How To Win An Election

How To Defeat The Populists

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:52:37 GMT

In the wake of Viktor Orbán's election defeat in Hungary, can we draw conclusions about the limits of populism - and the chances of a recovery by the centre here in the UK?

Sally, Polly, Danny and Hugo also discuss how government prepares for disaster - from foot-and-mouth disease to fuel protests to looming shortages caused by the war in Iran.

And, Polly has a plan to rescue sad, empty historic buildings on our high streets.

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

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How To Sell Starmer The Statesman

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:15:06 GMT

The prime minister is trying to appeal to voters ahead of May's elections by talking about conflict overseas - can branding him as a global statesman rescue his premiership, in the same way Gordon Brown tried to survive after the financial crash?

With Danny away, we turn to the next generation - Simon Finkelstein, former adviser to Jeremy Hunt and Dominic Raab (and Danny's nephew) joins Sally, Polly and Hugo.

We also discuss whether MPs know enough about the real world - would we be better off with a House Of Commons full of Ed Milibands or Angela Rayners?

And, we answer a listener who worries we're too flippant about the remarkable rise of Zack Polanski's Green Party.

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

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How The Energy Shock Helps Starmer Survive

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:58:45 GMT

There's an arms race under way as the parties make competing offers to help with the rising cost of living. Is anyone cutting through to the voters?

And as Keir Starmer's rivals consider whether to move against him after May's elections, Danny argues that the looming economic crisis makes it a bad time for them to act.

We also find out why Sally introduced 'garish posters and loud music' to Downing Street, and Polly holds forth about barbecues.

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

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How To Shut Down A Political Conspiracy

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:30:19 GMT

Sally, Polly, Danny and Hugo discuss the conspiracies swirling around the theft of Morgan McSweeney's mobile phone. How did government work in the pre-smartphone era, when Tony Blair refused to use one?

They also explore how political language is evolving (and whether it’s becoming dangerously loose), and imagine what’s more likely - a Lab-Lib coalition or a Tory-Reform alliance.

Plus, the team settle a debate you didn't even know existed - chilled vs super-chilled.

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

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How To Run A Shadow Leadership Campaign

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:47:08 GMT

Angela Rayner has fired the opening shot in the leadership race to succeed Keir Starmer, warning that Labour is 'running out of time'.

We discuss the art of being on manoeuvres without being caught doing it - from Michael Portillo installing the phone lines, to Rishi Sunak's team secretly registering 'readyforrishi.com'.

And, will any of the potential candidates - including Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting, Andy Burnham or even John Healey - actually be ready to go if the party suffers a heavy defeat in the local elections in May?

We also give (unsolicited) reading suggestions for Keir Starmer:

Sally: The Choice Before the Labour Party, RH Tawney

Polly: The Man Who Planted Trees, Jean Giono

Danny: Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer, Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund

Hugo: Guards! Guards! Terry Pratchett

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

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How Starmer Became The Passive Prime Minister

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

In this special crossover episode with our colleagues at the Times podcast The State Of It, Hugo is joined by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund to discuss the new edition of their book Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer.

Morgan McSweeney was the man credited with rescuing Labour from electoral oblivion and propelling Keir Starmer to power. How did it all go so wrong, and how did Keir Starmer end up running a 'passive premiership'?

The paperback edition is available to order at the Times Bookshop where Times Plus members can get a 20% discount.

Artwork: Russel Herneman for the Sunday Times

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How The Mandelson Files Weigh On The PM

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:27:14 GMT

Sally, Polly, Danny and Hugo look at what the Mandelson files say about decision making in Keir Starmer's Downing Street. Is there a comparison with Boris Johnson's handling of the Chris Pincher scandal, which led to Johnson's resignation as prime minister?

With Starmer's cost of living agenda in trouble, we ask if lessons can be learned from Edward Heath and the 1973 oil crisis, and from Tony Blair taking on the tanker drivers in the 2000 fuel protests.

The team give their ideas for rewiring the nation, including moving Parliament to York and swapping the older person's bus pass for electric bikes.

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

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How Trump's War Is Upending British Politics

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:12:02 GMT

We're looking at the implications of the American-Israeli attacks on Iran for British politics - has the prime minister been constrained by a near-religious belief in international law, by cabinet divisions, or by party politics?

We also discuss whether the Green Party's bounce in the polls can be sustained, and whether Labour's new migration policy shows the party has made a decisive strategic choice.

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

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How Labour's By-Election Hammering Damages Starmer

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:56:08 GMT

The Green Party crushes Labour at the Gorton and Denton by-election, knocking Keir Starmer's party into third place in one of their safest seats.

The political masterminds discuss whether the prime minister can find a new strategy to survive, whether the Green Party can replicate the victory across the country, and what the fracturing of the traditional two-party system means for the next General Election.

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

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How Government Responds To Andrew's Arrest

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:40:14 GMT

As we assembled the How To Win An Election team to talk about Robert Jenrick, Rupert Lowe and Danny's quest for the point of Ed Davey, news broke that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He denies wrongdoing.

Sally, Polly, Danny (and Hugo) look at how the news would have been received in Downing Street, and whether republicanism has a future in British politics.

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

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How To Survive In The Number 10 Bunker

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 13:10:02 GMT

Keir Starmer has seen off the threat to his leadership - for now. What happens inside Downing Street when things get really, really bad for a prime minister?

We also discuss whether the Labour Party will swing to the left with Morgan McSweeney's departure, and Zack Polanski's singing at Liberal Democrat conference.

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

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Emergency Episode: McSweeney Resigns

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 18:21:03 GMT

Morgan McSweeney has resigned as Keir Starmer's chief of staff. With Number 10 in survival mode, can the prime minister find a new strategy, and how long will potential leadership challengers wait?

Hugo, Danny and Polly respond to the emergency podcast bell and react to the news.

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How Mandelson's Downfall Threatens Starmer

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 12:42:24 GMT

The Mandelson-Epstein scandal has left Keir Starmer's authority over his party, perhaps his future as prime minister, dangling by a thread.

In this week's episode we discuss the huge impact of the downfall of Peter Mandelson - who says he has not acted criminally in any way or acted for financial gain - and we also have a frank discussion about his time on the How To Win An Election team, his political talents and his weaknesses.

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

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How To Go To The Polls - If Labour Ditches Starmer

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:47:22 GMT

Danny argues that if Labour wants to ditch Keir Starmer and pick a new leader, his replacement should immediately go to the polls. Have we switched to a presidential system without realising it, and would the party ever actually risk letting Reform into Downing Street?

The team also discuss whether No 10's handling of Andy Burnham has parallels with Tony Blair's opposition to Ken Livingstone becoming mayor of London, and Danny's ongoing beef with Reform's Danny Kruger.

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

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How To Reshape The Right

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:48:12 GMT

This week we're discussing the shape of the right of British politics - are we witnessing a landmark moment in the journey of Reform UK, and is Kemi Badenoch worried the Conservative Party is now seen as less right wing?

The political masterminds also consider whether anyone is making political capital from Donald Trump's diplomatic chaos, and whether Ed Davey is offering his MPs thin gruel.

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

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How To Sack Robert Jenrick

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:54:45 GMT

Kemi Badenoch has sacked Robert Jenrick, saying he was plotting to defect to Reform UK. Hugo and Danny discuss the return of the Tory psychodrama, and what it means for the future of the right in British politics.

Also in this week's episode: Sally, Polly and Danny talk about Lynton Crosby's famous commandment to 'scrape the barnacles off the boat', the death of the party political broadcast, and make some strangely prescient comments about Robert Jenrick's social media.

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

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How To Get Some Swagger (Like Donald Trump)

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 12:59:37 GMT

Can Keir Starmer learn from Donald Trump and get some swagger? Hugo, Polly and Danny are joined by former Labour strategist Peter Hyman to discuss

whether the government can stop looking anxious, and whether the prime minister is right to keep talking about the next election as a straight fight with Reform UK.

We also look at whether Nigel Farage is right to say he'd return PMQs to twice-weekly, and has Polly always been known as Policy Mackenzie?

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

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How To Predict Whether Starmer Will Survive 2026

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 13:11:05 GMT

What are the chances that the elections in May 2026 in Scotland, Wales and England will lead to a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer?

That's one of the questions answered by the political masterminds in our Christmas episode. We also find out about their favourite political memorabilia, why the parties import advisers from America and Australia, and whether we've been stuck in a political timewarp since 2019.

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

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How... The Elections Were Won And Lost: Nick Clegg

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:42:25 GMT

We're joined by former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg for the latest in our series looking at how the most significant elections in our lifetimes were won, and how they were lost.

He takes us inside the 2010 Liberal Democrat campaign - from the first TV leaders' debate in British history, to Cleggmania and 'bigotgate' - ending in the first hung parliament since the 1970s and the frenzied days of negotiation that led to the coalition government.

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

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How Labour Could Reverse Brexit

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:07:39 GMT

The prime minister has been increasingly critical of Brexit this week, and says he wants a closer relationship with the EU - without rejoining key parts of the club.

But will Labour inevitably have to go further, and if they do will they be falling into a Reform UK trap?

We also discuss the role of the Downing Street 'maverick genius' - and what that's got to do with My Little Pony.

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

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How To Survive A Tax-Raising Budget

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:17:46 GMT

Was the Budget aimed at short-term political survival, or did it form part of a coherent electoral strategy?

Sally, Polly, Danny (and Hugo) discuss Rachel Reeves' statement - does it make it more likely that she and the prime minister will stay in their jobs, but more likely to lose the next election? What could she have learned from Gordon Brown's budgets? And does Kemi Badenoch's success in the Commons chamber mean anything in the world outside?

Send your questions, comment, voicenotes and weird food suggestions for Polly to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk

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How To Make Your MPs Like You

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 13:05:41 GMT

Can Keir Starmer persuade his backbenchers to back his tough new migration reforms - and stop them openly plotting his downfall?

We discuss how prime ministers have tried to keep their MPs on side, Alex Ferguson's advice for Tony Blair, and whether Andy Burnham could be heading back to Westminster (via Norfolk).

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

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How To Plot Against A Prime Minister

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 13:56:00 GMT

Keir Starmer has vowed to fight any plot to oust him - but has Downing Street's briefing operation against the plotters actually made his downfall more likely?

Sally, Pollly, Danny and Hugo discuss the prime minister's survival, and look at past plots that have succeeded - and those that haven't. From the curry house conspiracy against Tony Blair to doomed attempts to bring down David Cameron and Nick Clegg, how do they compare with the civil war in the Labour Party?

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

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How Rachel Reeves Will Have To Resign

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:04:35 GMT

Danny says if Rachel Reeves raises income tax she will have to resign - and will make all political promises in the future worthless. Do the other political masterminds (and Hugo) agree?

We also discuss why Zack Polanski didn't like our discussion about the Green Party, whether British politicians are learning the wrong lessons from Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York, and Polly tries Marmite for the first time, ever.

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

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How...The Elections Were Won And Lost: Hague & The Tories in 2001

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 11:00:00 GMT

We're joined by William Hague for the latest in our series looking at how the biggest elections in recent political history were won - and how they were lost.

We go inside the Tory campaign, in which Hague's Conservative Party tried to convince the nation it was time for a common sense revolution - and ended up resembling the protester punched in the head by John Prescott.

From foot and mouth to Sharon Storer, from Thatcher announcing 'The mummy returns' to Oliver Letwin going into hiding, the team get under the skin of the campaign and ask why it couldn't make a dent in Tony Blair's popularity.

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How To Raise Taxes

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 11:25:50 GMT

Rachel Reeves is thinking about increasing taxes - perhaps even breaking Labour's manifesto commitment not to raise income tax.

The political masterminds discuss what that would mean for the government's electoral fortunes, and whether they could end up like George HW Bush - who famously said 'Read my lips: no new taxes', only to do exactly that.

We also look at the pressure on Labour from Zack Polanski's Green Party, whether the government 'grid' of daily announcements has had its day, and which prime minister played the most musical instruments?

Send your questions, comments and views on marmite to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk

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How To Lose An Election, Really Badly

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:47:35 GMT

As well as knowing how to win an election, the team have plenty of experience of losing them too. For this episode, recorded in front of an audience at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, we look at some campaigns that went really, really badly.

Sally chooses Neil Kinnock's defeat in 1987, Danny chooses John Major's drubbing in 1997, and Polly chooses Jo Swinson's ill-feted run at becoming prime minister in 2019.

Send your questions, comments and stories of defeat to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk

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How To Escape Political Oblivion (With A Tax Promise)

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 11:54:41 GMT

Has Kemi Badenoch done enough to see off her Tory critics, for now? Does her promise to abolish stamp duty remind the team of George Osborne's inheritance tax pledge in 2007?

Danny explains why the public have forgotten about Liz Truss sooner than expected, and Polly realises she shares a dress with Liz Truss AND Kemi Badenoch.

The political masterminds - or 'golden trio', plus Hugo - will be live at the Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival on Tuesday 14th October. Tickets are available at: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.org/

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How To Avoid (Tory) Irrelevance

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:04:10 GMT

As the Tories prepare for their annual conference, can the UK's oldest political party avoid sliding into irrelevance? And how has Nigel Farage become more popular while support for Brexit has declined?

Hugo, Sally and Polly are joined by Sir Craig Oliver, former Director of Politics and Communications for David Cameron.

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

The political masterminds will be recording the show in front of a live audience at the Times & Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival on Tuesday 14th October. Tickets available here.

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Starmer's Speech: How To Attack Nigel Farage

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:00:35 GMT

The political masterminds are at Labour conference in Liverpool for Keir Starmer's speech, and this special episode recorded in front of a live audience.

As the prime minister steps up his attack on Reform UK's Nigel Farage, has he fundamentally changed Labour's strategy - and will it help him win the next election?

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

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How To Prevent Party Conference Chaos

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 11:25:32 GMT

The political masterminds are discussing party conferences - from how to deal with a leadership challenge while you're there, to how to write a speech (and when you should use a joke).

They also discuss Andy Burnham's philosophy of 'Manchesterism', and we get our first question from a listener asking when the next General Election will be.

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

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How (And When) To Topple A Leader - With Jeremy Hunt

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 12:07:24 GMT

After a series of sackings, missteps and with Reform ahead in the polls, Labour MPs are seriously thinking about trying to change leader.

But would replacing Keir Starmer improve the party's fortunes, would Andy Burnham be any good, and is it true that “the hand that wields the knife shall never wear the crown"?

With Danny away, the team are joined by former chancellor Jeremy Hunt to discuss the men in grey suits, and why it costs £800 to buy your ministerial red box.

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

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How To Win The Deputy Leadership - And Mandelson Sacked

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 11:29:39 GMT

The political masterminds discuss the deputy Labour leadership contest - and then the breaking news as we record the episode that Peter Mandelson has been sacked as US ambassador.

Having backed two allies to stay in their jobs - first Angela Rayner, then Lord Mandelson - where does this leave Keir Starmer?

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

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How To Survive A Scandal

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 11:39:37 GMT

Angela Rayner is under fire after admitting she failed to pay enough tax on her second home. Keir Starmer has vowed to do "everything he can" to save her political career, but how much damage is he doing to his own?

The political masterminds discuss whether Angela Rayner can survive this scandal. Plus, will Keir Starmer start to have sleepless nights over the Greens?

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

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How To Holiday With JD Vance

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:11:15 GMT

Is Chevening, the foreign secretary's country house, more Maga than you might think? After news that US vice president JD Vance will stay with the foreign secretary, the team discuss their time at the government's grace-and-favour mansions.

They also answer a question from listener Nick about whether Nigel Farage can deliver as well as he can campaign, and look at the impact of Keir Starmer's policy shift over Gaza.

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

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How To Win The Summer

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 10:17:19 GMT

MPs have left Westminster for the summer, but politics continues - with Nigel Farage promising to spend six weeks fighting a war on crime.

Can opposition parties use the break to put pressure on the government, did David Cameron deserve his reputation for 'chillaxing', and why did Tony Blair's team hope he wouldn't call from the sun lounger?

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

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How To Punish The Labour Rebels

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:51:40 GMT

With Hugo away, Patrick Maguire joins the political masterminds to ask whether Keir Starmer was right to punish rebellious Labour MPs by removing the whip.

They also consider whether giving the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds will help Nigel Farage at the next election, Rachel Reeves' unpalatable options over tax, and Donald Trump's appearance at the Club World Cup.

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

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How The Populists Are Coming (From Left And Right)

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 11:25:01 GMT

This week the political masterminds consider what's happening on the populist left and right, with more Tories defecting to Reform UK and talk of a new party led by Jeremy Corbyn.

How small has the Conservative coalition become, do the voters expect Keir Starmer to wield a 'magic wand', and what would a new party be called?

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

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How To Respond To A Tearful PMQs

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:22:51 GMT

It's been a dramatic political week, with Keir Starmer attempting to answer speculation about the chancellor's future after she was seen in tears at prime minister's questions.

The political masterminds discuss what really happened at PMQs, how the prime minister has responded, and whether the government is in search of a new strategy. Plus, just how big is Polly's whiteboard?

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

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How To Learn From Former PMs

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:07:29 GMT

The political masterminds are answering your questions this week, including - should Keir Starmer look to Harold Wilson, or ignore historical precedents? Can politicians make the case for borrowing more? And what can Reform learn from the Lib Dems about coming second?

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

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How To Call A Cobra Emergency Meeting

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 11:12:46 GMT

The government has held a meeting of the Cobra committee to discuss the Israel-Iran crisis - but how important is it really during a national emergency, and is it the UK's version of the White House Situation Room?

The political masterminds also discuss the political impact of backing America during a conflict, and whether Keir Starmer can start ignoring Kemi Badenoch at prime minister's questions.

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

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How Reform Plans Another Election Upset

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:45:21 GMT

The political masterminds ask whether Rachel Reeves' Spending Review charts a course to victory at the next General Election, before turning to another set of national elections - can Reform UK win in Labour's heartlands when Welsh voters go to the polls in a year's time?

And who will win the Lib Dem KitKat of victory?

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

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How To Stop A Spending Review Revolt

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:55:03 GMT

With tough choices facing the government, the political masterminds look at what goes on behind the scenes ahead of a spending review - and how reluctant ministers are brought into line.

And as the Tories finally put the boot into the Liz Truss legacy, have they found a new strategy on the economy - and will anyone notice?

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

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How To Bring In An Outsider, Tsar, Or GOAT

Thu, 29 May 2025 12:07:09 GMT

The political masterminds are joined by former Tory cabinet minister David Gauke, fresh from leading the sentencing review for Keir Starmer's government. When does bringing people into the big tent work, and when is does it go wrong? They talk about Tony Blair's tsars, Gordon Brown's GOATS and Chris Grayling's gaffe.

They also discuss cabinet tussles over the spending review, and Robert Jenrick's vigilante video tackling fare dodgers.

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How To Perform A Giant U-Turn

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:32:37 GMT

Keir Starmer is changing course on the winter fuel allowance - where does it sit in the league table of political U-turns, and will it please anybody?

The political masterminds also discuss the Conservative Party's existential polling spiral, why Starmer's approval ratings have fallen so far in the year since the General Election was called, and why Hugo agrees with Polly that babies should get the vote.

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

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How… The Elections Were Won And Lost: Labour in 1992

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:44:56 GMT

We're kicking off a new series on the podcast, looking at how the biggest elections in recent history were won - and lost.

We start with the Labour campaign in 1992, an election that has been mythologised and is still influencing political strategy today. From soapboxes to shadow budgets to Sheffield rallies, the political mastermind are joined by then Labour leader Neil Kinnock to get under the skin of the campaign and separate electoral fact from fiction.

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

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How To Save A Legacy Party

Thu, 08 May 2025 10:36:27 GMT

The Labour and Tory leaders are getting plenty of advice on how to see off the threat from Reform UK, the Lib Dems and the Green Party. Should they move to the right, the left, or double down on what they're already doing? And does it have anything to do with Greggs?

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

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How To Win A Canadian Election

Thu, 01 May 2025 11:29:30 GMT

Canada has been to the polls, and the results are extraordinary - a huge swing in the polls helping the Liberals rise from the dead, opposition leaders losing their seats, and established parties reduced to the sidelines.

The political masterminds find out exactly what happened, how much of it was really down to Donald Trump, and what the parties here in the UK can learn.

And stop the clocks - Keir Starmer told a joke in the Commons that had MPs laughing, do the team think it delivered?

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How To (Prepare To) Lose An Election

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:19:05 GMT

With local elections in England on the way, the political masterminds are joined by former Tory adviser and Reform UK supporter Tim Montgomerie to discuss what to do when you know you’re heading for defeat.

Does Robert Jenrick know how to unite the right of British politics? Why didn’t Steve Hilton share his snacks with Polly when they worked together in Number 10? And what’s the political strategy behind a Papal election?

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

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How To Turn The Red Wall... Turquoise?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 11:13:48 GMT

Nigel Farage is pitching for voters in the North and Midlands, promising to build what he calls a "turquoise wall". Will taking control of British Steel help persuade voters Labour is protecting its former industrial heartlands? Who does Ed Davey have in mind when he appeals to Middle England? And is Reform UK definitely turquoise?

Hugo, Sally and Danny are joined by former Lib Dem director of communications Olly Grender.

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

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How To Take On The Flabby State (With Michael Gove)

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 12:04:30 GMT

Danny's away, so Sally, Polly and Hugo are joined by former cabinet minister and politest man in politics, Michael Gove. What did he learn about Donald Trump's 'man cave' when he interviewed him the first time round?

And, Keir Starmer wants to tackle what he calls the 'flabby state' - Is that the same as the 'blob', and can you reform Whitehall without going to war with it?

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

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How To Run Number 10

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 10:31:37 GMT

10 Downing Street is a rabbit warren of offices in a Georgian townhouse, and the centre of power in Britain. But how much control does it really exert over the rest of government, does it matter who has what job, and should we turn the whole thing into a museum?

The political masterminds discuss how number 10 really works, and Polly explains why her husband thinks Canada is worse than North Korea.

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

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How To Sell Austerity 2.0

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:25:28 GMT

Rachel Reeves doesn't want to use the word 'austerity', but has she found a narrative to help explain her cuts to welfare and government spending? Why was 'fixing the roof when the sun is shining' such an effective message for David Cameron and George Osborne? And which of Danny's three types of strategy will Labour adopt at the next General Election?

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

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How To Lose A By-Election (And Sell Your Tesla)

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 11:33:00 GMT

Which party has the most to lose in the Runcorn & Helsby by-election? The political masterminds make their predictions, and discuss what's at stake for Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch.

And as Sally reveals she's replaced her Tesla, do boycotts make any difference?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Learn From Farage's Feud

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:02:39 GMT

As the row between Nigel Farage and Rupert Lowe threatens the success of Reform UK, how do you stop the big beasts in a political party from falling out? Is it ever just about policy, or always more about personality?

We also discuss giving geography lessons to politicians, and Polly gets cross about more empty words about the welfare state.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Be PM In A Global Crisis

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:50:12 GMT

With Keir Starmer focused on diplomacy over Ukraine, the political masterminds ask if the domestic agenda always has to suffer during major world events. When does a foreign conflict turn into a 'Falklands moment', and when does a leader get criticised for spending too much time globe-trotting?

Sally, Polly, Danny and Hugo also ask how to stop a minister resigning - or how to let them do it at an advantageous moment.

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

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How To Tell Jokes, Deal With Trump, And Welcome Sally

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 12:33:53 GMT

We're welcoming a new political mastermind to the podcast this week - Sally Morgan has been a Labour insider since the days of Neil Kinnock and went on to be Tony Blair's right-hand woman in Downing Street, at his side for some of the biggest moments in recent political history.

She joins Polly, Danny and Hugo to discuss leaders who can tell jokes and those who can't, Liz Truss calling Britain a failed state, and whether anyone knows how to save the transatlantic relationship.

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

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The Labour Peer Who Inspired JD Vance

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:52:54 GMT

How To Win An Election is moving to every Thursday, starting this Thursday, February 27th - when we'll be announcing a new political mastermind.

In the meantime, here's an episode from our colleagues at The Story.

Lord Maurice Glasman was the only Labour politician to be invited to Trump’s inauguration after striking up a friendship with JD Vance. So who is he and why is his 'Blue Labour' movement seen by Starmer's inner circle as the medicine to tackle the rise of Reform?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guest: Patrick Maguire, Political Columnist, The Times and author of Get In:The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Further reading: To take on the right, will Labour go blue?

Clips: GB News, NBC, PBS, UnHerd, Together, ABC Australia, The Guardian.

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How To Survive As A Political Adviser

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 12:17:53 GMT

What's the role of an adviser at the top level of politics, and does it always involve swearing?

John McTernan, who has worked for prime ministers in the UK and Australia, joins the political masterminds to discuss the highs and the lows of the job. And after Kemi Badenoch speaks at a gathering of right-of-centre thinkers in London, what have we learned about her brand of Conservatism?

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

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How To Be A Disrupter

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:06:19 GMT

Nigel Farage's former adviser Gawain Towler joins the political masterminds to discuss how to be an insurgent force in politics. They look back at how UKIP finally made a break-through at Westminster and forced David Cameron into offering the EU referendum.

If you have a message for Hugo, Polly or Danny send it to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk.

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How To Tell Who's Really In Charge

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:37:43 GMT

This week the political masterminds (and Hugo) are joined by Theo Bertram, who worked in Downing Street for Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

After a new book by Times journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund sheds light on the inner workings of Keir Starmer's government, is chief of staff Morgan McSweeney actually in charge? And should a new YouGov/Times poll showing Reform UK ahead of Labour for the first time cause everyone to panic?

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

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How To Hang Out Your Political Washing

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:45:31 GMT

How much time in Number 10 is devoted to getting on with the business of government, and how much to thinking about winning the next election?

Sally Morgan, one of Tony Blair's closest advisers, joins Hugo, Polly and Danny to discuss running a campaign and delivering at the same time. She explains what a political washing line is, why Liz Truss was all line and no clothes, and they compare notes on ministers who would always go on the airwaves to defend their party.

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

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How To Respond To Trump

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:28:38 GMT

Keir Starmer is on a charm offensive with Donald Trump - does it give Labour's opponents an electoral advantage?

The political masterminds (and Hugo) are joined by US pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson to discuss Trump's inauguration, his honeymoon (or otherwise), and Polly and Kristen disagree over Republican women.

You can still vote for us in the People's Choice category at this year's Political Podcast Awards. Please vote for us here.

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How To Stop Your Missions Becoming Impossible

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:28:02 GMT

With Reform closing in on Labour in the polls and questions being asked about the chancellor's political survival, how can the government get on with the day job of changing the country?

The political masterminds are joined by guest Peter Hyman, former adviser to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer and architect of the government's five "missions for national renewal".

And... the podcast has been shortlisted in the People's Choice category at this year's Political Podcast Awards. While we get ready to deploy the dark arts, please vote for us here.

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How To Say Goodbye To Peter

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 12:23:43 GMT

The political masterminds (and Hugo) say farewell to Peter before he heads to Washington as the UK's ambassador to the United States. Has he packed his wellies, and could there be another comeback around the corner?

Danny, Polly and Hugo also discuss who should replace him, and with local elections in England on the way - who will win the battle for control of the right of politics?

Send your messages to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Stop Political Chaos Ruining Christmas

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 10:50:16 GMT

Peter, Polly and Danny are answering your questions this week. When has politics ruined their Christmas - or in Polly's case, a hen do? Will there be a realignment on the left to threaten Keir Starmer? Why did Jo Swinson help Boris Johnson into Downing Street? And should politicians risk a holiday?

Send your messages to the political masterminds (and Hugo) at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To See Off An Insurgent Party

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:27:37 GMT

Nigel Farage's Reform UK is on a roll, but can the political masterminds see a time when he breaks the traditional two-party system? How would they advise Labour and the Tories to deal with the threat - and how would they advise Farage?

They also look back to Ed Miliband's decision not to back air strikes against Syria in 2013, and Peter remembers a three-hour meeting with the country's dictator Bashar al-Assad soon after he took power.

Send your messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Keep Blaming Your Predecessors

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:02:50 GMT

The prime minister wants to blame the last government for leaving the economy in a mess, just like David Cameron did in 2010 - but is the strategy working, and for how long?

The political masterminds - and Hugo - discuss the whether voters will reward Starmer for being sensible, whether he should be more like Harold Wilson, and whether any Western government can get to grips with migration.

Send your messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Prepare For PMQs

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 11:57:57 GMT

Peter, Polly and Danny explain what goes on inside 10 Downing Street - and the Leader of the Opposition's office - in the days and hours before Prime Minister's Questions. Why is it often the only way a PM can find out what's going on in their own government, and does Kemi Badenoch have a strategy yet?

How much politics is involved in the free vote on assisted dying, and why doesn't Danny own a pair of Wellington boots?

Send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How to Handle Elon Musk (And The Farmers)

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:02:25 GMT

How should Keir Starmer cope with criticism from the world's richest man (and Trump adviser) Elon Musk - ignore him, or try to build bridges through mutual friends?

And how worried should the government be as farmers protest over changes to inheritance tax? The political masterminds, and Hugo, look at the parallels with protests during the Blair years.

Send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Work Out Why You Lost

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:56:59 GMT

When you've lost an election, how do you work out what went wrong - and do you always have to blame the leader? The political masterminds (and Hugo Rifkind) look at what went wrong for Kamala Harris, and bicker (a little bit) over the Brexit referendum.

And, what does Peter have to say about speculation he could be the next UK ambassador to the US?

Send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly and Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Win A US Election, Part II

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:16:29 GMT

The political masterminds are joined by Chatham House's Dr Leslie Vinjamuri to discuss the state of American democracy, the gender gap between US voters, and the chances of violence in the wake of the presidential election.

Does Kemi Badenoch know which voters she'll be pursuing at the next election? And will increasing tuition fees damage Keir Starmer?

You can send messages to Hugo, Peter, Polly or Danny at at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Avoid A Budget Blunder

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 12:30:21 GMT

The budget is at last upon us, and political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Hugo Rifkind to discuss how to manage such a crucial political and economic event.

They also discuss the perils of political rallies, where Labour's obsession with 'working people' comes from, and why liberals love Diet Coke.

If you've got a message, voice note or a cover version of the theme tune you can contact the political masterminds (and Hugo) at howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Manage The News Cycle

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:08:49 GMT

We're answering your questions on the podcast this week, including - was it easier to manage the news agenda in the Blair and Cameron years? Will some Conservative MPs think about defecting under a new leader? And... whack-a-mole or guacamole, what's it all got to do with mushy peas?

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How To Win A US Election

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:08:16 GMT

We're in the final weeks of the race for the White House, and it could all come down to the votes of fewer people than it takes to fill two Taylor Swift concerts.

Peter, Polly, Danny and Hugo are joined by Rest Is Politics US co-host Katty Kay to look at the latest on the contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Just how tight are the polls, what happened to Harris's momentum, and do Europeans misunderstand Trump?

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How To Shake Up Downing Street

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:26:46 GMT

Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein are back - now with added Hugo Rifkind.

There's a lot to catch up on since they last met - including what's really going on with Sue Gray's departure from Number 10, Morgan McSweeney's leadership style, the saga of Starmer's suits, and is the Tory leadership contest a genuine clash of ideas?

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How To Make Starmer A One-Term PM

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 11:30:42 GMT

As the Conservatives get ready for a lengthy leadership campaign, how long could take to get back into a position where they can win - could it happen as soon as the next election, and how do they best oppose the government in the meantime?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein look at the lessons from history, and consider how Keir Starmer will handle his first Prime Minister's Questions since taking power.

We also say goodbye to Matt on his last episode, before the podcast takes a break over the summer.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Deal With JD Vance

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 10:50:24 GMT

Donald Trump has picked JD Vance as his running mate and looks on course to return to the White House. How is the UK Government preparing for Trump 2.0, and does it matter that the foreign secretary once called him a ‘neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the presidential election, and whether the Conservative Party needs another Dominic Cummings.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Whip Your New MPs

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 10:52:31 GMT

It's the first week of the next election campaign, and new MPs are arriving in Westminster in their hundreds. The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to find out how the parties will manage the new intake.

They also discuss the balance of power in what's left of the Conservative Party, Liz Truss's 'PopCons', and whether Tony Blair has made a helpful intervention over ID cards.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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EMERGENCY EPISODE: How To Win The NEXT Election

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:49:40 GMT

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley in front of a live audience to unpack the election and look forward to the next four years. Who can rescue the Conservative Party, how influential will Nigel Farage be, and can they predict Keir Starmer's first U-turn?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Stay Up For Truss

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:30:09 GMT

Election night is nearly here, but which seats will the political masterminds be keeping an eye on as the results start flooding in? Could Liz Truss provide the next 'Portillo moment'?

Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to try to predict what surprises the night might have in store, and to give their verdict on Tory attacks on a 'part-time' Keir Starmer.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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Q&A: How To Replace Joe Biden

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 11:55:00 GMT

After Joe Biden's calamitous performance in the first US presidential debate, will the Democrats have to replace him as their candidate for the White House?

The political masterminds Daniel Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie join Matt Chorley to answer your questions, including how to be authentic in politics and when is the right time to launch a leadership bid?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How Not To Talk About Brexit

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:32:24 GMT

It's the subject that none of the parties want to talk about - why hasn't Brexit played a bigger part in the election campaign so far?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley as the podcast passes one million downloads.

They discuss whether we'll ever rejoin the EU, whether a Keir Starmer cabinet would contain any big surprises, and why John Prescott has called Peter to apologise.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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Q&A: How Not To Bet On Politics

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:11:01 GMT

We're answering your questions in another bonus episode, including: Does someone at Conservative HQ have a bet on the party being wiped out? If Labour wins, will it keep MPs at Westminster all summer while the Tories are in disarray? And who will win the 2034 election?

Political masterminds Daniel Finkelstein and Polly Mackenzie join Matt Chorley to discuss all of that, and whether the Tories should follow the example of Marks & Spencer to win back middle class voters.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Oppose A Supermajority

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:21:22 GMT

As ministers admit on the airwaves that a Conservative victory looks unlikely, how will a small Tory rump in Parliament oppose a new Labour government?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt to look back at what happened in the aftermath of the 1997 Labour landslide, and to consider which way the Conservative Party will turn next. We've also had our first piece of fan art, and launched a colouring competition.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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Q&A: How Starmer Is Measuring The Curtains

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 12:21:23 GMT

With Reform UK now ahead of the Conservatives according to one poll, how should Rishi Sunak respond?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson and Daniel Finkelstein think the prime minister could electrify the campaign by tackling Nigel Farage head on.

They join Matt Chorley to talk about whether the polls could still shift before July 4, and whether Keir Starmer really should start measuring the curtains for 10 Downing Street.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How Trump Will Win

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 11:02:18 GMT

We've got a special guest on the podcast this week, with American pollster and strategist Frank Luntz joining Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie, Daniel Finkelstein and Matt Chorley to discuss why Joe Biden is in trouble in the race against Donald Trump, and why the Tories are facing a Canadian-style wipeout.

Was it wise for Rishi Sunak to head to a racetrack to launch the Conservative manifesto, and are any of the parties being honest about the economy?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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Q&A: How To Get D-Day Wrong

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 10:57:27 GMT

The podcast is going twice-weekly for the rest of the campaign, with the political masterminds answering your questions.

First up today, how did Rishi Sunak get it so wrong when he decided to leave the D-Day ceremony in France early? Can being a good constituency MP save you from defeat? And what's the point of canvassing?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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How To Fight Farage

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:12:48 GMT

How will Nigel Farage's decision to stand as a candidate for Reform UK affect the election result, and can things get any worse for Rishi Sunak?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the chances of a Conservative implosion, Peter's last-ditch plan to replace Sunak with Penny Mordaunt, and whether the TV debates could still shift the dial.

We also hear a new version of the theme music, sung in the style of The Smiths.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Dodge A Dodgy Candidate

Tue, 28 May 2024 11:58:32 GMT

The race is on to get candidates in place for the general election, with the Tories having to deal with more MPs announcing their departure by the day.

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss who the parties will pick, and who they’ll come to regret.

And has Rishi Sunak’s campaign actually started better than we’d expected?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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EMERGENCY EPISODE: How To Call An Election!

Wed, 22 May 2024 17:00:00 GMT

It's happened. Rishi Sunak has announced the General Election for 4th July - as predicted by Danny in the last episode of the podcast.

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt for an emergency episode, recorded at the Podcast Show in London.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Pull Off A Political Stunt

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:58:05 GMT

The long election campaign is well underway, and politicians are vying for attention with eye-catching photocalls, speeches, visits and stunts.

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein explain what happened when Blair and Brown shared an ice cream, when Ming Campbell pointed down the toilet, and when Danny was asked to arrange an actual bonfire of regulations.

And why does Danny think the chances of a summer election may be rising?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Tell When The Game's Up

Tue, 14 May 2024 11:55:49 GMT

Is there a point in an election campaign when you realise that the game is up and you're going to lose? And can you admit it when it happens?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss whether Rishi Sunak has another roll of the dice, why Polly planned for a coalition that never happened, and when Peter, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown knew they had no chance of beating the Tories.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Leave A Legacy

Tue, 07 May 2024 11:00:07 GMT

What is Rishi Sunak's political legacy, and has he still got time to build one? The political masterminds discuss when leaders have left a lasting change - and whether they can ever leave the public wanting more.

Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to talk about legacy, why Rachel Reeves is using the word 'gaslighting', and why Peter thinks the Green Party is becoming a 'dustbin' for the hard left.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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LIVE: How To Spin Defeat

Fri, 03 May 2024 12:53:21 GMT

In a special bonus episode of the podcast, Matt and the political masterminds analyse the local elections results in front of a live audience.

How easy is it to spin your way out of a heavy election defeat, has Rishi Sunak done enough to see off Tory rebels, and should Labour be talking more about Liz Truss?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Defy Political Gravity

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:11:10 GMT

Is there anything that Rishi Sunak can do to defy political gravity and deny Labour a majority? And after flying high for so long, can the SNP find a new leader that will help them turn the page?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the turmoil in Scottish politics, whether Labour is overpromising, and Conservative fortunes heading into the local elections in England and Wales.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Pitch For The Leadership

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:40:06 GMT

There's currently no vacancy for the leadership of the Conservative Party, but that hasn't stopped potential candidates from positioning themselves for life after Rishi Sunak.

Matt Chorley asks the political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein how to get the top job without being seen to wield the knife.

After Rishi Sunak turns on Liz Truss, has he been taking their advice? And what will happen if Donald Trump endorses Nigel Farage during the election campaign?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Learn From Liz Truss

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 11:18:52 GMT

How much lasting damage has Liz Truss done to the Conservative Party, and any future leaders hoping to pursue a radical tax-cutting agenda?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss the former prime minister's new book and whether she wants her party to win or lose the election.

And with local elections on the way, does expectation management really work - and could a defeat even lead to Rishi Sunak walking away from Downing Street?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

We'll be recording a special episode of the podcast in front of a live audience after the local elections - find the details here.

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How To Do A TV Debate

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 11:33:10 GMT

This week in 2010 saw the UK's first ever TV debate between the party leaders.

Campaign insiders Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to remember the advice they gave at the time. Why did Tony Blair warn Peter not to talk up Nick Clegg's performance, why did David Cameron tell Danny he'd been nervous for the first time in his political life, and would they advise Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to take part this time around?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

We'll be recording a special episode of the podcast in front of a live audience after the local elections - find the details here.

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

How To Win PMQs And The Papers

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 08:00:41 GMT

We're answering your questions this week, including whether Prime Minister's Questions really matters, how important is it to win the support of the newspapers, and does negative campaigning work?

Matt Chorley is joined by the political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

And we'll be recording a special episode of the podcast in front of a live audience - find the details here.

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How To Write A Manifesto

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:12:56 GMT

Who is writing the manifestos ahead of the General Election, and how are the parties planning to make them grab the public's attention without blowing up during the campaign?

Election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to talk about 1983's 'longest suicide note in history', and the time Theresa May kept the manifesto secret from her own cabinet.

We also hear why Peter's upset the unions, why H'Angus the Monkey won an election, and whether the Tories have given up plotting for a few weeks.

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How To Win With Taylor Swift (And Other Celebrities)

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:40:22 GMT

In the US, Taylor Swift could have the power to swing the presidential election. As famous faces come out to back Keir Starmer's plans for the arts, we ask when a celebrity endorsement can boost a campaign... and when it can go badly wrong.

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss star power, and who could be the next Conservative leader - could the runners and riders include Michael Gove and even David Cameron?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Defect

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:36:51 GMT

Can Rishi Sunak hold his party together, or is former deputy chairman Lee Anderson's departure a sign of even more Tory unrest ahead?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to look at what happens when politicians defect, from the Gang of Four to Change UK. And how did Keir Starmer react to Peter's diet advice?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Do The Budget (And The Dishwasher)

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:02:26 GMT

Can Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak use the Budget to shift the dial, leave the cupboard bare for Labour, and even prepare the ground for a May election?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to look at when budgets go right, and when they go wrong. And as the prime minister and his wife discuss stacking the dishwasher, is it a good idea for politicians to show they're human after all?

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Deal With Truss

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:29:00 GMT

Liz Truss has been in the US, appearing alongside Trump strategist Steve Bannon and blaming the 'deep state' for forcing her from office. Should Rishi Sunak act, and even kick her out of the party?

Matt Chorley and the election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss whether the prime minister could take a stand against his predecessor, why Parliament is in a mess over Gaza, and what it's like to stand in an unwinnable seat.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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

How To Win In A Recession

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:14:10 GMT

Is it the economy, stupid, that will decide the election? Could green shoots come to the government's rescue?

Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to look at what happens when the country goes to the polls during a recession.

They also find out why Polly's gone viral, how parties vet candidates, and when politics has moved them to tears.

Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk, or WhatsApp 0333 00 323 53 with the words 'How To Win'.

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How To Survive The Campaign

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:56:44 GMT

Working round the clock, sleeping in the office and eating sugary cereals. How do the people working on the inside of a campaign survive all the way to polling day? Is Boris Johnson's coalition of voters lost forever? And where's the best place to watch the exit poll come in?

The political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to answer some of your questions, and to find out what music Peter should walk on to.

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

Music:

Carmina Burana, O Fortuna - Carl Orff

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How To Follow A Focus Group

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 13:21:51 GMT

Focus groups, along with opinion polls, are vital for political parties and election campaigns. Peter Mandelson discusses introducing them to British politics, Polly Mackenzie explains why the Lib Dems could never afford them, and even Daniel Finkelstein agrees they make a difference.

The political masterminds join Matt Chorley to talk about when to follow the polls and when to ignore them, Liz Truss's Popular Conservatives, and who has met the most prime ministers?

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

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How To Form A Coalition

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:07:27 GMT

How do you plan, negotiate and form a coalition? Should Labour be thinking more seriously about doing a deal with the Liberal Democrats? And have we finally found out what Danny thinks makes a difference to the outcome of the election?

Matt Chorley is joined by political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein to lift the lid on the last coalition negotiations in 2010, including who had done their homework, who wore shorts and who brought the best snacks.

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

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How Not To Split The Vote

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:47:33 GMT

Will Nigel Farage and Reform UK split the Conservative vote, and could Jeremy Corbyn launch a new left-wing party to take votes from Labour?

Political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley to discuss local elections, access talks, and have they ever been inspired by The West Wing or The Thick Of It?

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

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How To Win A By-Election

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:09:43 GMT

With at least two by-elections on the way, what impact will they have on Rishi Sunak if he keeps losing? Do they tell us any more than an opinion poll? And how did an American intern saddle Peter with an apocryphal story about mushy peas?

Matt Chorley and election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein also discuss how the return of Donald Trump will influence the UK General Election.

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

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How To Destroy Ed Davey

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:47:02 GMT

With Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey in the headlines for his role in the Post Office scandal, will his opponents be able to turn his track record against him?

Matt Chorley is joined by Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein to discuss Davey's (possible) downfall, whether Rishi Sunak really will wait until the autumn to go to the polls, and why the prime minister decided to switch strategy.

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

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How To New Year Relaunch

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:31:46 GMT

It's the start of a huge political year, and Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer are planning big speeches to try and frame the coming general election.

Should the Conservatives 'let Sunak be Sunak', does Dominic Cummings have the answers, and is Labour's plan to borrow £28bn a gift to the Tories?

Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt to discuss the choices facing the leaders, and to look at some of the other big elections taking place around the world in 2024.

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

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How To Answer Your Questions

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 10:00:39 GMT

In a special end of year episode we answer some of your biggest political questions, including: Who will be in Downing Street and the White House this time next year? Will Nigel Farage try to join the Tories? And do the closing days of an election campaign make any difference?

There are Christmas crackers in the studio as election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein sit down and talk turkey with Matt Chorley.

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

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

How To Tell A Political Joke, And Not Become One

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:55:22 GMT

Can Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer tell a decent gag, and does it matter? Why did 'From Stalin to Mr Bean' do so much damage to Gordon Brown, and why did Nick Clegg once compare David Cameron to Toilet Duck?

Matt Chorley and election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein remember when politicians being funny made a difference, and when their side-splitters fell flat.

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

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

How To Raise A War Chest - And How To Waste It

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 13:48:40 GMT

The next election is set to be the most expensive in history. But why are people giving so much to the Conservatives when the party is in chaos? Does the party with the deepest pockets win? And was the Ed Stone a cold hard waste of cash?

Matt Chorley asks election masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein about the role of money in politics, and whether they think the chances of an early election are rising.

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

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

How To Bury Boris Johnson (And Other Political Ghosts)

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:52:24 GMT

Is it time for Rishi Sunak to condemn Boris Johnson? Is Keir Starmer right to dream of Margaret Thatcher? And why is Danny being fair to Ed Miliband?

Matt Chorley and political masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein discuss how to deal with the ghost of a former party leader.

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

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

How To Crush (Or Cuddle) Your Rebels

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 13:34:43 GMT

Rishi Sunak is behind in the polls and under pressure from his MPs over immigration. But should a leader try to compromise with party rebels, or confront them?

Matt Chorley is joined by Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein to discuss Sunak's troubles, the threat to Keir Starmer from the left, where Nick Clegg went wrong over tuition fees, and why a coup in British politics almost never succeeds.

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

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How To Make Slogans Great Again

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:00:07 GMT

Yes We Can. Are you Thinking What We're Thinking? Labour Isn't Working. New Labour, New Britain. Take Back Control.

When it comes to campaign slogans, what separates the good from the bad? And how are they being used to sell Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer?

Matt Chorley is joined by Daniel Finkelstein, Polly Mackenzie and Peter Mandelson to pick their favourite campaign songs - and Peter sings along.

Music:

We'll Be the Change - Liberal Democrat Community Choir

Meet The Challenge, Make the Change - Eddie Bayliss

Heartlands - Mike Batt

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How To Make A Shock Comeback

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 13:10:47 GMT

What's the secret to a successful cabinet reshuffle? What will Suella Braverman do next?

As David Cameron returns, three-time comeback kid Peter Mandelson remembers when Gordon Brown asked him for help a decade after they had fallen out.

Daniel Finkelstein explains how Rishi Sunak kept Cameron's appointment under wraps, and Polly Mackenzie reveals how the Number 10 whiteboard worked.

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

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How To Win At Policy

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 14:18:06 GMT

As the government sets out its plans in the King's Speech, we ask whether policies can win or lose an election.

Peter Mandelson regrets backing HS2 to upstage the Tories, Polly Mackenzie thinks the pension triple lock was a terrible idea, while Daniel Finkelstein remembers the time his peer's robes were mistaken for a Father Christmas outfit.

And is Suella Braverman a born disruptor?

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

Clip: Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan – How To Win An Election, written by Leslie Bricusse, Philips Recordings

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How To Decide When To Call An Election

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:54:59 GMT

With Rishi Sunak still behind in the polls, will he wait a full year before calling a General Election? And at a time when many voters feel pessimistic about the future, can either Sunak or Keir Starmer generate a sense of hope and change?

In this first episode of How To Win An Election, electoral masterminds Peter Mandelson, Polly Mackenzie and Daniel Finkelstein join Matt Chorley for your insider's guide to the twists and turns of the next year in politics.

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

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Introducing: How To Win An Election

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:05 GMT

How To Win An Election - your weekly guide through the twists and turns of a tumultuous campaign.

Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.

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

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