The State of It

The extraordinary tale of how the Chagos deal went down in Number 10.
Plus, how long can Keir Starmer maintain his softly, softly approach to Donald Trump?
With the news that China's mega embassy has been approved, we hear about Gabriel's attempts to get his hands on a note sent by Boris Johnson to the Chinese embassy. And who else is heading into the arms of Reform UK?

Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Picture credit: Getty Images

Email us: [email protected]
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'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 Times
Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Picture credit: Getty Images

Email us: [email protected]
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.

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 Times
Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Email us: [email protected]
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.

Hold onto your hats for a year that promises plenty of political drama.

Steven Swinford, political editor, The Times
Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Picture credit: Getty Images

Email us: [email protected]
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.

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 Times
Caroline Wheeler, political editor, The Sunday Times
Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times
Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall editor, The Sunday Times

Producer: Euan Dawtrey
Executive producer: Molly Guinness

Email us: [email protected]
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.