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How To Win An Election

How To Win An Election

By: Times Radio Politics
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The Times brings together some of the most experienced strategists in British politics to discuss what's really going on behind the big stories, and elections taking place here and around the world.


Daniel Finkelstein, Sally Morgan and Polly Mackenzie join Hugo Rifkind for an intelligent, adversarial and witty conversation every week.


Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.


Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.uk


Executive Producer: Andrew Alexander

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • How To Kick Extremists Out Of A Party
    Oct 15 2026

    With the Green Party and Reform UK facing claims that they're providing a home for extremists from far left and far right, the political masterminds are looking at how to deal with entryists.


    Danny argues that the most important decision a political party can make is about who it won't let in, and Sally recalls fighting Labour's long battle against the Militant faction in the 1980s.


    We also reflect on the failed coup against Sir Ed Davey, and ask whether there's another political strategy available to anyone who might have designs on replacing him.


    Send your comments, questions and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk


    Video Editor: Kim McCarthy

    Executive Producer: Andrew Alexander

    Picture: Getty Images

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • How Kemi Badenoch's Free-Market Revival Gives The Tories Hope
    Oct 8 2026

    Kemi Badenoch has made an unashamed pitch for voters in Middle Britain with her conference promise on inheritance tax, trying to frame the next election as a battle between traditional Conservative and traditional Labour ideas.


    But does a focus on the 'blue wall' mean abandoning any hopes of building a broader coalition, and giving up hopes of winning voters back from Reform UK? Have comparisons with Margaret Thatcher misrepresented both leaders? And should speechwriters be banned from referring to a 'battle for the soul of the nation'?


    We also hear about Polly's new project with consumer advice guru Martin Lewis, and try out some small but significant policy ideas.


    Send your comments, questions and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk


    Video Editor: Kim McCarthy

    Executive Producer: Andrew Alexander

    Picture: Getty Images

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • How Andy Burnham's Election Promises Could Backfire
    Oct 1 2026

    Andy Burnham has outlined his vision for the country, and in the process written a good chunk of Labour's next manifesto.


    But could his ambitious promises cost more than the UK economy can bear? Danny argues the country can't afford his old Labour instincts, and Hugo says the party is like an ostrich putting its head in the sand. Sally thinks he's being mean.


    Send your comments, questions and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk


    Video Editor: Kim McCarthy

    Executive Producer: Andrew Alexander

    Picture: Getty Images

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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a really interesting panel who always have thoughtful things to say and draw on valuable experience of different political times.

fascinating insights

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Love this podcast! Already informative, can't wait for the next episode!! Great cast with Matt at the helm. If you love the Red Box Podcast....this is a must.

Matt does it again!!!

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