Michael talks to Humza Yousaf about working out who you can trust and managing allies.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Michael Gove talks to Arlene Foster about the challenge of managing schisms in her party.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Michael Gove talks to Amber Rudd about how and why she chose to take stands of principle.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Michael Gove talks to Peter Mandelson about the challenge of managing unpopularity.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Michael Gove talks to Margaret Hodge about the importance of working with other parties.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter Editor: Clare Fordham Sound recordists: Jack Graysmark and Hannah Montgomery Mixed by James Beard Production co-ordinators: Janet Staples, Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck

Listen to all episodes from Monday 21 October 2024 on BBC Sounds.

The former President of Ireland and UN human rights chief sits down with Jim Naughtie in Dublin to reflect on her career and why she remains a "prisoner of hope"

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

This episode was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 1 August 2024

The former Home Secretary reflects with Jim Naughtie on life at the heart of the Labour Party.

What was it like to be at Neil Kinnock's side during Labour's wilderness years, running the Home Office on 7/7, and being sacked by Tony Blair?

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

This episode was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 25 July 2024