660638948
Politics Unpacked

Advertise on podcast: Politics Unpacked

Rating
★★★★★
4.5
from
81 reviews
This podcast has
1875 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Times Radio
Explicit
No
Date created
2013/06/11
Latest episode
2026/02/17
Average duration
36 min.
Release period
2 days

Description

Hugo Rifkind unpacks the the politics of the day - and the stuff that's even more important - with the brightest brains from the Times and Sunday Times. You can listen to Hugo on DAB, smart speaker or app 10am-1pm Monday to Friday. If you like what you hear, then read more at http://www.thetimes.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Unlock Politics Unpacked podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details

Email contact information

Direct podcast contact details

Listeners

Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details

Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Politics Unpacked podcast


Reform Team, Assemble
2026/02/17
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.
Starmer's Stay Of Execution
2026/02/16
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.
Starmer Seeks Relief On The World Stage
2026/02/13
Sir Keir Starmer has survived to the end of a torrid week - will he find solace focusing on the internatonal agenda? Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Alys Denby and Michael Binyon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Cabinet Chaos Continues
2026/02/12
The trouble for Keir Starmer continues, as cabinet minister Lisa Nandy calls recent events 'unforgivable', and talks of briefings from Number 10 'dripping in misogyny'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
PMQs: 'Hypocrites and Paedophile Apologists'
2026/02/11
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.
The Drama Keir, I Love It
2026/02/10
After a political whirlwind caused by the Mandelson scandal came close to ending Sir Keir Starmer's premiership, some of his supporters claim the media is addicted to drama - do they have a point? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and James Marriott. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Starmer's Terminal Phase
2026/02/09
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.
A Matter Of When, Not If?
2026/02/06
Keir Starmer is clinging on as Prime Minister and more details of Peter Mandelson's alleged misconduct could still emerge - so is his fate now sealed? Ed unpacks the politics of the day with Daisy McAndrew and Alys Denby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Is Starmer’s Apology Enough?
2026/02/05
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.
PMQs: Starmer Knew About Mandelson & Epstein
2026/02/04
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.
The Mandelson-Epstein Scandal Explodes
2026/02/03
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.
Has Peter Mandelson Damaged Starmer?
2026/02/02
Peter Mandelson is out of the Labour Party and Keir Starmer says he'd like to see him out of the House of Lords - but have the peer's links with Jeffrey Epstein damaged the prime minister? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Charlotte Ivers and Seb Payne.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will Labour Lose The By-Election?
2026/01/30
As well as today's Politics Unpacked, which sees Ed Vaizey discuss China, Iran and left-wing AI with Michael Binyon and Cindy Yu, we've got an in-depth look at the by-election in Gorton and Denton. Times chief political commentator Patrick Maguire and political scientist Rob Ford profile the constituency, and analyse whether Labour can hold off the challenge from the Green Party and Reform UK.   By-election: 32'15 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reheated Centrism Or One-Nation Opportunity?
2026/01/29
Kemi Badenoch has called on centrist Conservatives hoping to influence the party to "get out of the way" - is the Tory one nation tradition dead, or an electoral opportunity? Hugo, Matthew Parris and Juliet Samuel debate the future of the party and unpack the politics of the day.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
DPMQs: The Last Time He'll Get This Gig?
2026/01/28
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.

Podcast reviews

Read Politics Unpacked podcast reviews


4.5 out of 5
81 reviews
★★★★☆
REPay1 2020/05/03
Companionable Journalist
Matt Chorley is a cheery guy down the pub, interested and engaged. He asks sensible questions and doesn't seem to want to force his own opinions in th...
★★★★★
Daisy Foote 2023/12/20
RED BOX POLITICS
Love this podcast matt is incisive and hilarious!!!
★★★★★
George_____111 2023/01/26
Best daily summary of British politics
Matt is outstanding and so are his columnists and guests. I love PMQs in particular. Keen listener from Uruguay
★★★★★
Vx2401 2022/11/23
British politics explained
Love the show especially the guest columnists. After Brexit I became obsessed with British politics and this show is a gem.
★★★★★
scheißgeyser 2022/10/14
First on the Kwasi sack!
Nuff said. Also, “ Yorkshire tea!”
★★★★★
AldoBermondsey 2022/01/04
Love Red Box
Love this podcast. Used to work in British politics in a previous life and then I changed field and moved to the US. Red Box is amazing
★★★☆☆
CTCNOLA 2020/12/16
I expected more
The 14 December episode (“Because they are worth it”) was awful. The anti-Brexit, anti-Boris commentators absolutely fawning over Ursula Von Der Leyen...
★★★★★
suzshaw 2020/02/19
Insight from Across the Pond
I’d rather keep current on UK politics than US politics these days — it’s just that little bit less painful. Matt Chorley, Esther Webber and their gue...
★★★★★
Domic57 2020/02/05
Informed and illuminating.
Matt & Co. do a great job of bringing insight to the headlines.
★★★★★
JimboT3 2019/10/08
Great source of news from the UK
The Red Box is an informed source of news covering the UK and the world. This is a pleasant respite from the daily news coming out of the news outlets...
check all reviews on apple podcasts

Podcast sponsorship advertising

Start advertising on Politics Unpacked relevant audience podcasts


What do you want to promote?