It's 170 years since Gladstone commissioned the Northcote-Trevelyan review, which gave birth to the impartial civil service. Why has the system survived, and is it now under threat? Matt speaks to former cabinet secretary Lord Butler, who ran Whitehall under Thatcher, Major and Blair, and to the co-creator of 'Yes Minister' Jonathan Lynn, who reveals which modern minister is heir to Jim Hacker.

Plus columnists Jane Merrick and Tom McTague on the government simultaneously stopping small boats and welcoming foreign workers, whether weight-loss drugs can help cut the benefits bill, and why so many school students have private tutors.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.