As Matt Hancock releases his 'Pandemic Diaries', Patrick Maguire asks what makes a great political diary? He speaks to Sir Alan Duncan, who published his recollections of the Brexit years, literary agent Martin Redfern and the political journalist Michael Crick.
Plus, columnists Melanie Reid and Matthew Syed discuss the army being used to replace striking workers, the UK's coldest constituency, and England playing France at the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Diary

Join Matt Chorley as he guides you through what really matters&nbsp;in British politics. Formerly the Red Box podcast, he brings together the best interviews, smartest analysis and funniest panel discussions from his Times Radio show,&nbsp;Politics Without The Boring Bits.
Listen live on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at&nbsp;http://www.thetimes.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

News & Politics

News

Politics

When it comes to chocolate, why are Tories pro-dark and Labour supporters pro-milk? Matt looks at exclusive YouGov polling and dives into the politics of chocolate at a time when cocoa prices are soaring.
Plus: James Marriott and Miranda Green discuss Rishi Sunak's "moral mission" to reform welfare, why young adults are being infantilised, and why Liz Truss broke with Royal protocol.
Columnists: (02:45) The Big Thing: (25:00) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Tories Prefer Dark Chocolate

Mark Menzies MP is being investigated by the Conservative party following claims he misused campaign funds, making a late-night call to a 78-year-old aide because he had been locked up by "bad people".   The Fylde MP, who has lost the Tory whip, denies the claims.
Matt discusses the remarkable details with Billy Kenber, the Times journalist who broke the story, Conservative MP John Hayes, and Times columnists Matthew Parris and Manveen Rana. 
 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tory MP, The 3am Call And The Drunk Dog

For the first time in a month, Tim Shipman joins Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons chamber as Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak attack each other's predecessors and tax plans.
Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether Rishi Sunak's good week could create some momentum for the Conservatives, meeting unfriendly politicians and whether musicians should blame the audience for a bad show.
Columnists (02:47) PMQs Unpacked (25:26)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs: Lettuce vs Lawyers

Liz Truss is back with her new book '10 Years To Save The West', where she recounts her brief time in Number 10. Matt brings you the best bits courtesy of impressionist Nerine Skinner and discusses the Truss legacy with former adviser Kirsty Buchanan, biographers Harry Cole and James Heale, and Truss backer Mark Littlewood.
Plus: What risk does the CRINK alliance - that's China, Russia, Iran and North Korea - pose to the world order?
How To Win An Election (03:44) 10 Minutes To Save Liz Truss (20:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10 Minutes To Save Liz Truss

As the 100th MP announces they are leaving the Commons at the election, Matt continues his series of interviews finding out what they've learned and why they're going.
Conservative MP Henry Smith talks about his disillusionment with the Conservative Party, abuse on social media, and why he's not going to persuade his children to follow him into politics.
Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss the role Britain should play in the latest escalation in the Middle East, why employment law disputes drag on too long, and whether political adverts could be making their way onto a streaming service near you.
The Exit Interview (21:45) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dear Diary

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