The UK has seven living ex-prime ministers for the first time in modern history. But how should a former leader behave when they've left the top job? Patrick Maguire speaks to journalist Steve Richards and former advisers to both John Major and Boris Johnson, while Times sketch writer Quentin Letts gives his advice on how to retain your authority on the backbenches.   Plus columnists James Forsyth and Melanie Reid ask who the public will blame for the Christmas strikes, whether Boris Johnson will really run again at the next election and whether football matches are better without alcohol. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to be an Ex-Prime Minister

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

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.

The Exit Interviews: Henry Smith

How much do parties spend on "big data", and how much do they still rely on old-fashioned leaflets through the door?
Matt finds out how they're planning to spend record amounts this election year, and why some past campaign expenses included 'pest control' and 'emergency chair removal'.
Plus: Columnists India Knight and James Marriott discuss Reform UK's woes, teenagers using social media, and supermarket orchids.
What We Learned This Week (00:58)  Columnists (03:15) How Parties Spend (21:26)  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Parties Waste Money In Elections

Politicians always tell us the future looks bright, but a new YouGov survey shows that most people are wistful for the good old days. Exactly when you think that was depends on your age. Matt speaks to guests including Historian Dan Snow, who feels nostalgic for the 1990s.
Plus: Columnists Manveen Rana and Matt Charlton discuss Rishi Sunak's five pledges, whether artists should be asked to help promote social initiatives, and whether it's ethical for journalists to wait outside politicians' homes. 
Columnists (02:05) When Were The Good Old Days? (21:56) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to be an Ex-Prime Minister

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