logo
episode-header-image
May 2023
37m 44s

Why the hell would you work for an MP?

POLITICO
About this episode
In a special episode, host Aggie Chambre gathers a group of 20-something politicos who spent years working as aides and researchers for some of Britain's best-known politicians — and hears what working for an MP is really like. They tell stories of drunken sleepovers in parliament, MPs' texts at 4 a.m., and high-pressure casework for distraught constituents ... Show More
Up next
Jul 3
Football and politics: How to play the game
With England through to the knockout stages of the World Cup and hopes rising that football might finally be coming home, Westminster is watching nervously — and closely. The beautiful game shapes the national mood like little else. For politicians, that creates both huge opportu ... Show More
38m 27s
Jun 26
Does being a good mayor make you a good prime minister?
The Greater Manchester mayoralty made Andy Burnham famous. Now he's hoping he can take the approach he developed in the city to the whole country. This week on Westminster Insider, host Sascha O'Sullivan speaks to four serving mayors — and one former one about whether the role wi ... Show More
32m 29s
Jun 24
Robert Jenrick's plan to take on 'Reform Slayer' Andy Burnham
Makerfield has proved to be the making of Andy Burnham’s bid for the top job, but could it also be the moment that Nigel Farage’s ambitions for Number 10 took a knock? While Reform UK continues to lead the national polls, it failed to capture the Greater Manchester seat last week ... Show More
32m 54s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
128. Whips, Chaos, and secrets from Westminster (Simon Hart)
Why do the wrong people become MPs? How can we transform Westminster into a modern day workplace? How did Simon Hart’s time at The Countryside Alliance inform his politics? Rory and Alastair are joined by the ex-Tory Chief Whip, Simon Hart, to discuss all this and more. Just head ... Show More
1h 2m
Feb 2024
Why would anyone want to become an MP?
<p>The chaos in parliament over the vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion has segued into a debate on the threats facing MPs&nbsp;–&nbsp;and the lengths deemed appropriate to safeguard against them. A tumultuous week in politics leaves the fate of the Commons Speaker hanging in the bal ... Show More
38m 53s
Apr 2024
Why Politics Isn't A Family Affair
<p>Is it possible to have a happy family life and be a Member of Parliament? Matt speaks to MPs and their family members to find out about the pressures of life at Westminster, and whether more needs to be done to modernise.</p><br><p>Plus:&nbsp;A taster of the latest episode of ... Show More
41m 29s
Nov 2023
190. Question Time: Should WhatsApp messages stay private?
What makes Parliament the most poisonous place to work? Should MPs listen to their SpAds? Was the Freedom of Information Act a mistake? Join Alastair and Rory as they answer all these questions and more on this week’s Question Time. TRIP Plus: Become a member of The Rest Is Pol ... Show More
35m 44s
Nov 2023
Spads vs Civil Servants?
<p>Has the relationship between the civil service and politicians and their advisers been permanently damaged? Matt speaks to Lord McDonald, permanent secretary at the Foreign Office until 2020, former civil servant Jill Rutter, and Hugh Bennett, former special adviser to Boris J ... Show More
36m 22s
Nov 2021
MPs’ booster jobs
There's been a heated row in parliament today about MP's taking on second jobs... Adam and Laura chat it through. The BBC's Sima Kotecha and her mum, Hansa, are back! We discuss the huge public reaction to former Yorkshire cricketer, Azeem Rafiq’s, emotional testimony on Tuesday. ... Show More
34m 11s
Jul 2021
THANGAM STYLE: A Debbonaire special guest
It’s time for Parliament’s end of term report card. Does anyone at all get an A, or should everyone be forced to repeat the year in disgrace? Special guest Thangam Debbonaire MP, Shadow Leader of the Commons, joins us to explain the meaning of Dawn Butler calling Boris Johnson a ... Show More
56m 19s
May 2022
Reporting on the abuse of power
Two stories about power – and how it can be abused. The first is the tale of an MP caught looking at porn in the House of Commons and what it might tell us about the culture of political reporting at Westminster. The other is the joint BBC and The Guardian investigation into alle ... Show More
27m 34s
Jul 2023
How To Punish Politicians
<p>Matt is joined by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg, the man in charge of investigating politicians behaviour. He discusses whether MPs' conduct is getting worse or not, and the possible punishments he could hand down to those that break the rules.< ... Show More
43m 17s
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami