Labour is losing heavily to Reform UK in areas once considered the party’s heartlands - what Nigel Farage calls a “truly historic shift” in British politics.
Keir Starmer says he won't leave and plunge the party into chaos - but will it be up to him?
Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby.
Plus: Shadow Minister Victoria Atkins and Reform UK’s London Assembly leader, Alex Wilson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Labour Match The Tories For Plotting?
07/05/2026 | 30 mins.
It's election day across the UK, and speculation is rife about a looming plot to oust Keir Starmer. But should the Labour Party just admit it's not as good at skulduggery as the Conservatives in their heyday?
Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris, to discuss scheming politicians, the drinking culture in Parliament, and how the 24 hour news cycle changed modern politics.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Polanski, Heckling, and Internet Relics
06/05/2026 | 31 mins.
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.
A Times investigation reveals Zack Polanski made false claims when seeking the deputy leadership of the Green party, Kemi Badenoch's handling of hecklers, and what happened to relics of the early internet age.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Focus Group: Is Andy Burnham A 'Saint'?
06/05/2026 | 23 mins.
The Times Radio Focus Group returns for the final time ahead of the local elections.
JL Partners brings together 2024 Labour voters who are now on the fence — so what’s changed?
Is Keir Starmer the problem, are his potential rivals any better, or are the Greens the real beneficiaries?
Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder Tom Lubbock to break it all down.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Labour MPs "Doomscrolling Through Leaders"
05/05/2026 | 31 mins.
Labour backbenchers are reportedly preparing an open letter urging Keir Starmer to name a resignation date — but who would actually replace him, and would voters be any happier?
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times.You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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