Is Shabana Mahmood Burnham's Chancellor?

Is Shabana Mahmood Burnham's Chancellor?

Author: Times Radio July 16, 2026 Duration: 34:23

Andy Burnham is days away from announcing his cabinet, with Shabana Mahmood expected to be named as chancellor. Spare a thought for Ed Miliband...


Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Cindy Yu and Matthew Parris. 


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Hugo Rifkind hosts Politics Unpacked, a daily podcast from Times Radio that goes beyond the headlines. Each episode is a conversation designed to make sense of the political landscape, focusing not just on the obvious stories of the day but also on the underlying forces and ideas that often get overlooked. Hugo brings in colleagues from The Times and The Sunday Times, offering a range of expert perspectives and insider analysis that you won't find elsewhere. The tone is informed and engaging, breaking down complex topics into digestible discussions without resorting to partisan shouting. It’s for anyone who wants to understand the ‘why’ behind the news, not just the ‘what’. You’ll hear thoughtful debate, unexpected connections, and a clear-eyed look at how power really operates. This isn't a recap of soundbites; it's a proper unpacking of the issues that shape our world. The podcast is released each weekday, mirroring the live radio show's schedule, providing a portable and on-demand way to stay informed. Tune in for a smarter take on current affairs, where the conversation is always more nuanced than the morning papers might suggest.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Politics Unpacked
Podcast Episodes
Reform Suspends Tory Defector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:10
Tory defector Tim Montgomerie has been suspended from Reform UK. Was that inevitable when he talked in public about splits within the party?Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Patrick Kidd and Megan Kenyon…
Reform's Welfare Bombshell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
Reform UK has unveiled radical plans to cut the welfare bill, including stopping foreign nationals from claiming a range of benefits. and abolishing personal indepednent payments. But has the party made a risky strategic…
Farage Bins The Count [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
Nigel Farage has won the Clacton by-election but didn't attend the count. He claims to have beaten the establishment but with the parliamentary investigation into his finances reopening, what has he actually achieved?Ed…
Is Burnham Moving Fast Enough On Growth? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:47
Andy Burnham promised 'good growth in every postcode,' but does he have the vision to turn the economy around, or will he be a continuation of Keir Starmer? Hugo unpacks the politics of the day with Fraser Nelson and Sar…
Is This Burnham's Week Of Chaos? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:51
Hugo Rifkind unpacks the politics of the day with Robert Crampton and Jane Mulkerrins.Has Andy Burnham come unstuck over the vexed issue of early prisoner release? Is it ever OK to call someone a traitor in politics? And…
Should Burnham Gamble On A Snap Election? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:32
With the latest YouGov poll for the Times showing Labour nudging ahead of Reform UK, pollster James Johnson argues that Andy Burnham should seize his 'goldilocks moment' and call an election.He joins Ed Vaizey, Charlotte…
Burnham's Here To Hear [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
Andy Burnham is due to embark on his summer tour of the UK. Is it a good use of the prime minister's time, and is he already reheating old policy ideas?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Libby Purves and Patr…
Is Burnham Too 'Blokey'? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:29
Andy Burnham has been advised to tone down his 'blokey' social media presence after posting a string of videos about football and the pub - but is the approach helping his image as a man of the people?Ed Vaizey unpacks t…
Diversity Gone Too Far? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:30
A Cambridge professor's resignation has reignited the debate over diversity and standards in British universities. Has the drive for equality gone too far?Ed Vaizey unpacks the politics of the day with Matthew Syed and S…
Badenoch's Double Standard? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:45
Kemi Badenoch defended the Conservative Party's decision to select a former neo-Nazi as a council candidate in Somerset. But after banishing Tory 'wets' like former minister Grant Shapps - is this a double standard?Ed Va…