Politics Unpacked

Andy Burnham is spending the day dashing between three countries, tackling some of the biggest issues on his agenda: climate change, the UK-EU relationship and Ukraine - is he the new ‘Never Here Keir’?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed.

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Kemi Badenoch asked punchy questions of Andy Burnham at PMQs, challenging him on his 'ludicrous' energy policy and his 10-year plan. But with Burnham a more agile and personable performer than his predecessor Keir Starmer, is Badenoch struggling to adapt?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the action from the chamber with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and former adviser to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, Theo Bertram.

Photo credit: House of Commons

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Kemi Badenoch has set out how she plans to cut £36 billion from the welfare bill including stopping children with behavioural disorders such as ADHD claiming disability benefits - but will people vote for this?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Andy Silvester.

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The government is expected to water down electric car targets just as world leaders gather for the latest climate summit. Is Burnham putting economic reality ahead of the push to net zero?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves.

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Russell Brand used his fame to prey on young women in the entertainment industry. There were rumours of his abuse for years. Was Brand enabled by the culture around him?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the news of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon.

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Andy Burnham's deal with the EU could eliminate cross-border checks on food products - and spell the end for smoky bacon crisps.

A cabinet minister says anyone concerned about the fate of the savoury snack should "get a life". But should we be scrapping one lot of red tape for another?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and Matthew Parris.

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Louise Haigh stands in for Andy Burnham at PMQs, where Tory MP Alex Burghart presses her on when Labour will bring down the benefits bill. But she stops short of giving him a date for cuts.

Hugo unpacks the action from the chamber with Patrick Maguire, Ben Riley-Smith and Stefan Boscia.

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The Conservative party is only two points behind Labour in the latest YouGov poll for the Times. But is returning to levels of support last seen before a disastrous general election something to shout about?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Charlotte Ivers.

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Andy Burnham is joining The King in the Caribbean, where their visits are being overshadowed by demands for Britain to pay reparations for slavery. But should modern day Brits pay the price for the wrongs of the past?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.

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The Chancellor is looking at off-the-books ways to boost defence spending, including schemes reminiscent of Gordon Brown's controversial PFI - has the government learned the lessons of the past?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.

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The think-tanks have been poring over John Healey's first budget, and they find plenty of grim news in the small print.

The chancellor didn't frighten the bond markets, but did he in fact sound a bit in hock to them?

Lara Spirit is joined by Juliet Samuel and Josh Glancy to unpack the politics of the day.

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Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of contradicting himself on Brexit, after he said he didn’t want to reopen the debate about re-joining the EU, but wants to improve the deal struck by the Tories - has the PM walked into a Brexit booby-trap?

Hugo unpacks PMQs with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire

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John Healey told his cabinet colleagues they must find more savings as Britain heads into an "economic storm" caused by high borrowing costs and energy prices - can his Budget balance the books while easing the cost of living?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Andy Silvester.

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Andy Burnham says he won't push for allowing Britain to join Europe's freedom of movement scheme without a referendum, but would like to see the UK rejoin the EU in his lifetime - but is he being clear on what he wants the relationship to look like?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd

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The government is urging the public to stockpile essential supplies, warning that conflict, climate disasters and cyberattacks could disrupt everyday life. But will people take the threat seriously?

Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon

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The Chancellor's told The Times he wants his Budget to help what he calls “bloody-minded entrepreneurs” - but with the government having already lost the confidence of many businesses, can it win them back?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Parris.

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Kemi Badenoch accuses Andy Burnham of failing to get borrowing under control, while Burnham insists he’s prepared to make tough decisions.

Hugo unpacks PMQs with Cindy Yu, former adviser to Rachel Reeves Matt Pound, and Stefan Boscia.

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The government wants to cap private parking fines, arguing that fixing life's small annoyances is important - but are they really just trying to distract us from the big issues facing the country?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

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The Prime Minister writes in the Times about the "economic catastrophe and moral failure" of one million young people not in employment, education or training.

But can he succeed where Keir Starmer failed and convince Labour MPs that welfare reform is needed?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.

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Andy Burnham parks his tank on the SNP’s lawn, challenging John swinney to work with him on devolution - but is this an offer of cooperation, or is it mostly political fighting talk?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.

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The Ukrainian President said he felt 'betrayed' by the US over the loss of access to Starlink. Andy Burnham has pledged to 'heal' the rift - but can he do so without American support?

Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Andy Silvester to unpack the politics of the day.

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PMQs Unpacked is back after recess, as Kemi Badenoch presses Andy Burnham on Brexit and benefits - and asks whether he ever gets tired of putting his foot in his mouth.

Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika to unpack the exchanges from the Commons, live at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.

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Brexit is firmly back on the political agenda, but does anyone really mean it? And did Robert Jenrick really mean what he said about using ‘lethal force’ in the Channel?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

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After Andy Burnham says said it's clear Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum, one of his ministers clarifies the Kremlin tried - but failed - to influence the vote. Has the PM been careless?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne

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Zack Polanski failed to take Holborn & St Pancras from Labour in the by-election - as criticism of his handling of a controversial Zionism policy continues, is he fighting for his survival?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Alys Denby.

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Labour and the Tories are feeling pretty good after party conference season - but is a return to two-party politics really on the cards, or are they kidding themselves?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Juliet Samuel.

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Kemi Badenoch has given her big speech at Tory conference, with a promise to scrap inheritance tax on family homes, and a warning that the country is running out of money.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the speech with Anna Mikhailova, Lara Spirit, Josh Glancy and Robert Colville.

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The Tories are in an upbeat mood at their party conference, but the polls are flat and plenty of seats are empty. Are they insulated from political reality?

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It’s the Conservative Party conference, and it’s all about what Kemi Badenoch is calling “Kemistry” - but why does the Tory obsession with Margaret Thatcher continue?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne.

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The Green Party has slipped in the polls since Andy Burnham became Labour leader. Is it a temporary setback, or does Zack Polanski have a bigger problem? And could a motion on Zionism risk alienating some of his supporters?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Michael Binyon.

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The prime minister has said a future Labour election manifesto could promise a new in-out referendum on the EU - but does Britain want to spend any more years debating Brexit?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Alice Thomson.

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Andy Burnham's conference speech was bold - but was it, as some are claiming, the most left-wing speech by a prime minister since the 1970s? And does the PM mind if it is?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

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Andy Burnham wants to project a message of hope, but with rising costs, is the country - and the Labour Party - facing a challenging winter to come?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day at Labour Party conference with Janice Turner and Patrick Maguire.

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The chancellor says the money simply isn't there, but Andy Burnham began party conference with a big pledge on free adult social care in England. What are the hard choices needed to pay for it?

Plus: Polling expert Sir John Curtice on how popular it would be with the public.

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day live from Labour Party Conference in Liverpool with Noa Hoffman and Theo Bertram.

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Donald Trump said the US and China had "never gotten along better" as he laid on a lavish banquet for Xi Jinping at the White House. Why is he rolling out the red carpet for his biggest rival?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Michael Binyon and Daisy McAndrew.

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Tony Blair is flexing his muscles, telling Andy Burnham that Britain should rejoin the EU within a decade - without another referendum. Could Burnham put it in Labour’s next manifesto?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Ayesha Hazarika

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Andy Burnham has agreed to review the Chagos deal after Donald Trump called it 'terrible' at their meeting in New York. But can it be renegotiated, or is it dead in the water?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.

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Andy Burnham is having his first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump at the United Nations. But will Burnham’s past comments about the US president make for an awkward encounter?

Plus, Danny Dyer's expletive-filled view on Andy Burnham and fashion tips for Liberal Democrats.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Carol Lewis.

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Ed Davey is trying to re-energise the Liberal Democrats at the party’s conference in Brighton - but do his speeches reveal a party struggling to find a clear national message?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Timandra Harkness.

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While 'Never-Here-Keir' was accused of spending too much time abroad, Andy Burnham has preferred to host foreign leaders in the UK - and often away from Downing Street.

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. 

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With the public finances under pressure, the unions meet John Healey and make a series of demands ahead of the Budget. Can Andy Burnham avoid the sense that he's running a 'traditional tax and spend socialist government'?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Andy Silvester.

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Open AI boss Sam Altman says people are "right to be afraid" of artificial intelligence but that firms like his can be trusted to "do the right thing" - so should we rely on Silicon Valley to regulate itself?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jane Mulkerrins and Robert Crampton.

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Donald Trump dismisses warnings about AI as a “hoax” by those who want to regulate the industry. But how worried should we be - and what happens if the president doesn’t take the threat seriously?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers.

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Reform UK is confident that the £72m in donations it received from two crypto-billionaires are legal, but could the government still change the law to force them to return the money?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Sonia Sodha.

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Britons face an expensive winter with rising bills and the prospect of higher taxes. Can Andy Burnham still deliver on his promise to make people feel “hopeful” as the cold sets in?

And on the anniversary of 9/11, is Britain safer or more dangerous than it was 25 years ago?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.

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A successful party conference could tempt Andy Burnham to call an early general election, but will he take the risk?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu. 

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At PMQs, Andy Burnham says that national security "can't come at the expense of social security". 

But if he won't cut benefits to fund defence, where will he find the money?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Lara Spirit, Deputy Political Editor of The Sunday Times, and Chris Ward, Labour MP and former aide to Keir Starmer.

Picture: House of Commons

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Andy Burnham's first policy move risks angering President Trump, will there be a backlash from the US? 

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

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John Healey made his first major speech since becoming Chancellor, saying the economy is 'turning a corner' and promising growth. Is his optimism justified? 

Hugo Rikfind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

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Reform UK's conference is underway in Birmingham - but allegations the party breached political donation rules threaten to derail the event.

Nigel Farage insists his party has broken no laws. But with two senior officials stepping aside, the questions keep coming.

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.

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Andy Burnham and Emmanuel Macron have met in No.10, with small boats high on the agenda - but have the French done enough to stop dinghies crossing the Channel?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Lara Spirit and Sarah Ditum. 

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Andy Burnham faces his first PMQs as Prime Minister - with Kemi Badenoch calling him a “yes man”, and one of his own MPs applying pressure over defence spending.

Hugo unpacks the exchanges with The Times’ Patrick Maguire and The Sunday Times’ Ben Riley-Smith.

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Andy Burnham returns to the despatch box for his first appearance as Prime Minister. Can he handle the Commons - and who are his critics within the Labour Party?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Matthew Parris.

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Kemi Badenoch has begun a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet, with high profile names including Priti Patel and James Cleverly out. What is she trying to achieve, and does the public know who any of them are?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sebastian Payne and Libby Purves.

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The Chancellor says Andy Burnham is running a 'continuity government,' hinting that his economic policies won't differ much from Keir Starmer's. But can the prime minister really implement a 'fiscally disciplined' Budget without taking a hit to his poll ratings?

Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Michael Binyon.

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Andy Burnham is in Wales for his first official visit to the former Labour heartlands since taking power. He'll be hoping to spark a Welsh Labour recovery - but can the PM win back voters?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Daisy McAndrew.

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Andy Burnham is set to announce tough new sanctions on West Bank settlements, but is warned they could turn into a de facto boycott of the whole country. How does he balance the competing demands within the Labour party?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.

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Andy Burnham has hinted at tax rises in the Budget, saying he “won’t be unrealistic” about the state of the public finances - but what do prime ministers mean when they talk about 'challenging' and 'difficult' decisions? 

 Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers 

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A visit to Ukraine is Andy Burnham's first chance to prove himself on the world stage. Will he, like other former PMs, end up over shadowing his foreign secretary?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.

Picture: Getty Images

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In his first month in office, Andy Burnham has tried to project a message of hope and optimism. But as problems pile up, will that start to look out of touch?

Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Michael Binyon.

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Asylum seekers are being given a pamphlet telling them that domestic abuse and sex with children is illegal.

The government says it needs to teach people from different cultures about British values, but opposition parties have branded it a disgrace.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Jimmy McLoughlin.

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Andy Burnham tells the Times that the job of being prime minister is to be popular, rather than making a "fetish" of toughness. But does that mean avoiding difficult decisions?

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Alice Thomson.

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Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon

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Reform UK has unveiled radical plans to cut the welfare bill, including stopping foreign nationals from claiming a range of benefits. and abolishing personal indepednent payments. But has the party made a risky strategic choice?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Phil Tinline.

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Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but didn't attend the count. He claims to have beaten the establishment but with the parliamentary investigation into his finances reopening, what has he actually achieved?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu, Alys Denby and former Chairman of Reform UK David Bull.

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Andy Burnham promised 'good growth in every postcode,' but does he have the vision to turn the economy around, or will he be a continuation of Keir Starmer? 

Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Sarah Ditum. 

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Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins.

Has Andy Burnham come unstuck over the vexed issue of early prisoner release? Is it ever OK to call someone a traitor in politics? And what exactly is Anthony Albanese saying about melons?

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With the latest YouGov poll for the Times showing Labour nudging ahead of Reform UK, pollster James Johnson argues that Andy Burnham should seize his 'goldilocks moment' and call an election.

He joins Ed Vaizey, Charlotte Ivers and podcaster Jimmy McLoughlin to unpack the politics of the day.

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Andy Burnham is due to embark on his summer tour of the UK. Is it a good use of the prime minister's time, and is he already reheating old policy ideas?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

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Andy Burnham has been advised to tone down his 'blokey' social media presence after posting a string of videos about football and the pub - but is the approach helping his image as a man of the people?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon.

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A Cambridge professor's resignation has reignited the debate over diversity and standards in British universities. Has the drive for equality gone too far?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum.

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Kemi Badenoch defended the Conservative Party's decision to select a former neo-Nazi as a council candidate in Somerset. But after banishing Tory 'wets' like former minister Grant Shapps - is this a double standard?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sonia Sodha.

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Westminster's favourite "will they, won't they" continues as Nigel Farage says he's open to talks with Rupert Lowe about reuniting the "patriotic right" - but is a deal really on the cards?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers.

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Reform would send the Royal Navy to the Channel to stop migrants crossing on small boats. Will the announcement help Reform reverse its slump in the polls? And would the plan really work?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Jack Blackburn.

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President Trump is hailing a historic agreement to disarm Hamas, but some are sceptical it will work - can he deliver lasting peace in Gaza?

Ryan Tubridy unpacks the politics of the day with Manveen Rana and Alys Denby.

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Drought and wildfires have hit England during the fourth heatwave of the summer. Are politicians are keeping up with a changing climate?

Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Andy Silvester.

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Andy Burnham has become the latest Prime Minister to promise to fix England's social care system. More than 20 attempts have failed over the past 30 years - so what makes this one any different?

Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.

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Andy Burnham wants Britain to value "the hard hat as much as the graduation cap", pushing more young people towards technical training - but is that what the economy really needs?

Carolyn Quinn unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

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Andy Burnham is setting out how he plans to tackle some of Britain's biggest problems, with defence, social care and devolving income tax powers to local mayors all in his sights - but will his actions match his ambitions? 

Calum MacDonald unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd.

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Keir Starmer's reserved style didn't give impressionists much to work with. Andy Burnham is different: expressive, animated and occasionally cringey - but will being endlessly parodied help or hurt his popularity? 

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Patrick Kidd.

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Andy Burnham's first week in Downing Street has been full of promises - from tax cuts, to public services - but it's left Kemi Badenoch asking, "Is that it?" as she calls on him to be more ambitious. 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum. 

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Andy Burnham has so far shown his new government knows how to spend money, but what about the harder bit - explaining where the savings will come from? Is the new PM already bumping into fiscal reality? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton.

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Andy Burnham has met with his new cabinet for the first time since becoming prime minister. It's very northern, and it definitely doesn't include allies of Keir Starmer - will the exiled Starmerites make his life difficult?

Hugo Rifkind is joined by Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott to unpack the politics of the day. 

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As Andy Burnham becomes the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, how can he avoid the fate of his predecessors?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Seb Payne.

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Andy Burnham has officially been elected Labour leader. In three days time, he'll become Prime Minister. He says he's got "a plan" - but can he deliver?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Theo Bertram and Alys Denby.

You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm.

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Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband...

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. 

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Keir Starmer delivers his final Prime Minister's Questions before leaving office, calling it "the end of my political journey" in an at-times emotional final appearance at the despatch box.

Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack the exchanges, assess Starmer's legacy, and ask how his performances at PMQs will be remembered.

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As counterterrorism police now lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death, Reform UK MPs are raising concerns about their own safety. Is it time to rethink how Britain's politicians are protected?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Janice Turner. 

Are Andy Burnham's plans for government really ready? Do voters think Nigel Farage has behaved incorrectly over undeclared  gifts? And is Labour's woman problem worse than it realises?

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Andy Burnham is being swept to power by Labour on a 'tidal wave of obsequiousness' - is he making the best use of his moment of maximum power? Why is there a backlash against Count Binface? And what is 'posh boy summer'? 

Ed Vaizey is joined by Alys Denby and Michael Binyon to unpack the politics of the day. 

You can hear more of Ed on Times Radio every Friday, 10am-1pm.

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Andy Burnham has promised to make Labour MPs feel "happy and fulfilled" by easing party discipline and turning the Whips' Office into something more like an HR department. It's a very different approach to Keir Starmer's leadership - but will it work?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd.

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In the penultimate PMQs before the summer recess, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Shadow Housing Secretary James Cleverly face off in the Commons - but with questions hanging over Nigel Farage's future, there's surprisingly little mention of the Reform UK leader...

Ed Vaizey is joined by Lara Spirit and Matthew Syed to unpack the exchanges from the House of Commons.

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Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers.

Why is Andy Burnham taking a "one-and-done" approach to Cabinet appointments? And who is reading Keir Starmer's Substack?

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Nigel Farage is under pressure after The Sunday Times revealed he had not declared benefits from an ally previously convicted of fraud in the US. He denies any wrongdoing.

How serious is the challenge to his leadership, and to Reform UK? 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm

And you can hear the full story of the Sunday Times revelations about Nigel Farage in a new podcast by the Insight team. It's called Posh George: The criminal behind Farage. Listen here.

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Kemi Badenoch has sought advice from all her living predecessors except one - so who didn't get the call?

Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Will Lloyd and Alys Denby.

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Kemi Badenoch has accused female Labour MPs of engaging in "failed identity politics" by asking Andy Burnham to commit to making 50 per cent of his ministers women.

Is she right to accuse them of "moaning"?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris.

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of leaving defence spending in a mess for Andy Burnham, but Starmer blames the Tories for underfunding the military when they were in government. 

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and comedian Alisdair Beckett-King. 

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. 

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Keir Starmer unveils the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan in one of his final acts as prime minister. But what will the incoming PM, Andy Burnham, make of it all?

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.

You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm.

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Andy Burnham has set out his vision for spreading power across the UK, including a new "No. 10 North".

Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire, Seb Payne and Joshi Herrmann to unpack the speech by the man who is almost certainly going to be prime minister within weeks.

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