becoming harder for politicians to ignore. Patrick Maguire explores how they've crept into mainstream disco...
PMQs Unpacked: All About The Money
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
What's Left For The Tory Right?
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Are Tax Cuts The Answer?
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
The Best of Enemies: Thatcher & Major
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 pr...
Focus Group: Meek Sunak and Slimy Starmer
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's bad news for both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer in the latest Times Radio Focus group, with voters taking a dim view of David Cameron's return and...
PMQs Unpacked: Rwanda Rejected
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the day that the Supreme Court ruled the government's Rwanda plan is unlawful, Rishi Sunak goes head-to-head with Keir Starmer over immigration and...
The World vs Cameron
14 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What does the rest of the world make of David Cameron's return to frontline politics? Climb aboard Chorley Airlines for a whistle-stop tour from Jerus...
Cameron the Comeback Kid
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As David Cameron's return to government stuns Westminster, Matt asks if he's the future once again - with guests including the former prime minister's...
Jonathan Aitken: Ruin And Redemption
10 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jonathan Aitken's career in politics began 60 years ago as a speech writer for Alex Douglas-Home and saw him rise to the cabinet under John Major. It ...
Has Nadine Lost The Plot?
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nadine Dorries' new book "The Plot" claims Boris Johnson was ousted by a cabal called "The Movement" that has been controlling the Tory leadership for...
Spads vs Civil Servants?
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Has the relationship between the civil service and politicians and their advisers been permanently damaged? Matt speaks to Lord McDonald, permanent se...
The Other King's Speech
07 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the government sets out its plans for the year ahead in the King's Speech, Matt is joined by impressionist Jon Culshaw to imagine some alternative ...
The Politics of Vegetables
06 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
British horticulture is at a crisis point, with millions of pounds worth of crops rotting in the ground every year. Matt asks how our politicians can ...
When Musk Met Sunak
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt's been to see 'gently spoken nerd' Elon Musk meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and finds it's all a bit strange. He talks to Culture Secre...
Lessons From A Dying Government
02 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What can Rishi Sunak learn from the final days of the Major government, when the prime minister was behind in the polls with a party mired in sleaze a...
Covid Inquiry Unpacked
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week at the Covid inquiry we've learned a lot about the way Boris Johnson's government worked - and didn't - during the pandemic. Matt is joined ...
Starmer Defies Ceasefire Calls
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Keir Starmer has been explaining why he has rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, and claims the Labour Party is united. Will his speech settle tens...
Can AI Swing The Election?
30 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As politicians from around the globe prepare to touch down in England for Rishi Sunak's AI summit, Matt asks the experts what risks this new tech...
How To Rebuild Parliament
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
80 years ago, Winston Churchill announced a plan to rebuild the Palace of Westminster after the Commons chamber was hit during the last major raid of ...
Why Can't Politicians Fix Our Prisons?
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The crisis facing prisons in England and Wales is nothing new - in fact, governments of every stripe have been trying to fix it for decades. Patrick M...
PMQs Unpacked: Eff Off
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fresh from Labour's recent by-election victories, Keir Starmer tells Rishi Sunak that voters want him to eff off while they clash over mortgages and r...
Rishi's Report Card
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Its one year since Rishi Sunak was voted into number 10 so how is he faring when it comes to the policies that really matter? Patrick and a faculty of...
More Money, More Politics
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With the government set to raise the spending cap for the next general election, Patrick Maguire asks if more money leads to worse politics. He talks ...
Introducing: How To Win An Election
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Introducing: How To Win An Election.As the next General Election approaches, Matt Chorley is joined by three of the sharpest, funniest and best-connec...
Rishi Sunak's By-Election Blow
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Do Labour's by-election wins add up to a political earthquake, and a sure sign that the Conservatives are destined to lose the next election? Or are t...
Secrets Of A Political Cartoonist
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Times and Sunday Times cartoonists Peter Brookes and Morten Morland at the Cheltenham Literature Festival to discuss the art of mock...
PMQs Unpacked: Speaking With One Voice
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Against the backdrop of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the prime minister and Labour leader debate the global response and the impact on ...
The Changing Face of War
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the world faces another major conflict, Matt takes a look at the history and changing nature of warfare since 1945 with former director of the...
Faith In Politics?
16 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should politicians do God, and does religion still matter in politics? Matt discusses the role of faith in public life and the Israel-Gaza conflict wi...
What Election Year Is It?
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Which election in history could 2024 most closely resemble? Will it be a 1997-style landslide? Could the Tories pull off a surprise win like John...
Focus Group: Stop Being So Weak
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Has Keir Starmer sealed the deal with undecided voters? In the latest Times Radio Focus Group, Matt and James Johnson from JL Partners find that while...
Planes, Trains and Toilet Doors
11 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Forget the Westminster bubble, some of history's most important political events happened not in the corridors of power but in car parks, village hall...
Can A Conference Speech Win An Election?
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Keir Starmer makes his final pitch to the public ahead of the next general election, Matt looks back at the pre-election conference speeches of pre...
Angela Rayner's Venom
09 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner and shadow health secretary Wes Streeting have a round of cocktails with Matt and discuss Angela's favourite drin...
Iron Daughter: Carol Thatcher
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Labour's decisive win in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, Keir Starmer channelled Michael Caine and claimed the party had 'blown th...
Secrets Of Churchill's Office
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The old War Office in Whitehall, once used by Winston Churchill as the nerve centre of Britain's war effort, has been hidden from public view for more...
What Comes After Sunak?
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rishi Sunak has made his first party conference speech as leader, but polls suggest it could be his last; so who comes next? JL Partners' Scarlett Mag...
100 Years Of Tory Turmoil
03 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks a century since the 1922 committee of Conservative backbenchers came into being. Why do the men and women in grey suits still wield so...
Focus Group: Snog, Marry, Avoid
02 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It's a special conference edition of the Times Radio Focus Group; Matt and James Johnson from JL Partners hear from a group of 2019 Conservative voter...
30 Years Since Back To Basics
29 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
30 years ago John Major made a speech pledging to get Britain, and his government, ‘back to basics' - but the scandals just kept coming. Matt speaks...