The State of It

Keir Starmer's sending mixed messages to his MPs: warm words but ice cold briefings about any leadership machinations. Can the two positions co-exist? Gabriel gives the inside story of the scoop that could lead to the departure of West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford.And has Reform hit a ceiling?Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: [email protected] 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.

Starmer wants to win over voters on the cost of living but can he make a convincing case, especially when Nigel Farage is planning to campaign on the same issue? Meanwhile the mood in the Labour Party remains bleak. Will Wes Streeting move against Keir Starmer? It surely can’t go on like this…or can it? Plus, in a new world order, there’s only so long you can sit on the fence.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessEmail us: [email protected] 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.

Hold onto your hats for a year that promises plenty of political drama.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: [email protected] 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.

Political moment of the year? Civil war of the year? And who or what gets The Actual State of It Award? 2025 offered rich pickings for our inaugural Christmas awards.Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessEmail us: [email protected] 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.

Senior Labour figures say a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership could come as early as next month. But who will move first? Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner are all on manoeuvres. Steven Swinford, political editor, The TimesCaroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday TimesPatrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The TimesGabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday TimesProducer: Euan DawtreyExecutive producer: Molly GuinnessPicture credit: Getty ImagesEmail us: [email protected] 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.