Podcast appearances and mentions of Hugo Rifkind

It's the first PMQs since Labour's local election hammering, but despite the leadership challengers circling Keir Starmer is surprisingly upbeat.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire and Cleo Watson, former deputy chief of staff to Boris Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are each setting out their pitch to be the next Prime Minister. But do their stories of triumphing over adversity make them better politicians?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer insists he's staying on in Downing Street, but an increasing number of his ministers and MPs disagree.What happened to the promise that politics would tread more lightly on our lives? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, James Marriott and Theo Bertram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's election day across the UK, and speculation is rife about a looming plot to oust Keir Starmer. But should the Labour Party just admit it's not as good at skulduggery as the Conservatives in their heyday?Hugo Rifkind is joined by Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris, to discuss scheming politicians, the drinking culture in Parliament, and how the 24 hour news cycle changed modern politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Robert Crampton. A Times investigation reveals Zack Polanski made false claims when seeking the deputy leadership of the Green party, Kemi Badenoch's handling of hecklers, and what happened to relics of the early internet age. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group returns for the final time ahead of the local elections.JL Partners brings together 2024 Labour voters who are now on the fence — so what's changed? Is Keir Starmer the problem, are his potential rivals any better, or are the Greens the real beneficiaries? Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder Tom Lubbock to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour backbenchers are reportedly preparing an open letter urging Keir Starmer to name a resignation date — but who would actually replace him, and would voters be any happier?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some hot topics of conversation this week include the ever evolving Peter Mandelson vetting saga, phones being banned in schools and robots who can take over the world... sorry robots who can take over sports. Helping Andy make sense of it all are Daliso Chaponda, Catherine Bohart, Hugo Rifkind and Ria Lina.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Jade Gebbie, Christina Riggs, Henry Whaley and Angela Channell Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Richard Morris Production Coordinators: Asha Osborne-Grinter & Caroline Barlow Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of the local elections.JL Partners brings together voters from across Britain who backed Labour, the Conservatives and Reform UK in 2024 — but who now all say they plan to vote Reform.What's driving the shift? Is it about Nigel Farage, frustration with the main parties, or belief in Reform itself? And what, if anything, could change their minds?Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners co-founder James Johnson to break it all down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final PMQs before the local elections, Kemi Badenoch moves on from questions about Peter Mandelson and targets Keir Starmer on welfare spending and the economy.Tim Shipman and Patrick Maguire join Hugo Rifkind to unpack the exchanges in the Commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister faces a challenging week, with MPs set to vote on whether to hold an inquiry into claims he misled MPs over the Peter Mandelson scandal, and his former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney due to be grilled by MPs.So will the coming days hasten his departure? And could a Granita-style pact between Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner be the solution to the Labour Party's problems?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US President says there's “no time frame” for ending the war with Iran, Times columnist Matthew Parris says Donald Trump is "too deranged to remain in office" - but is that a fair assessment?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Radio Focus Group is back ahead of May's local elections.JL Partners brings together a group of wavering Tories - voters from across England who backed the Conservatives at the last General Election, and are now considering switching to Reform UK.Do they think the 'Badenoch Bounce' is a real thing, what are their remaining concerns about Nigel Farage in 10 Downing Street, and just how disillusioned are they with the traditional main parties?Hugo Rifkind is joined by JL Partners founding director Tom Lubbock to discuss the findings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer claims that the evidence given by Olly Robbins "puts to bed all the allegations" he was dishonest about Peter Mandelson's vetting process as Kemi Badenoch calls on him to stand down over the scandal. Hugo Rifkind is joined by Ed Vaizey and Fraser Nelson to unpack the exchanges in the commons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sacked Foreign Office chief Sir Olly Robbins says No.10 took a “dismissive” approach to Peter Mandelson's vetting - so where does this now leave Keir Starmer?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Ollie Cole, Charlotte Ivers and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Libby Purves. Is the tide shifting away from the hard right in Europe? Would Nigel Farage really put Boris Johnson on trial over immigration? And why are the US President and the Pope fighting? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK and the Green Party are expected to do well at next month's elections at the expense of the established parties. But is the electorate ready for some of their more radical policies?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Sonia Sodha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran has agreed to a ceasefire with the US after Trump promised to destroy it - but with the biggest issues still unresolved, can he really claim victory?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Alice Thomson and Trevor Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rapper Ye - formerly known as Kanye West - has been blocked from headlining a festival in London this summer over anti-semitic behaviour. Can we separate the art from the artist? We also discuss the cumulative impact of doctors' strikes, and ask why politics - and society - can't get over its obsession with the nineties and noughties.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump threatens to send Iran “back to the Stone Age”, Hugo Rifkind is joined by Times columnists Josh Glancy and Sarah Ditum to unpack the history and significance of that phrase. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Labour and The Tories parties losing ground to populists - have centrist parties run out of ideas, or just politicians who can sell them? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Fraser Nelson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch asks Keir Starmer if he'll approve more North Sea oil and gas licences, but the Prime Minister tells her it's up to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics off the day with Patrick Maguire and Labour peer Lord Wood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Is President Trump backing off Iran? Why does Britain needs a return to wartime frugality? And what is Jeremy Corbyn doing with Kneecap in Cuba? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump threatens to 'massively blow up' the world's biggest gas field, energy markets are feeling the pressure. Will there be pressure for the government to step in, and can the country afford it?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Juliet Samuel and Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch repeatedly asked Keir Starmer about his decision to make Peter Mandelson US ambassador at PMQs today. But MPs were left frustrated by the Prime Minister's evasive responses.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with The Sunday Times' Deputy Political Editor Lara Spirit and the comedian and statistician Andy Zaltzman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reform UK launches a competition to pay one winner's energy bills for a year - is the party attempting to out-stunt Ed Davey?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does Keir Starmer do all day? Who is now pulling the strings in Downing Street? And why is it all going so wrong? Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund speak to Hugo Rifkind about their updated edition of their book, Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer. Hugo Rifkind, presenter, Times Radio and How To Win An ElectionPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesPicture credit: Russel HernemanEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukTimes+ members can buy it here with a 20% discount https://timesbookshop.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch claims Keir Starmer misled MPs over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. How badly damaged is the prime minister?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Jenni Russell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Accusations of U-turns were flying at a raucous PMQs, with Kemi Badenoch claiming Keir Starmer is changing course on fuel duty - and Starmer accusing her of shifting her position over Iran.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Lara Spirit and former Conservative Minister Steve Baker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The looming domestic problem in the government's in-tray is the impact of war in the Middle East on the British economy - will the government need to intervene? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the UK slow off the mark to respond to US-Israel attacks on Iran, are we now struggling to adjust to the speed of events? We also discuss the increasingly aggressive language being used by the US to describe the conflict.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Daisy McAndrew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says America's relationship with Britain has changed, warning the UK is “not such a recognisable country” anymore. What's happened to Keir Starmer hugging the US president close?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he is "very disappointed" that Keir Starmer didn't initially allow the US to use British airbases to attack Iran - a position the Prime Minister has now reversed. Should the UK resist being dragged into America's war? And would that threaten the 'special relationship'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the news and politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The House of Commons has long steered clear of debating the royal family - until today. MPs have been told they are free to discuss Prince Andrew, following his withdrawal from public royal duties, but what are the rules when it comes to debating a royal - and what, exactly, can they say?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Patrick Kidd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The government hopes to tackle the sensitive and costly system for children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) in England - but will Labour MPs support the reforms, or force Starmer into yet another U-turn?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct whilst in public office. He's the first senior Royal figure to be taken into custody in modern history. He denies wrongdoing. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the story - plus the other politics of the day - with Megan Kenyon and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reform UK 'shadow cabinet' has assembled. Nigel Farage has appointed Robert Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Zia Yusuf to key roles - but will voters be convinced that the party is truly a government-in-waiting?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cabinet ministers believe Sir Keir Starmer may now survive beyond May because Labour's leadership contenders are too busy squabbling to unite behind a successor. But can the PM get through the next few months without another self-inflicted wound?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PM faces questions over giving peerages to Peter Mandelson and Matthew Doyle, with Kemi Badenoch accusing him of 'stuffing government with hypocrites and paedophile apologists'.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Maguire and Ayesha Hazarika. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has lost a second senior aide, less than 24 hours after the departure of chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.Are we now in the terminal phase of Keir Starmer's premiership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers, Sebastian Payne and Patrick Maguire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the agenda this week is Starmer vs Burnham in Labour's latest civil war, Suella Braverman's defection to Reform, and working out how to save The Great British pub. To get to the bottom of all this, Andy is joined by Daliso Chaponda, Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Hugo Rifkind and Holly Walsh.Written by Andy Zaltzman.With additional material by: Christina Riggs, Cameron Loxdale and Sarah Mills Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Jodie Charman Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Keir Starmer says he's sorry for believing Peter Mandelson's lies, as anger grows over Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US - but is his apology enough? Or could it prove fatal to Starmer's leadership?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and Sarah Ditum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer described Peter Mandelson as a "liar" who "betrayed our country" at PMQs today.But he also admitted that he had been aware of Mandelson's ongoing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed him as US ambassador.Can the Prime Minister survive this growing scandal?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and the comedian Marcus Brigstocke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Peter Mandelson tells the Times he can't escape his connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the uproar over allegations he leaked sensitive government emails to the late paedophile financier grows.Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Libby Purves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the PM in China, David Lammy stands in for Keir Starmer at deputy PMQs. But can Andrew Griffith land a blow for the Tories?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges in the House of Commons with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and Chris Ward, parliamentary secretary in the Cabinet Office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister is facing a backlash from some Labour MPs after the party blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's attempt to become an MP - did Keir Starmer have any other choice? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Charlotte Ivers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump says he's bringing peace to the world - in Gaza, Ukraine and Greenland. After sending Europe into a tailspin, what's really changed?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Alice Thomson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Keir Starmer says he will not yield to Donald Trump over the future of Greenland, calling recent criticism of the Chagos deal an attempt to force the issue -- did this rebuke to Trump spark his best performance yet?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges from the Commons with Patrick Magurie, Stefan Boscia and Andy Parsons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has attacked Britain's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands, using it to argue that the US needs Greenland. As relations with Washington grow more unpredictable, how should Keir Starmer respond? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Jenni Russell and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Andy away at The Ashes, guest host Ian Smith steps in to make sense of a dramatic news week. Topics include the US capturing Nicolás Maduro and threatening to invade Greenland, new driving rules for the over 70s and the problem with Grok AI. Helping Ian decide which way to turn are Ria Lina, Hugo Rifkind, Lucy Porter and Geoff Norcott.Written by Ian Smith.With additional material by: Mike Shephard, Alex Kealy and Angela Channell Producer: Georgia Keating Executive Producer: Pete Strauss Production Coordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu Sound Editor: Marc WillcoxA BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.