In January 2021, the first Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccines made their way into people’s arms. By mid-march, 11 million people had received the jab.After successive lockdowns, it felt like a way out. But now, more than two years on, storm clouds are gathering.Today, 80 of them are preparing to sue Astrazeneca. They say that until now, no one has wanted to hear their stories. So we’re telling them.Find out more: ‘We were told the vaccine was safe - but what happened has been life-changing’Archive used in this episode from: BBC, Sky News, 10 Downing Street.Read more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

In the face of major disasters, it is perhaps inevitable that there will be missteps. And when the dust settles, people are asked to account for their actions.How is history going to judge the government’s response to COVID?In this last episode of the Lockdown Files podcast, the investigations team at the Telegraph investigates potential mistakes at the heart of the pandemic response.Shutting schools, a lack of oversight with financial support and questions over whether lockdown would ever happen in the same way again.Finally, the team catches up with the latest news from the public inquiry and hears from a relative of someone who died as they watch the evidence unfold.Read more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

Is it ever ok to scare the public?In this episode, the reporters dig into leaked messages which show a discussion between Matt Hancock and one of his team. They say “We frighten the pants off everyone with the new strain” and “When do we deploy the new variant”. The exchanges speak to a so-called “Project Fear”, which prompts the team to ask government ministers about whether decisions made were the right ones… We also speak to the adviser behind some of the government's messaging… And to a mum whose children are still dealing with the fall out tells her family’s story.  Read more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

Tens of thousands of care home residents died during the pandemic. Many people see it as the government’s biggest failure. Matt Hancock’s Whatsapp messages lifted the lid on conversations behind key decisions. But it wasn’t just the messages which were revealing… The team behind the Lockdown Files unearths new documents suggesting an unnerving offer made to care homes in Durham and Birmingham. Read more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

The Investigations team looks back on the early days of the pandemic. How prepared was the government? Was lockdown inevitable? But they hit a stumbling block - they may have 100,000 messages, but there’s a gap in March. So the team decide that if they can’t read where those key decisions were made, they’d do the next best thing: speak to people who were in the room where it happenedRead more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

In January 2023, reporters at the Telegraph are called into a meeting. The newspaper has got something big.Matt Hancock’s Whatsapps from when he was the Health Secretary, during the pandemic: 100,000 messages. The reporters start digging.Rate and Review the Lockdown Files podcast here: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files |Read more about the Lockdown Files here: www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files |For 30 days’ free access to The Telegraph: www.telegraph.co.uk/lockdownfilespodcast |If you have any information that could help the investigation, you can email the team on lockdownfiles@telegraph.co.uk |

In this bonus episode of Chopper's politics, former BBC chairman Richard Sharp joins Chris for his 'exit interview' to discuss the controversial events surrounding his departure.Over a round of black velvets they discuss his opinions on former PM Boris Johnson, why he's in favour of a charter renewal and his advice for his successor.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |

Over 360 episodes, 8.2 million listens and one Red Lion Pub, welcome to the last edition of Choppers Politics Podcast.Joining the Telegraph's legendary political journalist Chris Hope in Westminster's finest drinking hole is star of Spitting Image: Idiots Assemble, comedian Matt Forde, discussing comedy in a woke world as well as bringing some of his finest political impressions.Two big beasts of the Tory party also join Chris, including Jacob Rees Mogg airing his concerns about the privileges committee and Sir Bernard Jenkin, as well as the prospect of A.I. shouldering the burden of social care. Plus, Michael Gove drops by to discuss, amongst other thing, resurrecting an old (nautical) project very close to Chris' heart.And of course, how could we finish the show without long time friend of the podcast, the velvet-voiced Sir Geoffery Cox.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files|

It’s been a week when the economic picture has worsened for millions of us and to discuss the government wrestling with the problem - and how Liz Truss was right - is Ranil Jayawardena, a former Tory Cabinet minister in Truss’s administration.As Labour surge ahead in the polls, MP Rosie Duffield - sidelined by the leaders of her own party - joins Chris to discuss whether the party is ready for governing the country.Plus, schools have been at the forefront of recent news with reports of students identifying as cats and wolves. To discuss this, and concerns about the number of pupils missing lessons due to the hangover from the Covid pandemic, Schools Minister Nick Gibb popped by the pub to chat to Christopher Hope.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files|

Treasury minister Andrew Griffith MP hot-foots it across the road to the Red Lion pub to tell Christopher Hope that he thinks banks should help families who are seeing their mortgage costs spiral, and face the awkward question of how he'd deal with a business that had three CEOs in the space of a year (Conservative Party, take note).Also on the podcast, Joy Morrissey MP, one of only seven Conservative MPs who voted against the privileges committee report into Boris Johnson, and a whip no less. She tells Chopper why she put her head above the parapet and how the "crucifixion" of the former Prime Minister has cause a "crisis" in her party.Plus Tim Knox, editor of the Effective Governance Forum on the changes needed to make the Civil Service and ministers work in perfect harmony.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files|

On the day the former PM faces having his parliamentary pass removed after being found to have “deliberately” misled MPs over partygate, Christopher Hope is joined in the Red Lion by Boris Johnson's long-time pal, legendary pollster Frank Luntz. Frank thinks comparisons to Trump are unfair on Johnson, but bemoans the fact his friend did not take the seriousness of his post more seriously.Also on the podcast, the so-called grandfather of Brexit, Bill Cash MP, on why he's retiring and whether government is 'walking the line' when it comes to delivering on Brexit.Plus Phil White of Patriotic Millionaires on why he's pushing to pay more taxes, and Investigations Editor Claire Newell on The Telegraph's new podcast series, The Lockdown Files.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to The Lockdown Files: https://podfollow.com/the-lockdown-files|

Finally the Covid inquiry starts next week - and the Government is in a right old tangle over what to do about it. Veteran Conservative MP and former Cabinet Minister David Davis joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to voice his concerns about the shadowy Government body called the Counter Disinformation Unit, which was used to spy on lockdown critics and why he'd only give the current government a 6/10.Also on the podcast, we explore what would Labour do about the Covid Whatsapp row, if it's not resolved by the time a potential Labour govt is formed next year, with Shadow Cabinet Office minister Baroness Jenny Chapman. She admits she had misgivings about closing schools, and also makes her pitch for a Prime Minister Starmer.Plus Tory London Mayor hopeful Dan Korski on what the capital would look like if he took the reigns, and his thoughts on a certain former London Mayor with a penchant for zip-wires.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Planet Normal: playpodca.st/planetnormal|

With the advent of AI and concerns over 8 million 'economically inactive' people in Britain, we thought it was high time we asked Mel Stride MP, Work and Pensions Secretary, back to the Red Lion pub for a chinwag.Hot off his heels and hot off the press was Onward think-tank Director Sebastian Payne brandishing the findings from their report "Missing Millennials", which sets out the challenge facing the Tories with younger voters.And in a week where Whatsapps from Boris Johnson are dominating the headlines again and the Partygate drama drags on, who better to hear from that Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch on the stitch-up of the former PM and Rishi Sunak's lack of mandate. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offsctipt|

Immigration. The issue which drove so many people to vote to leave the EU before the 2016 EU referendum is back in the news and rising as an issue. Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch, popped by the Red Lion pub to discuss the newest immigration figures of 606,000 net. It’s also been a big week for Labour's plans for the economy with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves jetting off (pun intended) to America to deliver her "business model for Britain" speech. One senior Labour MP who is doing some serious thinking about inequality and what the next Labour government needs to do about it is Liam Byrne, MP for Hodge Hill and a former Treasury minister.Plus, former Boris Johnson aide-turned-novelist Cleo Watson joins Chris to talk about partygate, Cummings and her new novel, "Whips", described as a cross between 50 Shades of Grey and House of Cards. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offsctipt|

Olympian James Cracknell joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to explain why he hopes become a Tory MP, appropriately in Henley on Thames, and how he would react if a certain blonde, former PM tapped him on the shoulder and asked him to step aside...Also on the podcast, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer MP, fresh from a busy few weeks with the Coronation and then Eurovision, encourages Britain to embrace its cultural soft power, and urges charities to stay out of politics.Plus former producer to Andrew Neil, Jeremy Paxman and Emily Maitlis, Rob Burley reveals which revered TV legend once wrote a speech for then Prime Minister Thatcher, putting to bed the idea that journalists now are more biased, and shares his top interviewing tips with Chopper, not that he needs them...Why is this lying bastard lying to me? by Rob BurleyFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offsctipt|

Sir Charles Walker MP joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion this week to express his fears that we are descending into authoritarianism, after arrests of protestors this weekend at the Coronation. Plus as the MP for Broxbourne is not seeking re-election, he gets a few more things off his chest, such as how MPs these days are just "superannuated citizens advice bureaus". Ouch.Also on the podcast, Miriam Cates MP debates the nature of conservatism and reveals why she cried when the Government announced its plans to help only working mothers with the costs of their childcare, and it may not be for the reason you think.And veteran lobby journalist Andy McSmith returns to the Red Lion to share some choice anecdotes from his 40 years reporting in Westminster, and give his verdict on the state of modern politicians.Strange people I have known, by Andy McSmithFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offsctipt|

Sir Keir Starmer claims that Labour is on course to win a majority at the next general election, after the party made gains and the Tories suffered heavy losses at local elections across England.But is claiming a Conservative crumbling to be a Labour win correct? Electoral Calculus's Martin Baxter and the Sunday Telegraph's Tony Diver join Christopher Hope at Telegraph Towers to discuss.Plus former digital minister Matt Warman MP discuss the other hot topic of the moment - no, not the Coronation - but AI, after concerns were raised this week about whether developments in artificial intelligence could have an impact on jobs sooner than we think.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Being the King: https://podfollow.com/being-the-king|

Christopher Hope gets a field trip this week, leaving the Red Lion behind for Lewes in Sussex. Chopper is joined by Conservative Party Chairman, Greg Hands and mental health minister and local MP Maria Caulfield, as they went out knocking on doors ahead of next week's local elections. Hands is quick to say that Sunak plays well on the doorsteps, but do the voters we hear from agree? And which former leader would he like to see being more vocal (clue is in the title, listeners). Plus the Conservative frontrunner for next year's London mayoral election, Samuel Kasumu, tells Chris why he has the backing of senior Tories such as Priti Patel and Grant Shapps, and why he wants to focus on improving the lots of people today and in future, rather than dwelling on Britain's past.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|

Tory grandee Sir Robert Syms makes a startling prediction to Christopher Hope in the Red Lion this week - he thinks his party can win the next election. The MP for Poole Symes thinks that people's political views are not as fixed as they used to be, and once the ship has steadied, Sunak can give the party a vision to inspire voters. Also on the podcast, Baroness Anne Jenkin explains the impact that smartphones are having on young people's perceptions of sex: "they have porn in their pockets and we don't know what the consequences of are going to be of this in future". Plus Pam Moorhouse and Gerard Dughill give Chopper their pitch for a return to historic British counties. Online porn is warping an entire generation, by Baroness Anne JenkinA century of the most powerful club in Parliament, by Christopher HopeGet Back Our British CountiesFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Chopper is off frolicking in the sun so this week Dia Chakravarty is in the podcast hotseat for an in-depth look at a subject that saw Conservative MPs starting their Easter holidays with a spring in their step - the CPTPP, or the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Not exactly catchy, is it?Amanda Tickel, Head of Tax and Trade Policy at Deloitte UK, and Liam Halligan, Economist and Telegraph columnist break down what the CPTPP is and how it differs from the EU. Plus Philip Davies MP and Shadow Minister for Trade Nick Thomas-Symonds give their somewhat different assessments on the possible pros and cons, whether the deal represents the Brexit people voted for, and how Labour might have negotiated differently. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

It’s been a week of reflection, and so we brought quiet contemplation to the Red Lion pub this week. With the death of Nigel Lawson earlier this week reminding Tories of a time when the Government was bold about tax cuts, Sir John Redwood MP joins Christopher Hope to talk about what the current crop of Conservatives can learn from the late former Chancellor. And as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement, veteran Telegraph journalist Philip Johnston reflects on that seismic moment and how its ripples continue now. Plus legendary Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave tells Chopper why he's encouraging men to get their hormone levels checked, and how he believes there should be a men's health minister. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

It's a bumper episode for Chopper's Politics listeners this week, don't say we don't treat you.Lord Mandelson joins Christopher Hope on the week that former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn was barred from standing as Labour candidate. He muses on whether Sir Keir Starmer might actually want Corbyn to run against him ("I couldn't possibly say..."), reveals how impressed he is by the upcoming crop of Labour candidates, "absolutely as good, if not better, than those we selected in the 1990s before the new Labour government", but why his party can't presume it's in the bag.Plus Henry Dimbleby on nutrition and the nanny state, and Professor Tim Bale on whether the Tories can still claim to be the party of reinvention.Ravenous: How to get ourselves and our planet into shape, by Henry Dimbleby and Jemima LewisThe Conservative Party After Brexit: Turmoil and Transformation, by Tim BaleFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Note: this episode was recorded before Humza Yousaf was announced as the new leader of the SNP on Monday 27th March 2023. Ahead of the SNP leadership contest result, Christopher Hope brings you a Scotland special edition of Chopper's Politics. The Telegraph's Scottish Political Editor, Simon Johnson, and columnist and staunch unionist Alan Cochrane, head to the studio to talk about the role of the Greens in the future of Scotland and whether the unionist parties, whisper it, might be in talks about some future tactical voting.Plus the Labour's Anas Sarwar, found time to pop into the Red Lion to talk about why he thinks Sturgeon's departure makes it easier for Sir Keir Starmer to become Prime Minister, and how he would put the economy front and centre of a Labour lead Scotland, after years of focus on social policy.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

This week two of the Conservative Party's obsessions reared their head yet again: Boris Johnson and Brexit. You may think you've everything there is to know about either subject but no, there's more, so Christopher Hope has invited a cavalcade of distinguished guests to the Red Lion pub to chew the fat on everyone's pet subjects.Conservative Home Editor Paul Goodman gives his assessment of whether we could see a Boris by-election, and why he believes the former PM is doomed to channel Bilbo Baggins (no, really).Plus former Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke MP gives his reasoning for rebelling against the Windsor Framework, and insists the public at large don't blame Johnson for any dubious "events" during lockdown.And Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Johnny Mercer MP, on how he thinks sunnier times are on the horizon for the Tories despite this week, and why he believes that the Sunak government will be the one to end veteran homelessness.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Taxes, childcare and Brexit beer boost: The Telegraph's Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner join Christopher Hope to give us the top lines of Jeremy Hunt's Budget. Will the Chancellor keep the promise he made to Chopper on this podcast in January that his priority will be bringing down business taxes? Listen to find out (although we suspect you can take a guess...)!For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal|

Yvette Cooper MP joins Christopher Hope on the week that Rishi Sunak unveiled his plans to tackle illegal immigration. Conservatives think that illegal migration is the one policy area where the party can beat Labour, but the Shadow Home Secretary unsurprisingly disagrees.She tells Chopper that Labour ministers will set themselves the objective to stop all small boats' crossings in the English Channel. Plus in a show of cross-party praise, she hails Theresa May's work to help victims of people trafficking as "pioneering" - and worries that this new Bill risks undoing all that work.Also on the podcast, Damian Green MP on why he is backing the Bill and why he thinks Gary Lineker isn't as erudite a political thinker as he seems to think he is, and Telegraph columnist Anne-Elisabeth Moutet on whether we're about to embark on a new Entente Cordiale between Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

More than 100,000 WhatsApp messages. 2.3 million words - the equivalent of three copies of the King James Bible. You’ve read the headlines about the Telegraph’s extraordinary examination of the Lockdown Files - and now you can hear from some of the journalists behind it. Christopher Hope is joined by the woman with the WhatsApps, Isabel Oakeshott, and Investigations Editor Claire Newell, in the newsroom where it happened. The pair tell Chopper how the team found the stories among the many files, whether it's all been worth it, and they consider his challenges to beat the Expenses Scandal record of 30 front pages in a row.Keep up to date with the latest stories from the Lockdown Files: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/lockdown-files/For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, alongside the European Union president Ursula von der Leyen, announced details of the Windsor Framework this week, a deal he's hoping will put an end to the past six and a half years of wrangling to an end. So is the Brexit hurly-burly done? Has the battle been finally won? Joining Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to chew the fat is former Brexit adviser to Theresa May, Raoul Ruparel, on how this deal differs from its forebears.Plus the DUP's Sammy Wilson returns just days after last talking to Chopper, to explain why he wanted more than "sausages, solar panels and spaniels", and why he thinks the King will regret being present. And Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker on why he thinks this is the best deal to be done - but that he isn't celebrating until the DUP are on board.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Boris Johnson is turning into one regular headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. So this week Christopher Hope is looking at three spheres where the former PM is intent on sticking his oar in. First, the Brexit impasse in Northern Ireland. The DUP's Sammy Wilson joins Chopper to discuss whether Boris' interventions on a trade deal are helpful, whether a change in Westminster leadership could make a difference, and casts doubts on whether Rishi Sunak even understands the concept of the Union (ouch). Also on the podcast, the Chair of the Conservative Democratic Organisation, David Campbell Bannerman discusses why the Tory grassroots are revolting, and whether they're punishing the MPs that overthrew Johnson. Plus Chair of the Defence Select Committee, Tobias Ellwood, on whether the former PM is right to push for fighter jets for Ukraine and why he thinks the conflict will last for years. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Well, if there was any danger of recess getting boring, Nicola Sturgeon had other ideas. Just as Chopper was taking a well-earned holiday, the First Minister shocked Scotland and the United Kingdom by resigning after eight years in the job. So where does this leave Scotland and the future of the union, and what will be the ripple effect on Westminster?The Telegraph's Gordon Rayner and Alan Cochrane head to the studio to discuss just that, whether Sturgeon will end up backseat driving for the new leader of the SNP and if this could be the end of indyref2.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

New deputy chair of the Conservative Party, Nickie Aiken MP joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion this week to vigorously defend her co-chair Lee Anderson, after he got into hot water this week for his views on hanging. The MP for Cities of London and Westminster blames the coverage of her colleague on snobbery from "intelligentsia", plus she decries polling in the Telegraph this week that puts the Tories down by a whopping 23%. Former Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg has a different view on those sombre numbers, and urges government to take them seriously, saying that the wipe-out of Labour in Scotland proves that parties can go from holding all the cards to virtually no seats. And Electoral Calculus' Martin Baxter breaks down his exclusive large-scale poll that spells disaster for the Tories, saying that the next election could be "worse than 1997", with the Conservatives not even being the main opposition party.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

This week, Christopher Hope returns to his spiritual home, the Red Lion pub, to discuss, you guessed it, Brexit. Three years on from leaving the E.U., many grumblings rumble on. So joining Chris to discuss the Northern Ireland protocol, the Union and more, David Jones (Deputy Chairman of the European Research Group) & Alex Phillips (Former Brexit Party MEP & GB News Broadcaster). In fact, Alex has an announcement of her own. Plus, as the country is crippled by strikes and with another Nurses walkout on the horizon, Health Minister Helen Whately dropped by the pub to explain the government's position. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Christopher Hope swaps the Red Lion for Number 11 Downing Street this week, as he sits down with Jeremy Hunt. The Chancellor tells Chopper that he and the Prime Minister are committed to cutting taxes, but won't be drawn on when, and that his focus this year will be on business and taking advantage of Brexit. Plus, he tries to woo the over 50s back into work, rules out running for leader again, and (very importantly) reveals his favourite fast food.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The last of the Hope family's Christmas cake joins the guests in the Red Lion this week, and Wes Streeting is the first to take Christopher Hope up on the offer of having a slice. The Shadow Health Secretary insists that Labour wouldn't be the "fun police" to ban cakes in offices following comments this week from the chair of the Food Standards Agency, explains why he won't "wag his finger" at people who use private healthcare and proclaims that he's up for a debate about his proposed NHS reforms.Also on the podcast, Conservative MP Lee Anderson discusses levelling up, slimming down, and challenges campaigner Steve "Stop Brexit" Bray to a charity boxing battle (no, really).Plus Baroness Stowell, Tina Stowell, on why politicians need to take the creative industries more seriously.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Rebecca Pow joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for some coffee in a china mug, as the Environment minister talks about the announcement that plastic cutlery, plates and polystyrene cups will soon be banned. She also reveals that a 'cash for trash' scheme looks set to get the green light, so get your litter pickers ready! Also on the podcast, John Baron expresses his dismay at the Foreign Office's shambolic handling of the issue of British Council's contractors stranded in Afghanistan, and John Stafford from the Campaign for Conservative Democracy talks about his concerns for his party. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

On the week that the Prime Minister announced his 5 promises to voters, Science Minister George Freeman joins Christopher Hope to give his suggestions for 5 reasons to be cheerful, including getting rid of EU red tape, focusing on the "10% daft regulations" first. Also on the podcast, Shadow Cabinet Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds reacts to Sir Keir Starmer's reappropriation of the Brexit slogan "Take Back Control", and, after writing a biography of former Labour leader Wilson, what the current Labour leader could learn from his 60s equivalent. Plus former Tory MP Brooks Newmark on how he's been inspired by figures like Sir Nicholas Winton and Oskar Schindler to help transport Ukrainians to safety. Harold Wilson, by Nick Thomas-SymondsFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

2023 is almost upon us, so join Christopher Hope, Gordon Rayner and Camilla Tominey to reflect on the wacky year just gone in Westminster. We've had four Chancellors, three Prime Ministers, two different monarchs and one 'tractor' watching MP, so plenty to discuss, plus a look ahead to what might be in store in the New Year.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Twas the strike before Christmas... on this week's festive edition of Choppers' Politics: Frances O'Grady gives her final interview as the General Secretary of the TUC, discussing strikes and the current gridlock between union leaders and the government. Robert Halfon MP, previously an outspoken and campaigning backbencher, swings by the Red Lion pub to explain how now, as a Minister of State in the Department of Education, he's taking that spirit and applying it to students affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. He's also, unusually, a member of a trade union. Plus, Sir Geoffrey Cox KC pops by to talk about a ghost of his Christmas past: second jobs for MPs. He also treats us to a tradition on the podcast, a reading from A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Sir Robert Buckland KC and Jonathan Gullis bring their views on how to tackle the migrant crisis to the Red Lion this week. Robert Buckland calls talk of withdrawing from the European Convention of Human Rights "a red herring" fuelled by the fact the word Europe is "catnip" for some of his Conservative colleagues. Then Jonathan Gullis talks about his failed Bill to force Rishi Sunak to ignore rulings from Strasbourg over the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, and why he was just trying to give the Prime Minister some "space", honest. Also on the podcast, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Jonathan Ashworth on how Labour would encourage over 50s to get back to work. Plus a surprise festive ditty from one of our guests to get us into the Christmas spirit. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |Read Chopper's Peterborough diary: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/peterborough-diary |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

James Sunderland, former Colonel in the Royal Logistics Corps, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to talk about why the MP for Bracknell thinks the government needs to stop relying on the armed forces to step in over strike action and suggests that "Mr Lynch and his cronies" should perhaps try earning what soldiers earn. Strong words. Also on the podcast, UK Director of think-tank More in Common, Luke Tryl, says that if political marmite figure Nigel Farage returned it could turbocharge Reform's support, with the party posing a threat to both major parties but only with a charismatic figure-head. Plus MP for Chipping Barnet and Tory housing rebel Theresa Villiers assures Chris she isn't a NIMBY. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

All of Christopher Hope's guests this week are encouraging or have taken a leap of faith. Former Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke, now in the freedom of the backbenches, joins Chopper in the Red Lion to urge his fellow conservatives to rethink onshore windfarms and central housing targets and not fall for a "NIMBY's charter". Also on the podcast, William Wragg, MP for Hazel Grove, discusses why he's made the leap into leaving parliament after the next election despite only being 34.Plus former leader of the Lib Dems, Tim Farron, tells Chris why he thinks Christians should dip their toes into politics, and why he thinks the Church of England is compromised by being a "part of the furniture of state".Britain is fast descending into chaos, and the Tories are powerless to stop it, by Allister HeathA Mucky Business: Why Christians Should Get Involved In Politics, by Tim FarronFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Offscript: www.playpodca.st/offscript|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Sir Keir Starmer comes to Telegraph Towers and Christopher Hope hands over the microphone, as the politics class of St George's School, Harpenden, grill the Labour Leader. Up for discussion: Unions and the Union, as Mr Starmer defends not standing on picket lines with striking works and discusses his stance on indyref2, and he talks tax and claims that Labour is the party of sound money. Plus, who does Keir Starmer fancy to win the World Cup and will he reveal which Tory he kissed? Listen to find out.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Well, what a difference 7 weeks makes. The Telegraph's Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner join Christopher Hope to give us the top lines of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement, somewhat different in tone to his predecessors less than two months ago.Also on the podcast, David Jones, MP for Clwyd West and prominent ERG member, gives his withering assessment of Mr Hunt's tax hikes (5/10, must do better), urges the Chancellor to reconsider for the sake of the next election and balks at the use of the phrase "unearned income".Plus Economic Jim O'Neill on why he thinks Jeremy Hunt and Rishi Sunak have made some canny choices and why as a country we need to accept that there's "no such thing as a free lunch".For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: www.playpodca.st/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, joins Christopher Hope for a wide ranging chat about tax cuts, new open cast coal mines and veterans running the police, amongst other subjects. The former Brexit Party leader claims that in the fortnight since Truss resigned 4,534 people have signed up to join Reform UK - and that the Tories should be quaking. Tice sees the party's rise in popularity as a sign of anger at an "establishment coup" and gives Chancellor Jeremy Hunt a rather brutal career assessment.Also on the podcast, Stephen Watson from the National Flagship Programme Board commiserates with Chopper at what looks like the end of the line for a replacement for Royal Yacht Britannia - although something tells us Chopper won't give up that easily.How Reform UK is targeting disaffected Conservatives for their votes |Axing Britannia 2.0 is another blow for Brexit Britain |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

James Heappey joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion ahead of Remembrance Day. The Armed Forces Minister reflects on the wearing of the poppy, decrying poppy shaming saying that you should choose to commemorate in a considered way, not wear a poppy out of obligation.Plus he discusses pausing to think of his service in Afghanistan with the Rifles during Remembrance services.Also on the podcast, Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey talks about Labour's commitment to NATO, and his concerns about the numbers of veterans on Universal credit.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Political debate is running at a quieter pace after the breakneck speeds of the last few weeks, so here at Chopper's Politics we're serving you some red meat topics of discussion this week.Ed Miliband joins Christopher Hope to discuss the importance of COP and why climate change isn't just a Left issue. Plus the former Labour leader gives his advice to Liz Truss on how to handle no longer having the top job, and reveals which reality TV shows have tried to court him, following the revelation that Matt Hancock is appearing on this year's I'm a Celebrity.Also on the podcast, Kent MP Craig Mackinlay discusses his fears that the Tories could lose 'dozens of seats' at the next election unless the migrant crisis is solved, and Professor Robert Tombs on why he believes Project Fear has risen again.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Sir Iain Duncan Smith joins Christopher Hope to talk about the Conservative's latest leader (third time lucky?) and the country's new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. The former party leader warns that a combination of "higher taxes and big, big sweeping cuts" could plunge the UK "into deep recession" and urges Liz Truss to not intervene too much from the backbenches.Plus Chopper is joined by the Telegraph's Associate Editor Gordon Rayner to delve into the podcast vault and listen back to our interview with Rishi Sunak back in August, and see what it can tell us about what Sunak has in store for the country and his premiership. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to How to become a dictator: https://podfollow.com/how-to-become-a-dictator|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Christopher Hope to make his case for why Boris Johnson needs to take back the reins of the Tory party and the nation, following Liz Truss's shock resignation yesterday. He talks about the former PM's strong mandate and how the numbers already flocking to support him have been "pleasantly surprising". The Business Secretary also warns colleagues calling for a spell in opposition to remember the difficulties of the 90s... Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's Political Reporter and resident stats man Dominic Penna breaks down the numbers of Truss' short tenure, plus Chopper brings back Telegraph Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith and Tony Diver, Whitehall Correspondent, to talk about the runners and riders in the race to number 10 (again), and to marvel at Tony's predictions skills. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

When the last episode of Chopper's Politics was published, we had a different Chancellor. By the time the next one comes out, we may well have another Prime Minister, the way this week is going.The Telegraph's own Ben Riley-Smith and Tony Diver join Christopher Hope to talk about burning the mini-Budget, if the Tories' time is up, and if (whisper it listeners) it might be an idea to bring back Boris.Plus former Telegraph writer George Trefgarne on why he thinks MPs, not Conservative party members, should have a say in who takes over from Truss, if the time comes.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Charles Lewington, a former Press Secretary when Sir John Major was Prime Minister, joins Christopher Hope to talk about why he thinks Liz Truss will have to trim more measures from her mini-Budget to save her premiership, and whether Ben Wallace or Rishi Sunak could be the installed alternatives if the PM was forced to resign.Also in the Red Lion, the new Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Alicia Kearns, on how she'll take on the role, how her rivals dismissed her as 'an inexperienced young woman', and why she believes you cannot be too much of a disruptor when you are Prime Minister.Plus the Telegraph's own Dominic Nicholls tells Chopper he believes China is the real winner in the Russia-Ukraine war.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://playpodca.st/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Suella Braverman joins Christopher Hope at the Conservative Party Conference, and causes a stir by accusing rebel colleagues of staging a coup against the 45p top rate of income tax. The Home Secretary stays on the fence on her party's latest row, whether benefits should rise in line with inflation next year, declares that she's proud of the British Empire, and boldly let's on that her "ultimate aspiration" is to reduce net migration to the UK to the tens of thousands. Plus, the MP for Fareham dodges the question about whether she would ever run for leader again and explains why the middle classes should evaluate their casual attitude to drugs. You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/tzdTEF7jJzc |Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Jacob Rees-Mogg has the dubious honour of joining Christopher Hope at the Conservative Party Conference in the wake of the government's 45p tax cut U-turn. The Business and Energy Secretary scoffs at the idea that the Chancellor should resign, has strong words about how he'll approach China in his new role and declares that he would be more than happy for fracking to take place in his garden.Plus, Rees-Mogg delivers a polite jibe at our guest yesterday, Michael Gove, and sounds a death knell to the idea of a royal flagship (sorry, Chopper!).You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/NOOcqP8UHfQRead more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

It's a 2-for-1 deal on Chopper's Politics guests, as both Michael Gove and Jake Berry join Christopher Hope live at the Conservative Party Conference. After causing a stir on the broadcast rounds on Sunday morning, former Cabinet minister Michael Gove gave Prime Minister Liz Truss more headaches by calling for the decision to scrap the 45p top rate of income tax to be reversed, but denies the title of "rebel", claiming he's "just a backbencher".Also on the podcast, new Conservative Party Chairman Jake Berry gives his view on whether Tory MPs should be given a free vote on the mini-Budget ("absolutely not!"), fracking, and how the Conservatives can attract younger voters. All this and more, including well-timed heckling from the protestors outside the tent. Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Julian Jessop, Economic Fellow at the Institute for Economic Affairs, joins Christopher Hope to talk about what went wrong for Trussonomics, and why he believes it's a case of fleshing out the plan, not about doing a U-turn.Also on the podcast, Restore Trusts' Zewditu Gebreyohanes takes Chopper through her concerns about the National Trust and why it's not just a case of a 'war on woke'.Plus the Telegraph's own Maighna Nanu on the point of party conferences when the country is in crisis. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: https://podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.

As the opposition's party conference takes place in Liverpool, Christopher Hope is joined by two Labour bigwigs from past and present.Architect of New Labour and now Chairman of Global Counsel, Peter Mandelson joins Christopher Hope to talk about why he believes the public thinks it is safe to vote Labour again, how Sir Keir Starmer's power is that he's "more national than ideological" and confessed that he misses being in Government "every single day". Plus, to Chopper's delight, he declares his support for a new national flagship named after the late Queen Elizabeth.Also on the podcast, Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy takes a seat at the Red Lion to talk about how her party can capitalise on the Conservatives' shift to the right, how the right don't have a monopoly on patriotism, and whether she misses Michael Gove.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: https://podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |We'd like to ask you a few questions about the ads in this podcast. Please click here to take a quick survey.

From levelling up to trickling down: Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's announcements today signal a seismic shift in policy from the new government. But will his and Liz Truss' gamble on future growth pay off, how does it affect the public, and how will Labour respond?To unpack the announcement Christopher Hope is joined in the studio by Whitehall Correspondent Tony Diver and Associate Editor Gordon Rayner.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Just like Westminster Hall which, this week especially, encompasses politics, history and the monarchy, so too does this episode of Chopper’s Politics.Historian Andrew Roberts joins Christopher Hope to talk about potential pitfalls facing Charles III, what the new monarch can learn from history, and why he's in favour of 'Elizabeth the Good' as a moniker for Queen Elizabeth II.The Telegraph's own Charles Moore on how be thinks we're seeing the British constitution working before our eyes, and if the Royal Yacht Elizabeth could be a fitting tribute.Plus Telegraph columnist Simon Heffer on the late monarch's audiences with their Prime Minister, and if you can trust Netflix's The Crown to tell you who the late Queen got on with best (clue: Simon thinks not...).Charles III is showing how well the baton passes, by Charles Moore|How Queen Elizabeth proved a trusted confidante to all her prime ministers, by Simon Heffer|For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper|Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

This episode was recorded before the death of Queen Elizabeth II.Lord Martin Callanan, junior minister at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, joins Christopher Hope to explain the “bazooka” of Government spending the new Prime Minister has announced to deal with the impending energy crisis, and how it will impact us all.And director general of the IEA, Mark Littlewood, predicts a radical future for his old Oxford buddy Liz Truss, and insists that the fact she used to wear a Lib Dem rosette isn't a hindrance.Also on the podcast, Eddie Lister, Lord Udny-Lister, former adviser to Boris Johnson, reflects on his legacy and how shy and retiring the former leaders is planning to be going forward. Plus Laura Farris MP, on why she stepped down from the committee looking into Partygate.Why my old friend Liz Truss will be the most radical British prime minister in a century, by Mark Littlewood |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Note: this was recorded on the afternoon of Monday 5th September, before Cabinet announcements. She beat off stiff competition but Liz Truss is, finally, after "the longest job interview in history", the new leader of the Conservative Party and very shortly the leader of the country.But now the leadership contest is over and a tsunami of real life troubles is headed for Westminster, how will the next PM fare in choppy waters? And which colleagues will be thrown a life-jacket in the form of a new job, and whose Cabinet careers will collapse like a poorly made sandcastle?To unpack the latest news and analysis, and to try and understand what’s next, Christopher Hope is joined in the studio by Telegraph colleagues Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner.The first 100 days of PM Liz Truss – in her own words, by Gordon RaynerHow Liz Truss’s Cabinet could look: Predictions for who’s in and who’s out, by Gordon RaynerWhy old friend Therese Coffey is the perfect foil for Liz Truss, by Camilla TomineyFor 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Ahead of finally finding out who the next Prime Minister will be, writer Matt Ridley joins Christopher Hope to give his 10 rules for the next Tory leader to live by, and, given the winter we have coming ahead, we're sure either Sunak or Truss would appreciate a how-to-guide. Matt warns Chopper about the dangers of 'crony capitalists' and people who claim to be able to predict the future, and hopes the next Prime Minister can learn a valuable lesson from lightbulbs.Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's chief leader writer, Philip Johnston, delves into history (yes, the '90s now count as history, listeners) to illustrate why he thinks Keir Starmer is more Kinnock than Blair.How to be PM: ten rules for the next Tory leader to live by, by Matt Ridley |Labour heading for certain victory? This feels more like 1992 than 1997, by Philip Johnston |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Former Environment minister Rebecca Pow joins Christopher Hope to discuss the topic taking the Telegraph comment section by storm this week - sewage pumping into our waterways. Rebecca says that "the whole sewage issue is being completely blown out of all proportion" but that she does understand concerns, plus the MP for Taunton Deane suggests some unusual ways you can make the most of water you use at home.Also on the podcast, former BBC reporter Lewis Goodall talks about his new podcast with ex-Newsnight host Emily Maitlis and her recent comments about a 'Conservative agent' on the BBC board, tells Tories to stop being so thin-skinned about criticism and points to Nigel Farage as someone who can handle it well.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Rishi Sunak, former Chancellor and now Tory leadership hopeful, has a cup of tea and a doughnut with Christopher Hope at his campaign HQ. We've heard about his policies ad infinitum these last few weeks (feels like longer, doesn't it listeners), so while we do hear about tax and his childhood, he also tells Chopper how he's not paying too much attention to the polls, reveals his binge watch viewing habits and claims he doesn't mind being asked about his wealth.Plus Chopper puts your questions to Rishi Sunak, from food security and 'selling his soul to the right of the party', to his Nando's order.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Chopper's taking a summer break, so in his absence we're bringing you one of the Conservative Party leadership hustings, chaired by the Telegraph's own Camilla Tominey in Cheltenham.The final two candidates were grilled on pivotal topics, from tax cuts and reforms to the economy, that will shape party members’ decisions - and Britain’s future. With six official hustings down and six more to go, who gained an advantage in the increasingly bitter race for No 10? Listen to find out.Watch the hustings in full here: https://youtu.be/I_BbN2PZjIU |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

As the mud-slinging between the Tories goes on, the rest of us are dealing with train strikes, delays at Dover and passport panics. Kit Malthouse, new Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub, to talk about how his role is to get a grip on these issues (and why it's not an issue that he was chairing COBRA meetings rather than Boris Johnson...). The MP for North West Hampshire also talks about how working from home culture risks damaging public services, and is coy about who might have his vote in the leadership contest. Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's Chief Political Correspondent, Camilla Turner, gives a glimpse into the spin rooms after each leadership debate, and ERG Chair Mark Francois gives his reasoning for why he's putting his trust in Truss. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

And then there were two. After the longest two weeks in existence, the final candidates in the Tory leadership election have been decided - Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. But is it possible that some Conservatives are getting seller’s remorse with regards to their recently departed leader? Former party treasurer Lord Cruddas of Shoreditch - Peter Cruddas - joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion to make his pitch as to why he believes the members need their say on Boris Johnson. Plus former Conservative chairman Brandon Lewis, who organised the last members vote in 2019, on his party's taste for ousting leaders, and fresh from a surprising Tory leadership race, Kemi Badenoch talks about what prompted her to run, says her future might not necessarily contain another leadership bid, and promises that she wasn't hypnotised by Michael Gove (you heard it here first). 'Add Boris to the Ballot', Lord Cruddas and David Campbell Bannerman|From Milkman to Mayfair, by Peter Cruddas |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The knives are out in Westminster as Conservative MPs vie to become the next leader of the party. It's the battle of the slogans: will Britain be "Ready for Rishi" or will P.M. be PM?The Telegraph's Associate Editor for Politics, Christopher Hope, is back in the Red Lion pub and joined by cheerleaders for two of the candidates, David Davis MP and Steve Baker MP. The latter was setting out his stall to Suella Braverman who, as of this afternoon, is no longer in the running. Steve had strong opinions on what a Conservative is and whether Boris was one.Outside of the speculation, Professor Matthew Goodwin popped by the pub armed with the latest polling data from Red Wall areas. He had some quite explosive analysis of what could happen in the coming weeks, months and years ahead of the next election.And making his debut on the podcast, one of the earliest candidates to throw their hat in the ring for Tory leader - and then promptly pick it up again - it's Rehman Chishti MP.Professor Matthew Goodwin's polling: https://unherd.com/2022/07/what-do-tory-voters-want/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

They say a week’s a long time in politics, but for Boris Johnson, the past 24 hours must have felt like an eternity. A bruising PMQs, a blistering Liaison Committee and over 50 ministerial resignations, the most in modern history. To unpack the latest news and analysis, and to try and understand what’s next, Associate Editor Camilla Tominey is joined in the studio with Associate Editor Gordon Rayner and down the line with Telegraph leader writer, Tim Stanley. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to our new investigative podcast, Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

This week saw SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon made her intentions very clear to hold an indyref2, just 8 years since the last "once in a lifetime" referendum in 2014. But is her move legal? Former Conservative Scottish Secretary David Mundell joins Christopher Hope to unpack what exactly is going on.Also joining Chris in the Red Lion pub this week is MP for Ashfield Lee Anderson, who's courted controversy recently for comments over foodbanks. He popped by and also gave his twopence on Steve Bray, the anti-Brexit campaigner whose speakers were confiscated by the police earlier this week.And finally, Chris speaks to Phillip Lee on what it takes to cross the floor and switch parties, in the wake of reports that as many as six Red Wall Tories could be looking to defect.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to our new investigative podcast, Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The biggest rail strike in a generation might mean the trains aren't moving, but politics certainly is.The Telegraph's own Gordon Rayner joins Christopher Hope to chew the fat after the Conservatives faced bruising losses in both Tiverton and Honiton, and Wakefield, and wonders whether there was a coded message in Oliver Dowden's resignation letter, after the Party Chairman fell on his sword in the early hours of Friday morning.Also on the podcast, former advisor to Boris Johnson and partner at Portland Communications Gabriel Milland shares his 'purple patches' theory about why Red Wall vs Blue Wall oversimplifies the Tory vote, and why he believes the heart of the Tory party is shifting from Surrey to Stafford.Plus 6 years on from the Brexit vote, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan joins Chris to discuss making the most of Brexit, the lingering Northern Ireland conundrums, and, crucially, where the best lamb comes from in the UK.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Call Bethel: podfollow.com/call-bethel|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Attorney General Suella Braverman joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion on a week where her role has been thrown in the spotlight. She apologises for using the term "all options are on the table" when it comes to the UK's relationship with the European Court of Human Rights, following their invention on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, and defends the controversial policy. Plus the Attorney General also tackles borders and Brexit, states that she feels the BBC has a bias towards the EU, and, finally, reveals her views on Marmite.Also on the podcast, Chair of the Northern Research Group of Tory MPs, Jake Berry, explains why the government needs to hurry up when it comes to levelling up.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to Ukraine: the latest: https://podfollow.com/ukraine|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The gloves are off when it comes to Conservatives voicing their thoughts on their leader this week, so Christopher Hope invites both sides of the argument to the Red Lion to duke it out (with words, that is).Northern Ireland Minister and long-time Johnson ally, Conor Burns MP, makes his case in defence of the Prime Minister, letting listeners know that Boris Johnson isn't someone to give up lightly. While in the other corner of the ring, Conservative Home founder Tim Montgomerie bemoans the lack of ambition he sees in government, and accuses Boris Johnson of having less vision than Gordon Brown...Plus, veteran broadcaster Alastair Stewart, on why he thinks the 'mainstream media' is less than impartial when it comes to Boris Johnson, and Charles Lewington, former Head of Communications for the Tories in the 1990s, on why comparisons to Sir John Major's government are misplaced.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to The Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club: https://podfollow.com/vandtcc|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The Telegraph's Associate Editor Camilla Tominey and Whitehall Correspondent Tony Diver join Christopher Hope at Telegraph towers to react to Monday night's no confidence vote in Boris Johnson. The Prime Minister may have secured the support of 211 Tories against 148 rebels, but are there still choppy waters ahead? The gang place their bets on if the PM will still be leading the party by the next election, consider whether the Conservatives can please both heartland and Red Wall voters, and discuss potential next leaders, from the one we all know about (cough Jeremy Hunt) to the other contenders circling the top job.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

It's a week of pageantry, parties and platinum pudding for Her Majesty's Jubilee, so Christopher Hope decided to call up the Shadow Justice Secretary, Labour's Steve Reed, to talk about Labour's relationship to patriotism. The MP for Croydon North tells Chris that Labour's relationship to national pride under Jeremy Corbyn was 'an aberration', that some unease might come from confusing narrow nationalism with patriotism and why he believes that he's patriotic because he's Labour, not despite it. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

No, not Wagatha Christie; the hottest story of the week has of course been the Sue Gray report, and Christopher Hope gets the reaction from a fantastic collection of guests on this week's Chopper's Politics. Trade Minister Penny Mordaunt makes the short trip to the Red Lion pub to say that her party need to 'get on with it' to prove their worth post partygate, to talk about our first trade deal with a US state, and to indulge Chopper in a solid 3 minutes of national flagship discussion (you've been forewarned).Also on the podcast, Environment Secretary George Eustice insists Boris Johnson will still lead his party and the country at the next election, and discusses food security during a cost of living crisis. Plus Chairman of the 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady, reveals the differences in the three Prime Minister's he's dealt with in his time as he becomes the longest standing head of the group of backbench Tory MPs. Oh, and how many letters of no confidence he's received lately...For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politicsnewsletter|Listen to I witnessed history: playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Rebecca Pow, The Environment Minister, joins Christopher "Chopper" Hope to explain why on earth she's asking us to befriend an insect, explains how she's working on cleaning up our rivers (and not just for wild swimming) and reveals why she takes a leaf out of Prince Charles' book and talks to her plants.Also on the podcast, head of the English Football League, Rick Parry, on the role the beautiful game can play in the government's levelling up agenda.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Neil Parish, the MP who resigned after it was revealed he had watched porn in the Commons, joins Christopher Hope to give his final interview before handing in his badge at Westminster. The former Conservative MP for Tiverton and Honiton expresses his wish to apologise to the witnesses directly, argues that the complaint procedure does not allow for MPs who want to admit wrongdoing, and hints at a possible return as an independent MP - watch this space. Also on the podcast, Leader of the Commons Mark Spencer MP on how to improve the culture in parliament and whether keeping the calibre of MPs high means an awkward conversation about pay. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

In this emergency local elections special, Christopher Hope is joined by pollster Martin Baxter from Electoral Calculus and the Telegraph's Political Editor Ben Riley-Smith to chew the fat as the results keep coming in. What impact would these results have if they were mirrored in a general election, have they helped or hindered party leaders, and should politicos keep a keen eye on another potential C-word (whisper it listeners, coalition).Plus MP for Yeovil Marcus Fysh on losing local councils to the Lib Dems, and whether he has faith in the Prime Minister going forward.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

NB: This podcast was recorded and released on Wednesday 4th May 2022, before polls opened for local elections.Join Christopher Hope for this pre-local elections special of Chopper's Politics. Chris chews the fact with our Whitehall correspondent Tony Diver in the lobby room about how it might go for all the major parties, and whether more eyes should be on Stormont on polling day. Plus Chris talks to the residents of Wandsworth, a totemic Tory-held council that could turn Red for the first time in a generation.Also on the podcast, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle introduces Chris to Speaker Charlena White, Speaker for Montserrat, about what the UK should do for its Overseas Territories, whether phones should be banned on the benches, and Sir Lindsay refuses to be drawn yet again about the full bottom wig...For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

In this bumper bank holiday episode of Chopper's Politics, Christopher Hope is joined by the Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, Caroline Nokes MP, in the Red Lion pub, to talk about a tough week to be a woman in Westminster. She shares her personal experience of being on the receiving end of questionable sexist behavior, argues that whips need to be better at seeing the talents of their female colleagues and muses on "a certain type of particularly macho willy-waving man" that is drawn to a life in politics.Also on the podcast, Lib Dem Leader Sir Ed Davey on why he's championing rural voices, and being 'fighting fit' for next week's local elections, and Shadow Levelling Up Secretary, Labour's Lisa Nandy, on the cost of living crisis and experiencing sexism on the benches.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Mark Harper, former Chief Whip, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub on the week he told the Commons he no longer thinks the Prime Minister is "worthy of the great office he holds". The MP for the Forest of Dean nails his colours to the mast and says Boris Johnson is likely to face a vote of no confidence from his own MPs within the next three months, and that he's not sure the PM truly meant his numerous apologies. Ouch. On the opposite side of the ring, and also on the podcast, is veteran Tory MP Michael Fabricant, who believes that the Prime Minister can weather this storm, but gives us his blow by blow on what other gatherings-based icebergs could be on the horizon. Plus, Harriett Baldwin MP on the fact that 8% of the House of Lords is reserved for men only - and what she's planning to do to change that. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Robert Jenrick, former Housing Secretary, joins Christopher Hope as Easter in the Jenrick household will have a few more guests this year. The MP for Newark has a Ukrainian family staying with his own, thought to be the first MP to take in refugees under the new Home Office scheme. He tells Chris that red tape has "tested the patience" of those trying to be hosts, and he insists that despite the Prime Minister being sanctioned for gatherings during lockdowns, the idea that he should resign is "for the birds". Also on the podcast: Martin Baxter, founder of pollster Electoral Calculus, reveals how the public is responding to partgate fines, and gives us a glimpse into his local elections crystal ball.Plus the Telegraph's own Danielle Sheridan on swapping reporting on the corridors of power for the frontline, and the stories of hope she finds in a country at war. Read more of Danielle Sheridan's reporting from Ukraine here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/d/da-de/danielle-sheridan/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine: The Latest: playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Christopher Hope is taking a well deserved break this week, so as a special treat to Chopper's Politics listeners we're bringing you a panel discussion from a recent Telegraph event. And for the first Telegraph event for some time, Chopper thought he'd tackle quite a meaty topic, and so the subject of the day was How Will History Judge Boris Johnson? To answer that question he was joined by a group of people who know the Prime Minister best. Andrew Gimson, the author of the celebrated biography of Boris Johnson, Boris: the Making of the Prime Minister. Sir Anthony Seldon, biographer of 10 Downing Street, and is writing a book out looking at Johnson at No. 10 out next year. Lucy Fisher, our former deputy political editor, now at Times Radio, as the chief political commentator. And Andrew Bridgen, the Tory MP for North West Leicestershire.You can watch a video of this event here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p5wbJUVV3o |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The Education Secretary joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion following the release of his white paper. Nadhim Zahawi stresses why he thinks teachers should focus on teaching young minds how to think, not what to think, why schools should maybe have stayed open for everyone during the pandemic, and how he's applying his experience from the vaccine rollout to his new role. Plus, the Telegraph's Ben Riley-Smith gives us the lay of the land when it comes to the Prime Minister's standing as war rages in Europe, a cost of living crisis looms, and the spectre of 'partygate' returns. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Vika arrived in the UK on Monday this week, carrying all of her belongings in a single suitcase. She's a Ukrainian currently staying with environment minister Victoria Prentis MP, and they both joined Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub in Westminster to talk about Vika's journey out of Ukraine in blacked out trains, and how she's looking forward to getting back to Kyiv to rebuild her country. First MP to take in Ukrainian refugee says she wants to give them ‘the skills to rebuild Kyiv, by Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/03/25/first-mp-take-ukrainian-refugee-says-wants-give-skills-rebuild/ | Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Christopher Hope is joined by The Telegraph's Gordon Rayner and Juliet Samuel to discuss the ins and outs of the Spring Statement. What are the big 5 takeaways from announcements, will it come close to helping households during a cost of living crisis, and what does it mean for Chancellor Rishi Sunak politically? All discussed within.Read more from Gordon Rayner: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/g/gk-go/gordon-rayner/ |Read more from Juliet Samuel: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/ju-jz/juliet-samuel/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Tony Danker joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for a lookahead to this week's Spring Statement. The Director General of the CBI warns that taxes or borrowing may have to rise again unless ministers use Brexit to turbocharge growth, and insists he wasn't offended by last year's infamous "Peppa Pig" speech by the PM.  Also on the podcast, Ipsos' Kelly Beaver with some exclusive polling for Chopper's Politics on tax, including whether Chancellor Rishi Sunak needs to worry about his popularity. Plus, former Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell on his objections to offshore processing of asylum seekers, and how he's by far the only Conservative with that view. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Christopher Hope escapes the Red Lion to join Conservative Party Co-Chair Oliver Dowden for a tea and salt beef sandwich in his constituency. The former Culture Secretary claims that he wants to see 'genuine diversity' in the new Tory candidates list - and why he doesn't see that goal as 'woke'. Plus he'll put his foot down on raising taxes, and takes Chris on a trip to his childhood home. Also on the podcast: Lesia Vasylenko on what she's pitching to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as part of a small group of Ukrainian MPs in London. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Jacob Rees-Mogg joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for a wide-ranging interview over a coffee. The Minister for Brexit Opportunities sets out the pros and cons for fracking amidst a looming energy crisis and sanctions on Russian oil, and claims that Partygate and “woke stuff” are fading out of view in light of world events. Plus, an exciting announcement for Royal Yacht watchers. Also on the podcast: satirical comedian and host of BBC Radio 4's The News Quiz, Andy Zaltzman, on how to find humour, while striking the right tone, in a time of crisis. Find out more about Andy Zaltzman's Satirist for Hire Show: https://andyzaltzman.co.uk/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Ukraine The Latest: https://www.playpodca.st/ukraine |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Lord David Owen, former Foreign Secretary, joins Christopher Hope to discuss why he thinks Ukraine is Vladimir Putin's undoing, how the Russian President's approach has radically changed since he first took power, and his fears about nuclear threats.Also on the podcast: Director of the Ukrainian Institute in London, Olesya Khromeychuk, on why global action against Russia should have been taken years ago, plus Tory MP Nickie Aiken on why she's pushing for greater government help for those fleeing the conflict.A Loss: The Story of a Dead Soldier Told by His Sister, by Olesya Khromeychuk: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Loss-Soldier-Sister-Ukrainian-Instant/dp/3838215702 |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Almost six days on from Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Christopher Hope is joined by those on the ground for a bonus episode of Chopper's Politics.From Kyiv, Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun sets out what she feels her country needs when it comes to help from the West, and fresh from Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv, the Telegraph's own Roland Oliphant tells Chris why he thinks trouble may be ahead for Russia.Plus Peter Thomson, a Ukrainian resident originally from Scotland, tells us how the invasion has seen him swap running his agricultural business for making Molotov cocktails using the petrol from his lawnmower.Read more from Roland Oliphant: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/r/rk-ro/roland-oliphant/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

A dark day for Europe. Armed forces minister James Heappey joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to talk about how the government should respond to Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. The MP for Wells warns that decisions made in Western capitals over the next week cannot be viewed as a "quick fix" for such an 'epoch changing' moment, and why the UK will not be committing troops. Also on the podcast, Bob Seely MP, decries years of what he calls 'government complacency then panic' towards Russian aggression. Plus, Chris is joined by two journalists covering this unfolding story on the ground - the Telegraph's own Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow describes the shock of the Russian people and banks running out of foreign currency and The Times' Askold Krushelnycky in the East of Ukraine talks about the calm, quiet determination of the Ukrainians in the region. Read more from Nataliya: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/n/na-ne/nataliya-vasilyeva/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Nigel Farage is the latest person under Michael Crick's microscope, as the veteran broadcaster attempts to demystify one of Britain's most complex politicians in his new book.He joins Christopher Hope to discuss the moments that should have ended Mr Farage's political rise; how history will measure the man ("It all depends on the success of Brexit!") and what he thinks the former UKIP leader has in common with Tony Blair.Plus Chris and Michael compare war stories of long lunches with the politician famous for his love of pints.'One Party After Another, review: a warts-and-all portrait of Nigel Farage, the outsider who changed Britain,' by Simon Heffer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/one-party-another-review-warts-and-all-portrait-nigel-farage/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Labour MP Rosie Duffield joins Christopher Hope at his favourite table at the Red Lion pub for a frank discussion on the realities of being a politician. She opens up on why she doesn't feel supported by her party following a distressing harassment campaign, and tells us whether she's tempted to defect to another altogether. Also on the podcast: Tory donor and businessman Johnny Leavesley tells us why Boris Johnson needs to 'get a grip', and whether current turbulence in Downing Street will see him tightening his purse strings. And Conservative MP for West Wiltshire, Andrew Murrison, on why he's leading a new All Party Parliamentary Group to scrutinise the National Trust. 'Boris deserves one more chance. But if he doesn't get a grip soon, he must go' by Johnny Leavesley: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/02/11/boris-deserves-one-chance-doesnt-get-grip-soon-must-go/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Neil O'Brien, Minister in the Levelling Up department, joins Christopher Hope to dissect a very important document released in Westminster this week - and no, we don't mean that one. The MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston claims you can "level up" in Chelsea and assures Chris that it isn't a "North vs South thing". Also on the podcast, Shadow Secretary for Levelling Up, Lisa Nandy MP, tells us she'd have been right there "cheering from the rafters" offering Michael Gove her support if the white paper had delivered - but she feels it fell short. Plus unofficial Levelling Up expert, author and journalist Sebastian Payne, on what the paper means for Johnsonism, and the Telegraph's own Tony Diver attempts to sum the entire document up in 3 minutes, including why on earth it included a brief history of civilisation... For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Anthony Mangnall, MP for Totnes and South Devon, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to talk about becoming the 12th Tory MP to publicly submit a letter of no confidence in Boris Johnson. He explains his reasoning to Chris (before the whips or his family!) about how he feels he can't stand by as "good work" is "overshadowed by the actions of one man", and how he didn't come into politics to lie to people, or be lied to, but to help people. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

It's the day all politicos have been waiting for. Well, sort of. Christopher Hope is joined by Telegraph colleagues Camilla Tominey and Gordon Rayner to take you inside what the 12 pages of Gray truly mean. Is it "sorry, not sorry" from Boris? How will ambitious backbench Tories leverage a floundering PM? And what will be the impact of, to quote Harold Macmillan, 'events, dear boy, events', such as simmering tensions in Ukraine?  Listen for full enlightenment.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

"He was ambushed by a cake," said Conor Burns MP earlier this week, when asked about Boris Johnson's apparent birthday gathering in 2020: the PM's latest Partygate woe. But on this week's Chopper's Politics the Northern Ireland Minister joins Christopher Hope and makes a stunning revelation - there was no cake at all! He gives an impassioned defence of the PM, and tells listeners why he should stay as the top dog in Downing Street (with the greatest of respect to Dilyn, of course).Also on the podcast: Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham and former head of Thatcher's policy unit, tells us why it’s time for the Prime Minister to take a leaf out of the Iron Lady's book, and the Telegraph's Nataliya Vasilyeva and Lucy Fisher break down the simmering tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and the implications for the UK. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Tory grandee David Davis joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub for the interview everybody wanted. The former Brexit Secretary explains why he used PMQs to call for the PM to stand aside "in the name of God" and laughs heartily at the idea of stepping in as interim leader (that's not a no, though).Plus the Telegraph's Tony Diver on his scoop that caused woe at Number 10 (suitcase of booze, anyone?), and Chris Loder MP on how the 2019 Conservative intake are dealing with Partygate and pork pie plots.Also on the show: Lord Marland, who worked on Boris Johnson's successful mayoral campaign, on why his friend's ship is far from sunk.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

In a Chopper's Politics podcast first, Ian Blackford, the SNP leader of Westminster, joins Christopher Hope as his favourite table in the Red Lion pub. While Britain is distracted by BYOB boozy parties, Ian and Chris get stuck into one of the big political questions of the next few years: will we soon see an Independent Scotland. Plus Ian reveals what it's really like having to work with a Tory government, claims Scotland will keep the pound in the event they leave the union, and makes it clear that he will not stand for anti-Englishness in the SNP. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Off Script: www.playpodca.st/offscript |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Longtime Brexiteer Tory MP, Andrew Bridgen, joins Christopher Hope to exclusively reveal that he's submitted a 'letter of no confidence' in Boris Johnson over what he sees as a moral vacuum in government, and assures Chris that Bridgen Towers held no BYOB parties, thank you very much.Also on the podcast: Conservative MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, Miriam Cates, joins us in the Red Lion pub after the PM's bruising PMQs this week. As a member of the Education Select committee, she shares her concerns around schooling in this country - from masks in the classroom to teaching on gender.And Nile Gardiner, former aide to Margaret Thatcher, on why he's backing calls for a return to Thatcherite Conservatism, and why he thinks Boris Johnson needs to channel his inner Hugh Grant...Boris Johnson delivered on Brexit and vaccines; all that’s left to deliver is his resignation, by Andrew Bridgen: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2022/01/13/boris-johnson-delivered-brexit-vaccines-left-deliver-resignation/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Allegedly retired politician and current President of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion for the first Chopper's Politics of 2022.The former UKIP leader paints a gloomy picture for the Prime Minister, predicting another seismic shift away from the Tories in Red Wall seats and the ousting of yet another Tory leader.Also on the podcast: Conservative MP for Stevenage Stephen McPartland shares his concerns for families facing a choice between eating and heating as a hike in energy bills looms,Plus Sir Keith Mills, the government's Obesity Tsar, on whether free cinema tickets would really encourage you to hit the treadmill.A revolt on the Right is brewing – and I'm ready to be part of it, by Nigel Farage: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/01/07/revolt-right-brewing-ready-part/ |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to I Witnessed History: www.playpodca.st/witnessed |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

In need of some seasonal cheer? Are the daily lateral flows somewhat dampening your spirits? Come and join Christopher Hope, plus his Telegraph pals, for Chopper's Festive Quiz.Chopper is joined by Camilla Tominey, Tim Stanley and Michael Deacon for a fittingly chaotic look back over 2021. Will you beat our team of top hacks? Given we know the scores, we have a sneaking suspicion you might...For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Fresh from rebellion in the Commons, Conservative MP for Bishop Auckland and one of Parliament’s youngest sitting politicians, Dehenna Davison joins Christopher Hope on his favourite table in the Red Lion pub. But does her recent vote against the PM’s Covid pass scheme indicate waning confidence in his leadership? How will the Tories make “levelling up” more than just a catchphrase? And is politics all she expected? Listen to find out.Plus: after over three decades at Sky and ITV respectively, political journalists Adam Boulton and Libby Wiener are stepping down. They share their collective memory of a changing industry, a changing Westminster, and a changing Boris Johnson. For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: https://www.playpodca.st/fullcontact|Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

After Christmas party shenanigans and new Covid measures, there's a not so festive fallout this week in Westminster.Christopher Hope is joined this week by Conservative MP for Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester, William Wragg, fresh from shouting "Resign!" at the Health Secretary in the Commons, to express his despair at the Plan B pandemic measures being ushered in next week. He urges MPs to stick to their guns and rebel if they too don't agree with vaccine passports and mandatory jabs.Also on the podcast, Jake Berry, Tory MP for Rossendale and Darwen and Chair of the Northern Research Group of Conservative MPs, on why he thinks Boris Johnson needs "an Alastair Campbell figure" in No.10, and former leader of the Lib Dems Tim Farron, on why it's important the public care about the moral integrity of our leaders, and which blond-haired PM he thinks lacks it. No answers on postcards please.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps MP joins Chris on the podcast this week urging listeners to still book holidays, as long as you have insurance, discuss why he doesn't think expensive on return PCR tests should have their price capped, and assures Chris that one day he'll make train seats more comfortable...He also shamelessly blames his elderly dog for his current lack of travel plans (#JusticeForMrCrumble).Plus, ERG Chair Mark Francois MP returns to The Red Lion pub to announce an early Christmas present for the Brexiteer in your life, his new book revealing the inside story of Brexit from the side that won, and the battle he went through trying to get it published.Spartan Victory: The Inside Story for of the battle of Brexit, by Mark Francois: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Spartan-Victory-inside-Battle-Brexit-ebook/dp/B09MVCJCZW/|For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, joins Christopher Hope for his first Chopper's Politics. He tells listeners why he's trying to persuade the government to have police officers enforce mask wearing on the tube once again, why he's not sold on a wealth tax in London and whether Christmas could be cancelled once again in the capital.Plus - in the reveal you've all been waiting for, the Mayor discloses his favourite fast food chicken joint.For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Brian Moore's Full Contact: www.playpodca.st/fullcontact |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

This week Christopher Hope brings you three books to bestow upon the political nerd in your life this Christmas. And we've even given Chopper's listeners enough time to order them, regardless of potential supply issues! Don't say we don't treat you. Legendary broadcaster Michael Cockerell joins Chris to talk about 'Unmasking our Leaders: Confessions of a political documentary maker', which charts his infamous interviews with 12 Prime Ministers, and a few party leaders for good measure. Find out why he calls his guests "subjects, not victims, Chris!", which interviewee was the grumpiest, and how he managed to get Boris Johnson to admit he'd like to be PM before anyone else. Also on the podcast, journalist Steve Richards on 'The Prime Ministers We Never Had', his book looking at major figures on politics that didn't quite make the leap to the top. Listen to Steve's justification for including Jeremy Corbyn, and pitch for the film no one needs on the Miliband brothers. Plus leader of the Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Alan 'Howling Laud' Hope, on being the longest serving party leader in British history, and how the Beatles wouldn't exist without him (yes, really).Unmasking Our Leaders: Confessions of a Political Documentary-Maker, by Michael Cockerell: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/unmasking-our-leadersThe Prime Ministers We Never Had: Success and Failure from Butler to Corbyn, by Steve Richards: https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/the-prime-ministers-we-never-had/The Great White Hope: The Life and Times of Alan ‘Howling Laud’ Hope, by Alan Hope: https://www.amazon.co.uk/GREAT-WHITE-HOPE-Times-Howling-ebook/dp/B087QN7468For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Sign up to the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |Listen to Planet Normal: www.playpodca.st/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Stuart Rose, Conservative peer and former head of M&S, Argos, the Arcadia group, and pretty much every other big retail business you can think of, joins Christopher Hope to lay the path towards patching the rift between the Tory party and business. He tells us why he thinks Brexit has left a bad smell between the business leaders and government, but why everyone just needs to move on.Also on the podcast, Care Minister Gillian Keegan on this week's "jabs for jobs" announcement for care workers and why she doesn't want to pull the "easy lever" of immigration to solve staffing shortages in the sector.Plus the Telegraph's Environment editor Emma Gatten helps us wade through the greenwashing from COP26 announcements.Read more from Emma Gatten: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/e/ek-eo/emma-gatten/ |Inside the Care Crisis with Ed Balls: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0011hfd/inside-the-care-crisis-with-ed-balls |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

In his first interview since he quit the post, former Health secretary Matt Hancock and Labour backbencher Rupa Huq join Christopher Hope to explain why they are joining forces to escalate the conversation about the online abuse of MPs. Ms Huq weighs up whether more needs to be done about anonymous social media accounts, while Mr Hancock reveals which surprising well-known figure has been giving him advice on avoiding the trolls.Also on the podcast, the Telegraph's Camilla Tominey gives us the low down the lobbying row that's causing fireworks in Westminster this week, plus comedian and commentator Matt Forde and reveals his dream interviewee for political patter (and frankly, we're shocked the answer isn't Chopper).Read more from Camilla Tominey: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/ca-ce/camilla-tominey/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The morning after the Chancellor laid out his mass spending spree for the post-Covid era, the Telegraph's Deputy Political Editor Lucy Fisher keeps the microphone warm for a holidaying Chopper. She's joined by The Telegraph's Whitehall Editor Harry Yorke and columnist Juliet Samuel to discuss the ins and outs of the Autumn Budget.Who fares the best from the announcements, is it as bold as Sunak would like us to believe, and is it easy to be green when you're holding the purse strings? All discussed within.Read more from Lucy Fisher: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l/lu-lz/lucy-fisher/ |Read more from Harry Yorke: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/h/ha-he/harry-yorke/ |Read more from Juliet Samuel: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/ju-jz/juliet-samuel/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The death of Sir David Amess cast a shadow over Westminster this week, and in the wake of such a shocking loss comes renewed discussions around MPs' safety.Former Environment and Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers opens up about the threats she's received, cautions against disrupting constituents' access to their MP and tells Chopper why comments about "Tory scum" just aren't helpful.Also on the podcast: Andrew Mitchell MP gives us a glimpse behind the fringe in his new memoir and shares a touching memory of his friend Sir David, and former Health Secretary under New Labour Alan Milburn has some words of caution for the government as they embark on pumping money into an ailing NHS (sound familiar?)Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The EU Ambassador to the UK, João Vale de Almeida, joins Christopher Hope on Chopper's Politics as this week Brussels has moved to bend and break their own rules with new proposals to cool tensions over the implementation of Northern Ireland Protocol. He insists the EU isn't a 'punisher', and argues that the European Court of Justice is a necessary referee in football match of the single market. The Telegraph's Europe Editor James Crisp and the Whitehall Editor Harry Yorke react to the Ambassador's words, with James' prediction of a future Brexit as a "damp, flaccid, squib" - oh dear... Plus co-Chair of The Conservative Steel Caucus Miriam Cates MP makes the case for the importance of steel in the push towards net zero, and also weighs into the row on biological sex versus gender. Read more from James Crisp: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/j/ja-je/james-crisp/ |Read more from Harry Yorke: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/h/ha-he/harry-yorke/ |The cancellation of women is bigger than a 'culture war', by Miriam Cates: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/10/11/cancellation-women-bigger-culture-war/ | Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

New foreign secretary Liz Truss gives The Telegraph’s Associate Editor, Camilla Tominey the inside line on her first few weeks in the role. Did the appointment come as a surprise? After the fall of Kabul, will she recognise The Taliban as the leaders of Afghanistan? And, in her second role as Women and Equalities Minister, does she still have faith in police chief Cressida Dick following the disturbing revelations surrounding Sarah Everard’s death? All this and more, including Ms Truss’ take on who should play the next James Bond and whether she secretly enjoyed upsetting the French in the recent submarine row.Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

New Conservative party co-chair Oliver Dowden gives Christopher Hope the inside track on his appointment, including a rather curious instruction bestowed upon him by the PM. But how will he increase party support? Is the membership simply too old? And what will a new HQ in Leeds mean for the grassroots? All this and more, including an attack on the “middle-class outlook” he claims dominates Labour ranks, and a glimpse into the Dowden family dynamics, as the MP tells us why he still gets in trouble with his mum.Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to Off Script: https://playpodca.st/offscript |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

New Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries joins Christopher Hope live at the Conservative Party Conference in her first broadcast interview in the role. The best-selling author and MP for Mid-Bedfordshire declares the days of tokenism at the BBC over, dismisses "snobbery" surrounding her appointment, and comes down hard on Angela Rayner's comments about "Tory scum".Plus: Ms Dorries reveals whether she would pay her TV license if it weren't compulsory and why, as the tenth Culture Secretary in as many years, she's the minister who will stick.Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to Off Script: https://playpodca.st/offscript |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The Leader of the House of Commons, twenty students and a pub in Westminster. Christopher Hope hands the microphone over to the most politically engaged young people since Jacob Rees-Mogg was a lad, as the politics class of St George's School, Harpenden, grill the Conservative MP. Up for discussion: carbon zero, mental health policy and whether his tax affairs are truly above board. Plus, is Mr Rees-Mogg still chasing his own teenage ambition of becoming Prime Minister? And what's his McDonald's order? Listen to find out.Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to Off Script: https://playpodca.st/offscript |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Shadow Foreign Secretary Lisa Nandy joins Christopher Hope on the podcast this week to talk about why she thinks Labour needs to harness the "quiet patriotism" of the nation, and throws her weight behind Sir Keir Starmer's Labour reforms. Plus, she reveals what top job she's really after (spoiler alert: it's not the Labour leader).Also on the podcast, DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson reacts to President Joe Biden's warning shots to Boris Johnson over the Northern Irish Protocol.And former Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt gives his verdict on whether Paris really should "prenez un grip" after France was left out of the new AUKUS submarine deal.The French can’t have their cake and eat it, by Jeremy Hunt: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/09/20/french-cant-have-cake-eat/ |Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

As conference season approaches, how can Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer sell himself to the nation, as well as to the Party itself? One man with a plan is Lord Peter Mandelson, Blairite grandee and one of the architects of New Labour. He tells Christopher Hope whether he thinks Starmer needs a "Kinnock moment", why he thinks the Party needs to lead a "complete rewiring", and in the political bombshell of the century, reveals whether he really mistook mushy peas for guacamole. Also on the podcast, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle looks ahead to this weekend's G7 Speakers' Summit in his hometown of Chorley and gives Chris an ultimatum about the Speaker's wig. And the Telegraph's own Lucy Fisher gives us a rundown of the movers and shakers of this week's Cabinet reshuffle.Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Read more from Lucy Fisher: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/l/lu-lz/lucy-fisher/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to Planet Normal: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/planetnormal |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

The biggest tax rises since World War II dominate the discussion this week, with every guest giving their two cents on the government's manifesto-breaking move to fund social care.Cabinet Office Minister Chloe Smith joins Christopher Hope in the Red Lion pub to discuss two new Bills that could, controversially, see passports required at the ballot box, plus she defies critics who say the National Insurance rise is un-Conservative.Also on the podcast, Martin Baxter from elections experts Electoral Calculus breaks down exclusive polling looking at voting intentions if an election were held tomorrow - and it's not looking good for some big Tory names.And finally Sir Oliver Letwin talks about his new book, in which he warns government ministers to rapidly change tack on China.China vs America: A warning, by Oliver Letwin: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/china-vs-america |Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended-/ |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |

Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey joins Christopher Hope to reflect on the tumultuous exit from Afghanistan and what the UK's future relationship with the country might look like. Speaking in Westminster's legendary Red Lion pub, he dismisses suggestions of a blame game battle between the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defence, tells us what he really thinks about the charity chief who evacuated animals out of Kabul, Pen Farthing, and discusses the "wobble in confidence and mojo" in the special relationship. Plus Mr Heappey shares how, as a veteran, the last few weeks have taken their toll. Read more from Christopher Hope: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/c/cf-cj/christopher-hope/ |Sign up for the Chopper's Politics newsletter: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/newsletters |For 30 days' free access to The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/chopper |Listen to History Defended: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/history-defended-/ |Email: chopperspolitics@telegraph.co.uk |