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Jan 2022
41m 40s

The Art of Defection

THE TIMES
About this episode

What makes a politician defect and change political sides? Matt talks to four politicians who decided to jump and how they kept it a secret including; Alan Howarth, Douglas Carswell, Anna Soubry and Dr Phillip Lee.


PLUS KNIGHT AT THE MARRIOTT... India Knight and James Marriott discuss taking responsibility and why rule breakers get ahead.


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

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