Episode

We’re all just normal people railing against politics

Podcast
The State of It
Published
May 26, 2026
Duration seconds
1721
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://shows.acast.com/times-daily-world-briefing/episodes/are-reform-worried
Audio
https://sphinx.acast.com/p/acast/s/times-daily-world-briefing/e/6a1596f3942fd18754419c0a/media.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/the-state-of-it-5218105/episodes/we-re-all-just-normal-people-railing-against-politics
Markdown
/podcast/the-state-of-it-5218105/we-re-all-just-normal-people-railing-against-politics.md

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Summary

In the Makerfield by-election, Reform UK have put forward a local plumber in the hope of derailing Burnham’s push for power — but a string of deeply questionable old social media posts has left the campaign wobbling. Meanwhile, on Reform’s right flank, Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party is threatening to split the vote after a Sunday Times poll put them on 7% — enough to potentially hand Labour the advantage. Back in Downing Street, Rachel Reeves is machine-gunning her colleagues. The question is whether she genuinely believes she can survive in post under an Andy Burnham leadership. Patrick Maguire, chief political commentator, The Times Lara Spirit, deputy political editor, The Sunday Times Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Harry Kitson Executive producer: Molly Guinness Picture credit: Getty Images 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.