The Times Radio Focus Group meets for the first time in 2023. James Johnson from J.L Partners leads a group of swing voters from across the country as they give their views on Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer and Nadhim Zahawi.
Plus columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss a crackdown on laughing gas, and will artificial intelligence will make creativity redundant? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focus Group: Sunak's Pledges and Starmer's Face

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

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out about their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from their time at Westminster.
Conservative MP and minister Mike Freer talks about how threats and violence led to his decision to stand down, gossiping with the late Queen Elizabeth, and helping Boris Johnson get dressed.
Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves react to Rishi Sunak insisting that flights to Rwanda will take off in the summer, and the row over the policing of pro-Palestinian marches in London. 
Columnists (03:50) The Exit Interviews: Mike Freer (18:31) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Exit Interviews: Mike Freer

Brexit was the greatest conundrum visited on the British political class in the last 80 years, according to Sunday Times Chief Political Commentator Tim Shipman.
He sits down with Matt to discuss his latest book examining the years following the EU referendum, charting Theresa May's turbulent time in office and eventual downfall - and explains why it often resembled a political version of Game of Thrones.
Now Way Out is available to buy at Times Bookshop and Times+ members can enjoy a 10% discount. 
Plus, you can enjoy great offers and recommendations from our literary critics. Explore thousands of great reads by going to timesbookshop.co.uk now.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Brexit Interview: Tim Shipman

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.

Focus Group: Sunak's Pledges and Starmer's Face

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