The Pursuit Of Power

Episodes

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Michael Gove20161025"Power means constructing structures in order to allow individuals to achieve their utmost."

As a former secretary of state, first for education and then justice, Michael Gove MP has seen first hand how power works. It's not, he says, like being Louis XIV king of France and ordering executions - you have to work within constraints.

In a wide ranging interview about education, Brexit and the media, Bronwen Maddox quizzes Gove as she continues her series about how power now works in the UK.

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.

What is power and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox asks Michael Gove.

What is power, and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox talks to five people to find out.

The Female Bishop20161027The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, made headlines worldwide when she said she would not describe God as 'he'.

She tells presenter Bronwen Maddox that she was surprised by the press response, but is still determined to use her voice. Earlier this year she became the first female bishop to speak in the House of Lords.

"It's interesting how your position of authority enables you have a platform and a voice, while there are lots of other people who've equally good things to say but don't get asked."

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.

Bronwen Maddox meets the first female bishop to speak in the House of Lords.

What is power, and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox talks to five people to find out.

The Momentum Activist20161026Bronwen Maddox meets Barbara Ntumy, political activist with Momentum. Barbara came to this country a decade ago from Ghana, and first found her voice marching against the English Defence League in Sheffield. In a wide ranging interview Barbara explains why she feels the need to stand up, and what her activism can achieve.

"Where she was less convincing," says presenter Bronwen Maddox, "was on the relationship between Momentum and those elected MPs who don't agree with her views, some of whom say they find Momentum threatening and undemocratic."

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde.

Bronwen Maddox meets Barbara Ntumy, a political activist with pressure group Momentum.

What is power, and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox talks to five people to find out.

The Newly Elected Mayor20161024"The cry you hear from the public is, why can't they get anything done? The cry you hear from government is, why can't I get anything done?"

In this new five part series the director of the Institute for Government, Bronwen Maddox, sets off in pursuit of power. What is it, and how does it work?

Her interviewees include former secretary of state for Education, Michael Gove; the Momentum activist Barbara Ntumy; and the first female bishop to speak in the House of Lords, the right reverend Rachel Treweek.

In the opening programme you'll hear from the newly elected mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees. He draws on this story to explain being in charge: " It's like having your mouth round a fire hydrant, stuff coming in at volume. How do you manage that, and remember that you're supposed to be leading the way?"

Bronwen Maddox is the former editor of Prospect and became the new director of The Institute for Government in September 2016.

The producer is Miles Warde.

Marvin Rees, the newly elected mayor of Bristol, explains what it means to be in charge.

What is power, and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox talks to five people to find out.

The Power Of Nudge20161028Bronwen Maddox concludes her pursuit of power with a trip into the world of nudge. Dr David Halpern is chief executive of the Behavioural Insights Team, and he also spent six years as chief analyst of the Downing Street strategy unit. Here he explains how small changes can make a big difference, and why the traditional levers of power don't always work. Presenter Bronwen Maddox asks when a 'nudge' becomes manipulation, a sharp issue right now in the United States.

The presenter is Miles Warde.

David Halpern tells Bronwen Maddox about the power of nudge.

What is power, and how does it work? Bronwen Maddox talks to five people to find out.