Who really runs the Labour Party?

‘ Like an HR manager, not a leader’. This is the description of Sir Keir Starmer from his closest and most influential aide, according to a new book by two Times journalists. It’s just one of the many insights uncovered by Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund who lift the lid on the inner workings of the Labour Party and the power struggles behind the scenes.

If that’s what the prime minister’s people think of him, who’s really running the country?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory

Guests: 

Patrick Maguire, columnist, The Times.Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producer: Edward Drummond.

For further insight - and more stories from behind the scenes, buy Get In The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer Times+ members get a 20% discount.

Clips: BBC, Labour Together, 5News, Channel 4 News.

Illustration: Russel Herneman, The Sunday Times.

Get in touch: [email protected]     

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The Story: the flagship podcast from The Times and Sunday Times. One remarkable story, told in depth, each day.

Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations.

Discover the story behind the story with world-class journalism from The Times and Sunday Times.

The Story is available at the start of your day from Monday to Friday, with bonus ‘Inside the Newsroom’ episodes every Saturday for Times subscribers, available by connecting your subscription via Apple Podcasts.

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

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• Latest episode: 2025-06-03
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