Podcast appearances and mentions of Hugo Rifkind

As Andy Burnham becomes the UK's seventh Prime Minister in a decade, how can he avoid the fate of his predecessors? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Janice Turner and Seb Payne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband...Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer delivers his final Prime Minister's Questions before leaving office, calling it "the end of my political journey" in an at-times emotional final appearance at the despatch box.Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and Lara Spirit to unpack the exchanges, assess Starmer's legacy, and ask how his performances at PMQs will be remembered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As counterterrorism police now lead the investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death, Reform UK MPs are raising concerns about their own safety. Is it time to rethink how Britain's politicians are protected?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Seb Payne and Janice Turner. Are Andy Burnham's plans for government really ready? Do voters think Nigel Farage has behaved incorrectly over undeclared gifts? And is Labour's woman problem worse than it realises?You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with James Marriott and Charlotte Ivers.Why is Andy Burnham taking a "one-and-done" approach to Cabinet appointments? And who is reading Keir Starmer's Substack? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage is under pressure after The Sunday Times revealed he had not declared benefits from an ally previously convicted of fraud in the US. He denies any wrongdoing.How serious is the challenge to his leadership, and to Reform UK? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Sebastian Payne.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pmAnd you can hear the full story of the Sunday Times revelations about Nigel Farage in a new podcast by the Insight team. It's called Posh George: The criminal behind Farage. Listen here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch has accused female Labour MPs of engaging in "failed identity politics" by asking Andy Burnham to commit to making 50 per cent of his ministers women.Is she right to accuse them of "moaning"?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and Matthew Parris.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kemi Badenoch accuses Keir Starmer of leaving defence spending in a mess for Andy Burnham, but Starmer blames the Tories for underfunding the military when they were in government. Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire, Stefan Boscia and comedian Alisdair Beckett-King. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer unveils the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan in one of his final acts as prime minister. But what will the incoming PM, Andy Burnham, make of it all? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has set out his vision for spreading power across the UK, including a new "No. 10 North".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire, Seb Payne and Joshi Herrmann to unpack the speech by the man who is almost certainly going to be prime minister within weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer faces Kemi Badenoch for the first time since announcing his resignation. The Tory leader asks if Starmer felt let down by his cabinet - but did her personal jibes go too far?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the exchanges with Patrick Maguire and Ryan Tubridy. You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Lammy stands in at the despatch box for the last PMQs before the Makerfield by-election. The Deputy Prime Minister says he's proud to serve under Starmer, while Shadow Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho claims Labour is "a government on life support".Hugo Rifkind is joined by Patrick Maguire and the Chancellor's former Political Director Matt Pound, to unpack the exchanges from the Commons.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is rubbing shoulders with global leaders at the G7 summit. But have his foreign affairs credentials been undermined by John Healey's resignation?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Sarah Ditum and James Marriott.You can hear more of Hugo on Times Radio from Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Defence Secretary John Healey resigned, claiming Keir Starmer's lack of funding for the military will make the UK "less safe"Hugo Rifkind spoke to The Times' Chief Political Commentator Patrick Maguire and Times Radio's Political Editor Anna Mikhailova about the damage the resignation has done to the Prime Minister's authority.And before the news of Healey's resignation broke, Hugo spoke to the New Statesman's Political Correspondent Megan Kenyon and the academic and podcaster David Runciman about whether social media was fanning the flames of unrest in Belfast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer clashes with Kemi Badenoch over defence spending, with the Tory leader accusing him of 'scrabbling around for a legacy'.Patrick Maguire and Stefan Boscia join Hugo Rifkind to unpack the exchanges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The prime minister is reportedly entering his "legacy era", with a major defence spending plan and new restrictions on children's social media use - but what will Keir Starmer's legacy actually be?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer has accused tech billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" over the murder of Henry Nowak. Why is Musk interfering in UK politics? Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Parris and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pat McFadden's assessment of Labour MPs will fuel claims that the party cares more about welfare recipients than taxpayers - is Keir Starmer's Labour becoming the Welfare Party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polling suggests that union members are just as likely to support Reform UK as they are to back Labour. Is Nigel Farage now leader of the 'party of the working class'?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patrick Kidd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.