Last updated June 24, 2024 – 10:04 AM
How To Win An Election, a podcast produced by The Times and The Sunday Times, has reached the significant milestone of one million views.
This comes ahead of a special live episode broadcast the morning after voting, analysing the election results in front of Times readers.
Launching in October 2023, the podcast will feature three of the most experienced political strategists of the last 40 years – Peter Mandelson, Daniel Finkelstein and Polly MacKenzie – with Times Radio presenter Matt Chorley moderating the conversation.
The podcast, which now airs twice a week, is an inside guide to all the twists and turns of the election race, with highlights including Danny's accurate prediction that an early election was looming, Peter's advice to Keir Starmer being reflected in Jeremy Hunt's Budget speech, and Polly sparking debate by arguing that babies should have the right to vote.
Matt Chorley said: “We always knew we'd reach a million downloads, which is why we took a gamble when we hit 999,000 downloads. What we didn't know was how much fun it would be, and how much we'd learn from Danny, Polly and Peter.”
“It's essential listening for anyone who wants to know how to win elections, but the evidence so far suggests some parties have been listening more intently than others.”
Daniel Finkelstein said, “Making How to Win was a lot of fun, not the least of which was sharing the studio with Matt, Peter and Polly. I learned so much and my understanding of politics improved. I also had a lot of laughs.”
“Another joy has been meeting so many of my listeners who tell me how much they enjoy the podcast. It's been a real honor meeting them and a real honor recording 'How to Win.'”
Polly McKenzie said: “Peter and Danny are both brilliant and funny people. I had a lot of fun lecturing Peter about the patriarchy and reminding Danny that politicians are rarely as rational as he is.”
“We also have by far the best and most creative listeners. Where else can you find a political podcast that incorporates fan-written poetry, head-banging songs and pop art? I hope it continues for a long time to come.”
Peter Mandelson said: “From candidate selection to manifesto promises, every aspect of this crucial election is the subject of our rigorous scrutiny. This podcast is an insider's guide to the election as British politics stands at the crossroads of change.”
Executive producer Andrew Alexander said: “When we started the podcast, we knew we'd learn a lot about politics from Peter, Polly, Danny and Matt, but we never expected how much they'd make us laugh, even when they fundamentally disagree with us.”
“It's been an honor to help build a passionate audience as they make sense of this election campaign, and their conversations will continue to be must-listen-to.”
Subscribers can take part in the polls and be part of the live audience for the How to Win the Election – The Results Special. The event will be held at Times HQ at 11am on Friday 5 July, the morning after the election. For more information and to take part in the poll, visit the Times+ website at mytimesplus.co.uk/events.
