The Toynbee test
In a series of video interviews, Guardian columnist, Polly Toynbee, questions politicians, policy-makers and opinion formers about their role in shaping society and the sort of Britain they would like to see in the future
David Miliband: 'I believe the Tories are being economically inept: It's a masochism strategy'
Polly Toynbee talks to the favourite for the Labour leadership, David Miliband, about his plans for the economy, regrets over Iraq and Labour's 'comfort zone'
Ed Miliband: 'We've got to recognise the world has changed'
Polly Toynbee talks to the Labour leadership contender about the differences between himself and his brother, where Labour went wrong in the past, and his stance on the Iraq war
Diane Abbott: 'I'm the only one who's not a continuity candidate'
Diane Abbott tells Polly Toynbee why she feels the campaign for Labour leader is in danger of appearing to be bought, and raises questions about the party's complicity in torture
Ed Balls: 'I always wanted to be part of Tony Blair's team'
Polly Toynbee talks to Ed Balls about his support of faith schools, where he thinks Blair and Brown went wrong, and why he should be the next leader of the Labour party
Andy Burnham: 'I want a clear break from this way of running the Labour party'
Polly Toynbee finds out why Andy Burnham thinks he has what it takes to win the Labour leadership
The Toynbee Test: Iain Duncan Smith
Polly Toynbee challenges ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith over his plans to promote marriage and defend children's services. Is she right to be sceptical about IDS's proposals to reshape politics in what he describes as one of the most important policy areas currently facing politicians of all parties?
The Toynbee Test: Nick Clegg
Polly Toynbee picks over why the Liberal Democrats are not doing better in the polls with their leader, Nick Clegg, and asks if their problem is that they're just too rightwing
The Toynbee Test: Harriet Harman
Polly Toynbee takes the Labour deputy leader to task on the expenses scandal and the party's leadership crisis