The Rundown by PoliticsHome PoliticsHome

Conservative MPs Stephen Hammond and Henry Smith, both of whom have decided not to run for their seats again at the general election, reflect on why they have called it quits on the Commons, and offer some advice for candidates vying to replace them.



Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver

Michael Crick, who runs the @tomorrowsMPs Twitter and three prospective parliamentary candidates – Khobi Patterson-Vallis, Conservative candidate for Brighton; Josh Babarinde, Lib Dem candidate for Eastbourne; and Roz Savage, Lib Dems candidate for South Cotswolds, join PoliticsHome's Alain Tolhurst to discuss the secretive process behind who gets to be an MP, and why anyone would want to take on the job.



Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver

Conservative MP Mark Garnier, director of research at Labour Together Christabel Cooper, and professor of politics at Queen Mary University Tim Bale join PoliticsHome's Alain Tolhurst to assess the fallout from the local elections which saw huge losses for the Tories across England including the West Midlands mayoralty and a host of bellwether councils. Plus this week’s surprise defection from the Tories to Labour by the MP Natalie Elphicke.



Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver

Alex Thomas, programme director at the Institute for Government, Dr Michelle Clement, researcher in residence at Number 10, and Hugh Bennett, a former Downing Street special adviser, join Alain Tolhurst from PoliticsHome to talk about the problem at the centre of our politics, with Prime Ministers unable to deliver on their ambitions, and whether the three most powerful departments; Number 10, the Cabinet Office and the Treasury, are wrongly configured.



Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver

Conservative MP Robert Buckland and director of the Hansard Society Dr Ruth Fox join PoliticsHome's Alain Tolhurst and Caitlin Doherty to discuss the passage of the government’s Safety of Rwanda Bill into law after a tortuous journey through parliament, and whether it will ultimately achieve Rishi Sunak’s pledge to ‘stop the boats’.

Former prime minister Liz Truss speaks to PoliticsHome's Alain Tolhurst to discuss her new book, Ten Years to Save the West, and reflect on her tumultuous 49 days in Downing Street in 2022, what her second act would be, and whether she'd do it all over again given the chance.



Presented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton for Podot, edited by Laura Silver