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 touch and makes them cringe, but Keir Starmer lacks the 'X factor' and reminds them of Marvin the Paranoid Android. James Johnson of J.L. Partners joins Matt to discuss the results.
Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matthew Parris discuss whether the latest Tory MPs to quit politics did so out of principle or to land a lucrative new job, whether they regret not writing about the post office scandal, and whether it's acceptable to email jokes to your colleagues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focus Group: The Guy Just Makes Me Cringe

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

How do you maintain discipline in a government that's on the ropes after a long period in office, with a prime minister behind in the polls and beset by defections?
Former Tory MP and whip Gyles Brandreth charted the downfall of the Major government in his indiscreet diaries, and joins Matt to discuss the striking similarities between then and now.
Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Mariott discuss whether the nation is ready for what is shaping up to be a long election campaign, if tech bros make bad philosophers, and if TV shows work on stage.
Columnists (03:04) Gyles Brandreth (24:50)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Secrets Of The Whips Office

Heading into an election campaign, politicians can be asked to explain their party's position on absolutely anything - but it's not always easy to remember exactly what that is. Matt is joined by a panel of former spin doctors to find out how MPs are given the lines to take, and what happens when they forget them.
Plus: Manveen Rana and Matt Deegan discuss whether Keir Starmer's six pledges have made Labour's policy positions clear, whether the covid inquiry is worth £300k per day, and why radio's popularity is so enduring.
Columnist Panel (03:59)   How To Hold The Line (24:45)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Hold The Line

Never mind prisons running out of space or rainbow lanyards - PMQs gets derailed by Nicholas Lyndhurst. Matt is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack all the action from the Commons.
Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss what Rishi Sunak should do about Nigel Farage, living next door to celebrities, and whether linen clothes, the Northern Lights, and strawberry jam are overrated.
The Columnists: (02:32) PMQs: (24:22) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PMQs: Goodnight Sweetheart

As Rishi Sunak hosts farmers at Number 10 to offer his support to British agriculture, the sector is struggling with ever higher costs and extreme weather. Food Minister Mark Spencer explains why the wet winter could lead to food prices going up again.
Plus: Punch and Judy are cleaning up their act, but will that bring an end to "Punch and Judy politics"? 
The Politics Of Punch And Judy Politics (04:53) Why Is Food Still So Expensive? (13:03)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Is Food Still So Expensive?

Matt sits down with MPs leaving Parliament at the next election to find out their highs and lows, their best and worst bosses, and the lessons they've learned from politics.
Conservative Edward Timpson remembers arriving in Westminster after a by-election circus where he was characterised as a Tory toff, his achievements as a minister, and he explains why he never went into the family business.
Plus: Columnists Rachel Sylvester and Libby Purves discuss whether other potential defectors will be put off following the example of Natalie Elphicke, the link between obesity and sick-not culture, and whether we're too quick to blame technology for our own failings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Focus Group: The Guy Just Makes Me Cringe

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