The Times brings together some of the most experienced strategists in British politics to discuss what's really going on behind the big stories, and elections taking place here and around the world.Daniel Finkelstein, Sally Morgan and Polly Mackenzie join Hugo Rifkind for an intelligent, adversarial and witty conversation every week.Follow the podcast now to never miss an episode.Send questions, comments and voicenotes to: howtowin@thetimes.co.ukExecutive Producer: Andrew Alexander Hosted on...
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Episode List

How Burnham Risks Being All Things To All People

Jul 10th, 2026 1:51 PM

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

How Farage Triggered A By-Election

Jul 7th, 2026 6:28 PM

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.

How To Read Burnham's Blueprint For Government

Jul 2nd, 2026 11:38 AM

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.

How To Pick Your Chancellor And Cabinet

Jun 25th, 2026 11:29 AM

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.

How Keir Went, And Andy Arrived

Jun 23rd, 2026 11:11 AM

Sally and Danny join Hugo for this extra episode to examine the Keir Starmer legacy - if there is one - and ask whether Andy Burnham could be a more consequential leader than the consensus gives him credit for.And, how will Reform UK attack Burnham - can they make the label 'Captain Flip-flop' stick?Send your comments, questions and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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