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The State of It

The State of It

By: The Times
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Real reporting from the coalface of British politics.


Join The Times and The Sunday Times’s political heavyweights Patrick Maguire, Steven Swinford, Gabriel Pogrund and Caroline Wheeler and as they dig deep into the latest tea room tip offs, reveal insider conversations and bring analysis, authority and insight.


No party loyalty. No spin. Not hosted by some old politicians. Taking you into the real business of politics, from those who live it daily.


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

News UK Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The State of It's Christmas Awards

    The State of It's Christmas Awards
    Dec 23 2025

    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: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    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.
    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Who will move first: Streeting or Burnham?

    Who will move first: Streeting or Burnham?
    Dec 16 2025

    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 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: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    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.
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Angela Rayner's main character energy

    Angela Rayner's main character energy
    Dec 9 2025

    Angela Rayner turned down a chance to appear on I'm a Celebrity because she wasn't done with politics. Will she return to cabinet or make a bid for the leadership herself? Patrick has been told what she really thinks of the idea of a pact with Wes Streeting.

    Also, Keir Starmer's plan for turning things around – and the bear traps on the path ahead.


    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


    Picture credit: Getty Images

    Clips: The Liz Truss Show


    Email us: thestateofit@thetimes.co.uk

    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.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
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