The State of It

No, you're a factionalist: Labour's new battle lines 21.07.2026 30Min.

The Grafton Pub Purge: inside the pub where Keir Starmer had drinks with allies as they were sacked one by one. It's fair to say that Andy Burnham's new cabinet has caused an astonishing amount of bitterness in the Labour Party. The Chancellor Shock: John Healey's surprise appointment as chancellor means he'll have to find £25bn, or the equivalent of 3p on income tax, to fund defence.Get ready for a Mega Budget: the new government is preparing announcements on bus fares and Thames Water, but it's still unclear how they will pay for spending pledges.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, George ClareExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Russel HernemanThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shabana Mahmood: The 'ruthless' incoming Chancellor? 16.07.2026 29Min.

Who is Shabana Mahmood, the 'ruthless' politician set to enter Downing Street as Andy Burnham’s Chancellor? After a fierce cabinet debate effectively ended Ed Miliband's hopes for the Treasury, all eyes are on her. And what does her potential appointment means for the future of UK politics, from welfare reform to the economy?Meanwhile, Westminser has descended into a surreal waiting game as the incoming Prime Minister prepares to take power. No one knows if their job is safe, and desperate insiders have resorted to asking our very own Steven Swinford if he knows anything they don't. Will Ed Miliband, Wes Streeting or Yvette Cooper feature? And how exactly will Number 10 North work?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Burnham's cabinet: Ed Miliband fails the smell test 14.07.2026 27Min.

Who will be in Andy Burnham's cabinet? It looks like Ed Miliband will not be chancellor after all. We have scoops for you about who's in line for the big jobs in the Westminster cabinet reshuffle.Burnham needs to make room for allies like Louise Haigh and Lucy Powell, so who will be sacked on Monday when Burnham takes over as prime minister?Westminster is like a hornet's nest of briefing and counter-briefing as Wes Streeting, Angela Rayner, Dan Jarvis, Yvette Cooper and others wait to hear what next week will bring.David Lammy has organised a whip-round for Keir Starmer's rather odd leaving present.And what will Burnham do once he's in post? We look at his immediate priorities and the possibility of a mega fiscal event in the autumn.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty Images.01:10 - Blocking Ed Miliband From Chancellor02:30 - Why the City Doesn't Trust the "London Left"03:50 - Will Miliband Accept a Demotion?05:05 - The Brutal Briefing War Behind Closed Doors06:40 - Defending the "Net Zero Zealot"07:45 - Cabinet Jenga: Filling the Great Offices of State09:25 - Angela Rayner & The "Day One" Loyalists11:05 - The Starmer Purge: Who Is Getting Sacked?12:45 - The Yvette Cooper Foreign Policy Question15:05 - Secret Policy Clashes: Josh Simons vs. Miatta Fahnbulleh17:15 - Angry Loyalists With "Nothing To Lose"19:40 - Starmer’s Bizarre Leaving Present21:30 - Flying to the World Cup Final22:35 - Burnham's Radical Plan for the Cost of Living25:00 - The Warning Over a "Mega Budget" & Wealth Taxes26:15 - North vs. South: The Growing Regional RebellionPicture: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage's Clacton by-election gamble 07.07.2026 25Min.

A furious Nigel Farage has said he will ‘stick two fingers up to the establishment’ by resigning and then winning a by-election in Clacton. Kemi Badenoch has accused him of having a hissy fit and Andy Burnham has said it's a gimmick designed to distract from questions over undeclared gifts. Will the Conservatives and Labour field candidates in the Clacton by-election?Will a Reform UK victory in Clacton boost Nigel Farage's standing in the rest of the country? And can Nigel Farage be suspended after a parliamentary standards investigation even if he wins the by-election?Who is George Cottrell, aka Posh George? Listen to the series here podfollow.com/posh-georgeSteven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage and Posh George: why it matters 06.07.2026 27Min.

Nigel Farage could face an investigation by the parliamentary watchdog after a Sunday Times investigation and podcast series raised questions about gifts and benefits in kind that he has received from George Cottrell, a crypto-gambler and convicted fraudster, who's better known as Posh George. Gabriel and Steve discuss how Reform UK has reacted to the story and what could happen next.Both George Cottrell and Nigel Farage deny any wrongdoing. Listen to the series here: podfollow.com/posh-george Episode 3 is out on Thursday 9th JulySteven Swinford, political editor, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Insight editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessImage: Getty/AlamyThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paranoia in the Labour Party: the Andy Burnham enigma 02.07.2026 19Min.

Andy Burnham is keeping his cards close to his chest and no one seems to know who'll get what job. That means there's a huge amount of paranoia and jostling for position the Labour Party. Cabinet ministers and MPs are lavishing praise upon him, but they're worried about his plans - both on policy and personnel. There's a lot of ill-feeling that could bubble up to the surface surprisingly quickly.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty Images00:00 - Burnham's Intense One-on-One MP Meetings00:32 - Paranoia and Panic in the Cabinet01:44 - Will Burnham Appeal to Southern Voters?02:50 - Desperate Ministers Begging to Keep Their Jobs03:40 - The Ghost of 2007: Burnham's "Woman Problem"06:13 - Ed Miliband's Chancellor Dilemma07:18 - How Departments Are Pandering to Burnham08:29 - Is David Miliband Making a Comeback?10:54 - The Real Reason Angela Rayner Has Been Weakened13:10 - Burnham's Frustration with Westminster "Ambulance Chasers"16:56 - A Long Goodbye: Starmer's Farewell Barbecues17:30 - The £15 Billion Defence Plan Black Hole18:20 - Government Paralysis and the Rochdale CaseThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You can't have more Milibands than women in top jobs" - Cain and Abel mark II 30.06.2026 29Min.

There is considerable intrigue around Andy Burnham's possible cabinet, not least because the eldest Miliband brother is being linked to the position of Foreign Secretary. Are we about to see UK politic's Cain and Able story return for a second round? And most importantly, Is Andy Burnham ready?Burnham's debut speech caused headlines with his bold plans to reshape the British state. But there are difficult questions lurking behind the rhetoric, namely what does any of it actually mean? Plus, Reform UK gears up to choose their top candidates to challenge Burnham in his own backyard.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk00:00 The Return of David Miliband?02:53 The Miliband Brothers Psychodrama04:23 Labour's "Boys Club" Optics Problem08:02 The Brutal Fight for Top Cabinet Jobs11:20 How Burnham is Manipulating Westminster13:56 Burnham vs Starmer: The Real Difference16:27 The Hidden Cost of Devolution (Tax Rises?)19:31 What is "Number 10 North" Really About?22:31 Why the Tories Fear Ed Miliband as Chancellor25:29 Nigel Farage's Secret Plot for the North27:35 The £5 Million Farage Crypto InvestigationThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham builds a plane mid-flight as Starmer checks out 23.06.2026 25Min.

Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer both want an orderly transition but one day in, it's looking anything but orderly.It's a transition beset with bad blood and uncertainty and also some serious technical hurdles. Is he building a plane mid-flight or is he more like Gromit, sitting on a speeding train, laying down the track in front of him?The biggest unanswered question facing Andy Burnham is who will be his chancellor. Three names are in contention: bookmakers' favourite Wes Streeting, rank outsider Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband — the bête noire of the bond markets.Patrick reports from parliament's bars, where the champagne is flowing and Labour MPs have suddenly become shameless attention-seekers, hoping to seduce Andy Burnham's allies.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesAudio: ReutersEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk0:00 - Can Andy Burnham Build the Plane Mid-Flight?1:15 - Drama on the Commons Terrace: Euphoria & Champagne4:20 - Keir Starmer's "Revenge" Timetable6:30 - The Next Chancellor: Miliband vs. Streeting vs. Mahmood13:12 - Scrapping the Triple Lock & Upcoming Wealth Taxes17:37 - Inside Number 10: Starmer's Farewell Speech19:33 - The £10bn Defence Plan Rupturing Labour21:55 - Civil Service Gridlock: Why Access Talks Are Delayed25:20 - The Crypto Billionaire Bankrolling Nigel Farage & Reform UK29:00 - Will There Be an Emergency Election?This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer resigns. Andy Burnham prepares for power 22.06.2026 20Min.

Andy Burnham could be prime minister within weeks after Keir Starmer's resignation. He may now need to build a government before the World Cup final. This is where the real trade-offs start. How long can Andy Burnham's hopey, changey, Northern Soul vibes last in Downing Street? There's already an almighty row going on over who will be his chancellor.Also today, where did all go wrong for Keir Starmer and what did Labour MPs think of his resignation speech?Wes Streeting has said he will not contest Andy Burnham for the Labour leadership, but are there any other possible candidates for the leadership contest?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessProducers: Harry Kitson, Euan DawtreyPicture credit: Getty ImagesAudio: Reuters00:00 — Starmer’s Resignation: The Total Lack of Contrition00:48 — A Surreal Timeline: Six Prime Ministers in a Decade01:56 — The Emotional Exit vs. The Bitter Backroom Reality03:04 — Where It Went Wrong: Sins of Tone & Policy U-Turns04:30 — The Brutal Verdict: "He Wasn't Up To It"05:47 — Outsourcing Power: Sue Gray, McSweeney, and Rachel Reeves08:46 — Enter Andy Burnham: Can He Rebrand the Labour Party?11:36 — Ed Miliband vs. The Financial Markets14:31 — Team Burnham's Impossible Economic Trade-offs16:36 — Will the Gloss Wear Off? The Unforgiving Spotlight of No. 1018:24 — Legitimacy Crisis: Nigel Farage Demands an Early Election20:06 — The Whitehall Machine in Total ChaosThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham wins Makerfield: what happens now? 19.06.2026 33Min.

Andy Burnham's victory in Makerfield makes him Labour leader and prime minister in waiting. How will the next days and weeks play out?Keir Starmer has said he will stand in a leadership contest if one is triggered. So does that mean a bloody contest rather than a coronation?In a special episode recorded live on Times Radio with Ed Vaizey, we go through the possible scenarios.And if Andy Burnham does become prime minister, what will he do with power? Who will be in his cabinet? We're told that Shabana Mahmood has turned down the offer of chancellor and will stay as home secretary. Is Ed Miliband still a likely candidate for chancellor? And what to do about Wes Streeting?We also look at the Conservative win in Aberdeen South. Is this a green shoot for the Conservative Party?And will the Makerfield result prompt some soul searching in Reform UK?Ed Vaizey, presenter, Times RadioSteven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Harry Kitson, Erin CarneyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty Images00:00 - Intro: "They’re Going to Have to Drag Him Out"00:20 - Welcome to The State of It: The Makerfield Shockwave00:56 - An Extraordinary Result: How Andy Burnham Defied Political Gravity03:00 - "Vote Burnham, Get Starmer Out" Campaign Strategy04:05 - Keir Starmer Strikes Back: Leadership Contest or Coronation?06:37 - Starmer's Response: "I'm Not Going to Walk Away"07:14 - Inside Starmer's Bunker: Refusing an Orderly Transition09:16 - The Secret List: 80+ MPs Backing Andy Burnham11:06 - Nigel Farage's Disappointment: Reform UK Share Drops12:00 - Kemi Badenoch's Tories Resurge in Scotland13:04 - Did Reform UK Choose the Wrong Candidate?14:04 - The Identity Schism Deepening Inside Reform UK16:00 - What Does an Andy Burnham Premiership Actually Stand For?17:48 - Tax Overhauls: Radical Land Tax vs. Council Tax18:38 - The NATO Summit and the Defense Investment Plan Dilemma21:00 - Tough Decisions on Welfare Cuts and Benefits23:16 - The Power Brokers: Louise Haig & Anneliese Midgley24:40 - Cabinet Secrets: Ed Miliband vs. Shabana Mahmood27:12 - Shabana Mahmood’s Hardline Immigration Reforms28:22 - Wes Streeting's Defiance: Forcing a Platform Battle?32:38 - What Happens to the Hardcore Starmer Loyalists?This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghostings and betrayals: Starmer's cabinet prepares for an Andy Burnham coup 16.06.2026 28Min.

Makerfield is the most consequential by-election in history. Andy Burnham is confident he'll win. What happens then? When and how does he make a move? What can Keir Starmer do to thwart him? We have several scoops for you today.Listen to find out which cabinet ministers are thinking of resigning after Makerfield and which senior figure has been ghosting the PM.If Andy Burnham does get to Number 10, the whole direction of his premiership will depend on who he picks for his cabinet. We bring you the latest on what his team is thinking.And of course it's also possible that Reform UK could beat Labour in Makerfield — what then?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessVideo editor: George ClarePicture credit: Getty ImagesAudio: Times RadioThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A circular firing squad: the bitter war over defence spending 09.06.2026 30Min.

Exclusive stories from the front line of the government's war over defence spending.And there's a swagger about Andy Burnham's team: they're more and more confident that he'll win in Makerfield. What happens next? And how will the enmity between Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer influence the outcome?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Getty ImagesEmail us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.ukThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tragic death of Henry Nowak and a political reckoning 02.06.2026 31Min.

Nigel Farage has said that the death of Henry Nowak is proof that "we’re living in a two-tier culture...where the rights and privileges of white people matter less than those of ethnic minorities". Police bodycam footage shows Nowak, 18, being arrested for alleged racial abuse minutes before he died from stab wounds in December 2025. It's a tragedy that's very quickly become political. We explain why it's an issue that's particularly tricky for Labour to respond to. Also, a snapshot of strange by-election campaign where cabinet members are not welcome, Labour MPs might be allowed a selfie with Andy Burnham (if they're lucky), and the future of the country is decided upon by a tiny group of people in a club where they hold auctions of exotic birds.And what the Mandelson files tell us about the Labour Party – and about Patrick Maguire Syndrome.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture: Henry Nowak with his father, Mark (Family handout/PA)Audio: PA, ITVThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re all just normal people railing against politics 26.05.2026 28Min.

In the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK have put forward a local plumber in the hope of derailing Burnham’s push for power — but a string of deeply questionable old social media posts has left the campaign wobbling. Meanwhile, on Reform’s right flank, Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is threatening to split the vote after a Sunday Times poll put them on 7% — enough to potentially hand Labour the advantage.Back in Downing Street, Rachel Reeves is machine-gunning her colleagues. The question is whether she genuinely believes she can survive in post under an Andy Burnham leadership.Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Keir Starmer's plan to remain PM till 2027 19.05.2026 28Min.

Scoop: Keir Starmer thinks he can remain prime minister till 2027, even if Andy Burnham wins in Makerfield...And if Burnham loses, what then?Fear and loathing in Number 10: we have details about the extraordinary levels of anger at the top of government.Makerfield is the most consequential by-election in history. Can Andy Burnham win in this pro-Brexit, anti-establishment seat? He's pitching himself as the anti-politics candidate, while simultaneously plotting his route to Downing Street.And if he does win, what will he do with power? Could he end up as a Keir Starmer in running shorts?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What the hell’s going on in Westminster? 14.05.2026 26Min.

Wes Streeting has resigned as health secretary, but he hasn't launched a leadership challenge. Why not? More than 90 Labour MPs have now called for the prime minister to go, but Keir Starmer is hanging on. What can he do now? And what's the next move for Angela Rayner, Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer: the end game 12.05.2026 37Min.

An extraordinary day in British politics: Keir Starmer vows to fight on, but the resignations keep on coming. How long can the prime minister survive? What's next, and who will move first? Wes Streeting has one shot: will he take it? What is Andy Burnham's plan? Recorded at Temple Church as part of the Fleet Street Quarter Festival of Words.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, editor of Insight, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BONUS: Reform shake Labour to its core 08.05.2026 25Min.

For now, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer vows to stay as the Reform leader Nigel Farage calls this a “truly historic shift in British politics” Steven and Lara caught up at the Times office in Westminster just after 4pm to unpack the results from England’s local council and mayoral elections, alongside national contests in Scotland and Wales, as Reform and the Greens surge and Labour suffer huge  losses.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"They're going to have to drag him out" - Starmer prepares for a leadership battle 05.05.2026 31Min.

Thursday's local elections are set to blow apart Britain’s political duopoly, and the fallout for Labour could be existential. Pressure is mounting on the Prime Minister as rivals circle. Angela Rayner, Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham are all positioning. But who moves first?Meanwhile, it's not all smooth sailing for the insurgents. Questions over Reform's Nigel Farage’s £5 million gift from Thai-based crypto tycoon Christopher Harborne aren’t going away.And on the left flank, Green Party leader Zack Polanski has seen his approval ratings dip after questioning police tactics during the Golders Green attack.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mandelson: Starmer’s original sin comes back to haunt him 28.04.2026 34Min.

Morgan McSweeney has told MPs that the revelations about Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were like a knife through his soul. The more we learn about the appointment process, the madder it sounds. And the odd thing is that crucial decisions were not written down: there are no receipts.There's a mood building in the Labour Party that Keir Starmer will need to go big or go home: come up with a bold agenda, make the case for it and then deliver it. Has he got it in him? And how far to the left will he take the government?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesLara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday TimesProducers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry KitsonExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.