Keir Starmer keeps talking about his record as Director of Public Prosecutions, arguing it shows he was tough on crime - but the Conservatives think it proves he's actually 'Sir Softie'. Matt finds out what a DPP does, and looks at Starmer's successes and his failures in the job. 
Plus columnists Libby Purves and Rachel Sylvester on Diane Abbott sparking a new anti-semitism row in the Labour party,  Sir Michael Morpurgo's call to stop "nitpicking" classic books, and Matt and Rachel apologise to our Welsh listeners . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Softy or Keir Hard-y

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

Exclusive polling for the podcast shows two in 10 voters - including one in 10 of those who voted Tory in 2019 - would like the Conservative party to disappear completely, in favour of another right-wing party.
How bad do things look for the Tories, and could they be facing a Canada-style electoral wipeout? 
Plus: Manveen Rana and Matthew Bell discuss political nicknames, whether politicians should answer more questions with "I don't know", and why Mr Bates vs The Post Office didn't make any money.
The Columnists (01:57) The Big Thing (22:10) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could The Tories Disappear?

It's Deputy PMQs wile Rishi Sunak is in Germany, with Oliver Dowden facing questions from Angela Rayner.   Tim Shipman and Calum Macdonald join Matt Chorley to pause and unpack the action from the Commons as the deputies trade blows over council tax, the Renter's Reform Bill and second homes. 
Plus: Columnists Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton discuss whether we are seeing the end of the news anchor, AI in recruitment and why saying ‘back in your day’ in the office could be unlawful. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deputy PMQs: Pint-Sized Loser

Keir Starmer has urged his Labour party colleagues to fly the flag with enthusiasm on St George's Day. But does everyone in Labour agree with him, and how much does patriotism matter in politics? 
Plus: While voters in Pennsylvania head to the polls for the state's 2024 primary election, what did Donald Trump say on the stand at the first day of the Stormy Daniels hush money trial? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer's Flagging

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.

Sir Softy or Keir Hard-y

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