How To Win An Election

Andy Burnham will soon be making his first speech from Downing Street as prime minister - how will he introduce himself to the nation?

The team discuss striking the right balance between optimism and acknowledging the scale of the challenge, and look back at their role in preparing speeches for Tony Blair, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. And, does the choice of lectern actually matter?

We also answer a question from a listener who asks whether Nigel Farage could lose the Clacton by-election.

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

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

This week the political masterminds are answering more of your questions.

Does Andy Burnham risk becoming all things to all people, and will that inevitably result in disappointment? What jobs would Sally, Polly and Danny have in No 10 North?

Have former military figures seized the agenda over defence spending, and is Labour worrying enough about a possible Tory revival?

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

And you can watch the podcast on YouTube here
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nigel Farage has announced his resignation as an MP, saying he will fight a 'people versus the establishment' by-election in Clacton.

Is it a high risk stunt by the Reform UK leader? When have by-elections backfired in the past, and will it make questions about his finances, and his future, go away?

Hugo, Sally, Polly and Danny analyse Farage's gamble.

Send your questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What have we learned so far about Andy Burnham's plan for government? Danny has been reading his book, Head North, and thinks he's proposing a clear left turn when it comes to the economy and public services.

Does Burnham's vision of a more devolved United Kingdom add up to an electoral strategy, or is that actually coming from Morgan McSweeney's playbook?

Plus: We're joined by comedian and host of the How To Win The World Cup podcast Matt Forde to discuss whether success on the football pitch can give a boost at the ballot box.

Send your questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The team bring their years of experience inside Downing Street to the question of how Andy Burnham will construct his cabinet, and who he could pick as chancellor.

After the return of James Purnell as chief of staff, is there a risk of having too many veterans of the Blair and Brown years back in power?

And - Polly sets out her vision for replacing Chequers with a Mar-a-Lago-style resort in Blackpool.

Send your questions, voicenotes and views on Polly's policy to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.