Matt Forde's Political Party
Comedian and broadcaster Matt Forde hosts a show where renowned politicians and experts open up and give their most honest, revealing and often hilarious answers.
Episodes
Show 406. Jeremy Hunt
Prepare yourself for a big fat dose of political optimism. Jeremy Hunt is asking a big question: can we be rich again? His latest book seeks to answer this and before he gets into what needs to change, he also believes that there's plenty to be cheerful about. How can the government quickly deliver growth? What makes the UK uniquely placed to benefit from AI? What's his pe
Show 405. Lucy Powell - LIVE
This is a cracking briefing from Labour's Deputy Leader. On Makerfield and what happens next for the party. Lucy takes us inside the heart of the Labour Party... do Labour MPs and members actually want a leadership election? And what would happen if there was one? Are the issues that Labour faces actually to do with Keir Starmer at all? Lucy is also a massive football fan, but
Show 404. Kieran Andrews
This is an absolute scorcher with ITV Borders' Political Editor. Kieran gives an entertaining and comprehensive analysis of the Holyrood election results and what they mean for the future of Scottish and UK politics. From an MSP elected on a student visa to what impact Scotland's World Cup campaign will have, it's all in here. Enjoy!THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burnham
Show 403. Samantha Niblett
Samantha was only elected in 2024 but she's already making waves, especially with her 'Yes, Sex Please, We're British' campaign. It's certainly ruffled feathers and we talk about what she wants to achieve with it, what the reaction has been and whether the Prime Minister supports it. Plus, of course, a bit of Labour leadership stuff... THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burn
Show 402. Lewis Goodall
WOAH. Recorded the night Labour MPs began calling on Keir Starmer to resign, this is an adrenaline-fuelled up-to-the-minute analysis of what has gone wrong and what happens next. PLUS great stuff about Lewis's life growing up, his book, his mum and the dynamic between him, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel. It's a corker. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burnham
Show 401. Steve Baker
Strap on in for an adrenaline-fuelled hour with former Conservative minister Steve Baker. This is packed full of honest reflections on the faith, life, mental health... and so much more. Steve is a deep thinker and has continued to analyse politics since he left Parliament. This is cracking. CHECK OUT Steve's project, 'Fighting for a Free Future' here: htt
Show 400. Andrew Marr - Replay
This is a classic from the back catalogue. You are about to be thoroughly entertained by one of the best raconteurs in the history of the show. Andrew Marr is one of the most gifted broadcasters that Britain has ever produced and he shares hilarious stories from his wonderful career. This is a show packed with powerful moments, including the mistakes Andrew thinks the media m
Show 399. Shabana Mahmood - LIVE
Shabana Mahmood doesn't hold back in this impassioned, thoughtful and hilarious interview. This is the Home Secretary as you've never heard her before. Nothing is off limits in this wide-ranging interview which includes reflections on her upbringing, her solution for dealing with immigration and a revelation about her hobby that you'd never see coming. Warning: includes protestors.
Show 398. Ben Judah
This is a top level briefing from one of the best minds in foreign policy. Ben was Special Adviser to David Lammy when he was Foreign Secretary. He's been in the room for some of the most important meetings of the last few years, including face-to-face meetings with JD Vance. In this gripping episode he answers some of the biggest questions about global instability.  
Show 397. Claire Coutinho
Claire is the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy, Climate Change and Net Zero, having been Secretary of State in the last Conservative government... and she's changed her position on Net Zero. In this candid and entertaining interview, she tells us why she's changed her mind and her frustrations with the system. Claire also talks about having to confront her own mortality after the tra
Show 396. Lisa Nandy LIVE
How does Labour defeat Reform and the Greens? What would count as success in the local, Holyrood and Cardiff elections for Labour? PLUS, The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport talks CultureMedia and... Peroni, AI and Britney Spears. It's a classic. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewi
Show 395. Chris Curtis
Chris is 32 and was elected in 2024. Despite that, he's already made a name for himself as the co-chair of the Labour Growth Group. But who are they and what would they do differently? A former pollster, what's his take on Labour's position and can it be saved? More importantly, what is the most nutritious item on the Wetherspoons menu? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE30 Mar
Show 394. Karl Turner
Strap in for an energetic hour of raw analysis from Labour's Karl Turner. He's been going viral lately and you're about to discover why. Karl is forthright but fair in assessing Labour's issues and what the PLP actually want from the leadership. His perspective my surprise you. He's also had his fair share of health issues in the last few years and is open and honest about it a
Show 393. Zack Polanski - LIVE
Zack Polanski has catapulted The Green Party into the national conversation like no-one else before him. So how have The Greens captured so much attention? What do they actually stand for? Can his policies survive until the election? And more importantly, what was his favourite meat? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: L
Show 392. Christopher Snowdon
What is lifestyle economics and why does it matter? The IEA's Christopher Snowdon is a fun-loving political thinker and explains his opposition to puritanism, why we should have more freedom and what that would mean for our policies on smoking, alcohol, gambling and the very existence of the NHS. Also... what are ultra-processed foods and are they necessarily bad? THE POLITICAL PART
Show 391. Mick Lynch - REPLAY
A classic from 2022... was it really four years ago?In his pomp as RMT's General Secretary, Mick Lynch was on sparkling form. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmoodhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https
Show 390. David Miliband - Live
Oh boy, are you in for a treat. Political colossus David Miliband is in the UK and is on blistering form. This is impassioned, urgent and absolutely electrifying. An absolute classic. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmoodhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Mat
*The Matt Forde Focus Group returns – Free tickets*
To get first access to FREE audience tickets to series two of The Matt Forde Focus Group sign-up to my mailing list at www.mattforde.com/focus-group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show 389. Hilary Cass
Baroness Cass didn't expect to end up in the House of Lords.She began her career as a paediatrician, a career path that culminated in her publishing the Cass Review into Gender Identity Services. This is a thoughtful and empathetic analysis of the experiences of vulnerable young people. Hilary takes us inside the report and her findings.She also makes a compelling case for banning social
Show 388. Lola McEvoy
Lola is absolutely full of beans. Or is it Pease Pudding?Elected in the 2024 landslide, she has already made a name for herself and is climbing the ladder as PPS to Lisa Nandy.But it's her campaigning around online safety where she's really made an impact. Should the government ban social media for children? Should smart phones be banned in schools?Let's head up to Darlington, lick a Lemon To
Show 387. Keir Starmer - Live
The Special VIP Guest is... The Prime Minister. This is a classic episode with plenty of light and shade.There's the personal, the political, the domestic, the international and, of course, some football. It's a mix of massive laughs and proper politics. What's Trump like behind the scenese?What could the government do better?Would he wear aviators indoors?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE16
Show 386. George Finch
George became a national political sensation in 2025 when he became the leader of Warwickshire County Council at the age of 18.The Reform councillor is now 19 and shares his experience of leadership.This is a fascinating insight into Reform as a party, to the realignment on the right and about the impact of defections like Robert Jenrick's. But it's also about the values that underpin George'
Show 385. James Frith
Do MPs dread going back to work like the rest of us do?Rising Labour star James Frith talks us through what it's like going back to the office as a politician.He's now PPS to David Lammy, but what exactly does that involve?And where does he buy and sell his old clothes?All this and more in this entertaining start to 2026. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David
Anas Sarwar - REPLAY
2026 may be the year that Anas Sarwar finally leads Labour back into power at Holyrood. In this revealing and hilarious interview from 2021, he outlines what Labour needs to do to win.Since then Labour have won a landslide at Westminster... can he replicate that?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://ni
Show 384. Ryan Wain
This is class. Ryan is the Director of Policy and Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. What are the problems we'll face in the future?What are the answers?And what's Tony Blair like as a boss?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-
Show 383. Tom McTague
Keynes. Woolf. Hitchens. The New Statesman has an illustrious history and editor Tom McTague is the latest custodian of that grand tradition.But how does a centre-left magazine pitch itself in the ferocious world of social media and hot takes?What's its relationship with the Labour Party?How does it handle disagreements on the Left?And, more importantly, what does Labour need to do to win nex
Show 382. Gordon McKee
It's the biscuit man!Gordon is a viral sensation thanks to his novel way of explaining the national debt using Custard Creams and Bourbons. This is an entertaining analysis of how to use social media and the wider political pressures that Labour face. As a member of the Labour Growth Group, Gordon tells us what the group actually does and how we get deliver growth in the economy. Pl
Show 381. Nick Clegg - LIVE
This. Is. Phenomenal. Nick Clegg has been one of the most powerful people in the UK and in Silicon Valley. He takes us inside the crazy world of Meta and the tech bros. What is Mark Zuckerberg really like? Should we fear AI? Does he still speak to David Cameron?All this and more are contained within! THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: Da
Show 380. Peray Ahmet
Peray is the Labour leader of Haringay Council.They are leading the way when it comes to building council homes.But why?This is a fascinating, entertaining insight into leadership in local government, including how to manage disagreement and where to go for the best kebabs.THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskiht
Show 379. Izzy Conn
Izzy is a political historian and host of the excellent 'Leading Labour' podcast that you can listen to here:https://leadinglabour.podbean.com/It's a series analysing every Labour leader from Attlee to Corbyn.So which Labour leader from history is Keir Starmer most like? And which one can he learn from the most?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February:
The Matt Forde Focus Group Returns!
The Matt Forde Focus Group (BBC RADIO 4) is returning!Sign up to my mailing list for exclusive access to free tickets for the Christmas Special recording of The Matt Forde Focus Group on Wednesday 17 December at 7:15pm.Tickets will be released on Wednesday 19 November. https://www.mattforde.com/focus-group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show 378. Marie Tidball
Marie is one of Labour's rising stars of the 2024 intake and was recently awarded 'Parliamentarian of the Year' by The Spectator. It's easy to see why. She is a formidable campaigner and has had to overcome various barriers in her life in order to succeed.An immense talent, Marie could easily have ended up in law or broadcasting, but politics was too strong a pull.Although there is one partic
Show 377. Jack McConnell
This is PHENOMENAL.Jack was First Minister of Scotland 2001-2007. It was a tumultuous global time and he found himself at the centre of it at the Gleneagles summit.His stories about George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin are incredible.But there's loads more in this. Jack became the leader of a local authority at just 29. He'd joined the SNP at 16, but became a Labour member at 19. It would change the
Show 376. Bethany Dawson
Well this is about way more than politics...Bethany is one of the stars of the Politico Playbook morning email. It's the must-read morning briefing which mixes top-level political analysis with plenty of juicy gossip.We talk about gossip, why it's important and how to get it... but we also talk about health and the importance of patients really pushing for themselves.Bethany has had a number of he
Show 375. Harriet Cross
Harriet is a rare thing: a new Conservative MP who won her seat at the last election. In Scotland. She's already been made a whip.So how come she's rising so fast and what's it like entering the Commons when your party has suffered a historic defeat?And how has living in rural communities shaped her particular brand of conservatism? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 Januar
Show 374. Rosamund Adoo-Kissi-Debrah CBE
This is a powerful lesson in campaigning, pragmatism and processing grief. Rosamund's daughter Ella died in 2013 at the age of nine. She is still the only person ever in the UK to have air pollution registered as a cause of death. Since then, Rosamund has been a relentless campaigner for improving air quality. She has helped change policy here in the UK and has a legion of international
Show 373. Amy Callaghan
Amy has led an extraordinary life and she's still only in her 30s.While the SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire she suffered a brain hemorrhage. As she recovered, she had to battle the arcane rules of the House of Commons in order to speak and vote on behalf of her constituents. Having narrowly beaten Jo Swinson in 2019, Amy then lost the seat in 2024. So what's life like outside of politics? And
Show 372. Bridget Phillipson - LIVE
Bridget is one of the biggest stars of the Labour government. As well as being Education Secretary, she is standing to be Labour's Deputy Leader.It's the first major test of members' opinion since Labour came into office. She's led a fascinating life. Growing up in poverty, but making it to Oxford via Byker Grove. So what drives her, what changes is she making to our schools and who does
Show 371. Tom Harwood
Star of GB News (and many other places), Tom outlines his libertarianism as well as giving an engaging analysis about the problems facing the Tories, Reform and the government. Tom is one of the most prominent broadcasters on the right and he's only 29. So why did he get involved so young and what's the secret of his success? This is a fascinating analysis of the problems we face as a co
Show 370. Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again!
Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again!Friend of the show Tom Tugendhat returns to give us the perspective from the Tory backbenches.Why are so many Tories defecting to Reform?How worried is he about the Tommy Robinson march?Is he still addicted to Haribo?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE6 October: Bridget Philipsonhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new s
Show 369. Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAY
Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAYThe charismatic Speaker of the House was on cracking form back in 2022.He shows how you can make the Commons function more effectively without sacrificing its unique atmosphere. One episode with Lindsay really isn't enough, you'll be left wanting so many more stories from him. His tale about taking Nancy Pelosi to Coronation Street is one of the best you'll ever hear. Grab a
Show 368. Mark Pougatch
Mark PougatchOne of our most gifted sports broadcasters is also a massive politics nerd. Mark's usually seen anchoring ITV's coverage of England games. But should we keep politics out of sport? Is that even possible? In this hugely entertaining and insightful interview Mark indulges his twin passions: politics and sport and explains what they can learn from each other. This is great
Show 367. Kirsty Wark - LIVE
Kirsty Wark - LIVENewsnight star. Late Show legend. Celebrity Masterchef contestant...Kirsty Wark is a gifted broadcaster and is at her charismatic and hilarious best in front of a live Edinburgh audience. She shares stories from her phenomenal career and gives her take on the state of British and Scottish politics, as well as her experience with Gregg Wallace. This is a corker. THE
Show 366. Sadiq Khan - LIVE
Sadiq Khan - LIVEThe Mayor of London is on top form in this special episode recorded at the Edinburgh Festival. What's his analysis of Labour's first year in power?Will Sadiq and Trump meet during the State Visit?If so, where in London will Sadiq take him..?SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-showsJanuary28 Birmingham Gl
Show 365. Joanna Cherry - LIVE
Joanna Cherry - LIVEThis is a corker. Joanna Cherry doesn't hold back on what it was like to be inside the SNP, but outside the Sturgeon clique. Following the publication of the former First Minister's memoir, Joanna gives a comprehensive analysis of the failings of the last few years. This is absolutely compelling from the very first second.Oh, and it also includes some quality mus
Show 364. Ian Murray - LIVE
Ian Murray - LIVEThis is an absolute hoot.For years Ian Murray was the only Labour MP in Scotland. Now he's in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. He takes us inside Labour's first year and tells some cracking stories along the way including meeting Donald Trump off his plane when he recently visited Turnberry.It's a classic. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:13 Aug
Show 363. James Cleverly - REPLAY
James Cleverly - REPLAYJames Cleverly is back on the Conservative Party Frontbench.Back in 2018 he'd just been made Deputy Chairman of the Tory Party.He's on top form in this riotous hour. He would go on to be, among other things, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, before standing for the leadership in 2024. Hear where it all began...COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINB
Show 362. Ed Miliband - REPLAY
Ed Miliband - REPLAYEd Miliband is one of the most powerful politicians in the country.But in 2018 he was in a very different place.Three years after his emotional resignation as leader, he was rebuilding his political career in the middle of the Corbyn era. This is a fascinating interview from The Political Party back catalogue. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7
Show 361. Oliver Coppard
Oliver CoppardOliver has been the Labour Mayor for South Yorkshire since 2022. It's an area at the centre of many of our biggest political discussions. Health is his big priority, but does he have the powers he needs to create real change and how would he measure it?This is an entertaining, engaging hour with a young politician whose Jewish heritage has meant he's not always had the easiest r
Show 360. Michael Gove - LIVE
Michael Gove - LIVEOne of the most transformational and impactful Cabinet ministers of recent years is on top form as he reminisces about his biggest moments. What was going through his mind at that press conference the morning after the Brexit referendum?How did Boris react when he changed his mind about backing him?How did he end up throwing shapes in an Aberdeen nightclub?Michael also give
Show 359. Louise Haigh - LIVE
Louise Haigh - LIVERecorded live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, Louise Haigh reflects on Labour's first year in power.Louise is on top form and has a unique perspective, having served in Cabinet and now sitting on the backbenches. How did the government get itself in a mess over welfare?Where can Labour improve?Plus why Louise got pepper sprayed... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL
Show 358. Sonia Kumar
Sonia KumarSonia has been an MP for almost a year and has used her platform to lead the first ever Parliamentary debate on incontinence. It's a subject very close to Matt's bladder and Sonia tells him how her career as a physiotherapist led her to raising it as an issue and standing for Parliament in the first place.Plus Sonia explains her position on assisted dying and gives the most compell
Show 357. Mims Davies
Mims DaviesPrepare to be blown away.Mims has had to deal with so many astonishing life events. Not only that, she's handled them with remarkable humour.What made her a Conservative? Why didn't she think party membership was for people like her?How do the Tories stave off the threat from Reform and assert their dominance as the party of the right?Mims shares her incredible life story, with a bit of
Show 356. Nick Thomas-Symonds
Nick Thomas-SymondsNick has just negotiated the UK/EU Trade Deal.So what's in the deal and what impact will it have?And did he have to drink Slovakian red wine to get the deal done?This is a superb behind-the-scenes account of high-level negotiations. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-pr
Show 395. Kemi Badenoch
Kemi BadenochThe Conservative leader is on top form in this personal and funny interview. Kemi outlines the challenges her party faces in opposing Labour as well as trying to stave off Reform and the resurgent Lib Dems. It's a fascinating hour assessing how the Conservatives move on from their record in government. We tackle all the big questions. How do the Tories defeat Reform? Why doe
Show 394. Guto Harri
Guto HarriGuto has done it all.From covering domestic and international politics for the BBC, to working for Boris Johnson in Number 10.He's got some great stories from his varied career, including the storm surrounding him taking the knee live on GB News. An optimist, he's drawn to positive characters and despairs at the state of all the major parties. So what does he think will happen?
Show 393. Dr Michelle Clement
Delivery. It's a popular word in politics, but how to Prime Ministers ensure it happens?Michelle is Researcher in Residence at 10 Downing Street and Lecturer in Government Studies at The Strand Group, King's College.She has written a new book 'The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain’s Public Services'. This is a wonderful insight into the inn
Show 392. Alan Rhodes
Alan RhodesA few weeks ago Reform took control of Nottinghamshire County Council on a landslide. How did this happen and why didn't Nottinghamshire vote Labour instead?Alan Rhodes has been a Labour councillor in Nottinghamshire for nearly 40 years.He understands the shifting politics of the county and the country. This is a fantastic analysis of what's happening at a local and national l
Show 391. Wes Streeting - LIVE
Wes Streeting - LIVEThe Health Secretary is on cracking form as he defends Labour's progress so far but demonstrates a clear impatience to deliver change as quickly as possible.We discuss all the big questions:What is Labour getting right?Are the government scared of Reform?What is that cucumber for?It'll all make sense... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kem
Show 390. John McTernan
Local Elections Analysis with John McTernanWhy were the local elections so bad for Labour and how do they reverse their fortunes?Is there a ceiling on Nigel Farage's popularity?Does Labour lack confidence?This is a dose of mega political strategy with Tony Blair's former Political Secretary.It's electric. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: 
Show 389. Julie Bindel
Following the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, Julie tells us how and why we got here. This is a fascinating history not just of women's rights, but of the distinct needs of the lesbian and gay communities. If you've wondered how this issue became so big and how it's come to dominate so much of our discourse, Julie is here to
Show 388. Gregor Poynton
Gregor was elected as the MP for Livingston in Labour's 2024 landslide. It was a full circle moment for the man who'd been the party's organiser in the 2005 Livingston by-election following the death of Robin Cook. He went on to work for Blue State Digital, the team who masterminded Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns. This is a masterclass is the art of campaigning from one of Morgan M
Show 387. Jason Stockwood
Jason StockwoodBrace yourself, you're about to discover one of the most inspiring voices in politics.Jason is Labour's candidate to be the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. He's a hugely successful businessman from humble beginnings. But it's the way he talks about life, society and what the country can do, that makes him special. This is audio Red Bull. Strap in. COME AND SEE TH
Show 386. Dr Scott Arthur
Dr Scott ArthurScott is one the few lucky MPs who topped the ballot for Private Members' Bills. He wants to bring in a Rare Cancers Bill.But what would the Bill do?What difference would it make to someone diagnosed with a rare cancer? COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced... 
Show 385. *LIVE* Anthony Scaramucci
Anthony Scaramucci - LIVEThe Mooch is back and is on barnstorming form. He's full-throttle from the start and gives his expert (and hilarious) view on how other world leaders should deal with Trump.Plus an incredible revelation about what the President was trying to watch online in the Oval Office... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi
Show 384. Claire Ward
Claire WardClaire is the first ever Elected Mayor for the East Midlands.What does running the greatest region in the country involve?How does Claire manage any rivalry or resentment between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire?Why is being a Mayor better than being an MP?And what does this all mean for Nottingham Forest? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci1
Show 383. Eluned Morgan
Eluned MorganEluned is the First Minister of Wales and the first female First Minister of Wales. What challenges does Wales face that other parts of the UK might not?How do leaders create economic growth?And can someone help get Eluned some Oasis tickets? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 Ju
Show 382. Stewart McDonald
Everyone's favourite SNP politician tells Matt what Nicola Sturgeon's departure from Holyrood means for the SNP and for Scotland.Stewart also reflects on what the party has to do differently if it wants to gain independence. This is a funny, thoughtful and reflective conversation about Nicola Sturgeon's legacy and the future of Scotland.And the future of gay bars in Tenerife. SEE THE POL
Show 381 *Alastair Campbell - LIVE*
Alastair Campbell - LIVE This is an absolute riot. Alastair Campbell is his vulnerable, doubting, bombastic best in one of the funniest episodes of the show ever recorded. How would he contain Trump?What is Labour getting wrong?Has he put on weight?This will all make sense once you've listened. Sort of. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Sca
Show 380. Simon Hart
Simon was Chief Whip under Rishi Sunak and his explosive new book 'Ungovernable' documents the scandalous and tumultuous final term of the Conservative government.So what's his view of his fellow politicians and the system they inhabit? Is it impossible for any Prime Minister to truly get their way?And what's it like being mistaken for Brian Clough? THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON S
Show 379. Mike Tapp
Mike TappMike is one of Labour's hottest rising stars. Elected in July last year, he's already an accomplished media performer. A former soldier, he is at the vanguard of Labour's patriotic centre. But why does he wake up so early in the morning?Wine. Dogs. The military. This podcast has it all. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!10 March: Alastair Campbell31 March: 
Show 378. Mhari Aurora
Mhari AuroraMhari is a revelation in political broadcasting and in this fascinating chat with Matt she considers some of the big questions facing modern media:What can the 'mainstream media' learn from Joe Rogan?How should they cover Donald Trump?How do you deal with angry taxi drivers?It's all in here!THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!10 March: Alastair Campbell31 March: Anthony Scar
Show 377 *Rachel Reeves LIVE*
What a return! The Chancellor is exceptional form as she discusses Trump, tariffs, the threat of Reform and the inside story of when her hair turned ginger. This interview has it all. The realities of life in government plus invaluable advice for creating the perfect Yorkshire Pudding. Oh and a brilliant story about Gordon Brown's tribute to John Prescott... The nex
Show 376. Dr Sharon Lockyer
Dr Sharon LockyerThe live comedy industry is worth around £1bn annually to the UK economy, yet it doesn't get included in government conversations about the arts.As a result, it doesn't receive the financial support that other arts forms routinely get.To understand why, and to explain the wider impact of live comedy on society, Matt is joined by Dr Sharon Lockyer from Brunel University. Comed
*Special episode with Richard Herring and Mark Steel in partnership with Cancer Research UK*
This very special episode is brought to you in paid partnership with Cancer Research UK. At the end of last year, myself, Richard Herring and Mark Steel sat down to have a frank, raw, funny and open conversation about something that has affected us all - cancer. We were later joined by Dr Sam Godfrey, the Science Engagement Lead at Cancer Research UK, who gave us invaluable insight
Show 375. Ava Santina-Evans
Ava Santina-EvansAva is the star of PoliticsJOE, an online platform which covers politics in a different way to other media. It's hugely successful and in this entertaining and insightful interview, Ava explains the decisions behind that popularity. This takes in everything: from Labour and trade union issues, to the appeal of Trump, and the appeal of Reform to younger voters. All m
Show 374. Gavin Esler
Gavin EslerWhat can Trump's opponents learn from him?How should the BBC respond to Elon Musk?What should Change UK have done differently?All these questions and more are discussed with a true broadcasting titan. This is quality from start to finish. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!10 February: Rachel Reeves10 March: Alastair Campbell31 March: Anthony Scaramucci12 May:
Show 373. Sam Carling
Sam CarlingSam is one of the brightest and most prominent members of the 2024 intake... and he's only 22. How has Sam become an MP so early in his life, what politicised him and what does the future hold?Remember where you were when you first heard from Sam, he's a man going places. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!10 February: Rachel Reeves10 March: Alastair Campbell31 Mar
Show 372. Tonia Antoniazzi
Tonia Antoniazzi England are due to play Afghanistan at cricket next month. The decision to honour the fixture has caused uproar. Under the Taliban, women are banned from playing sport. Tonia is leading the campaign to get England to pull out of the fixture. If you want to help, find her on social media: @ToniaAntoniazzi Plus we discuss other vital i
Show 371. Replay: Christmas Special with Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston
Replay: Christmas Special with Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston Keep the dream alive with this classic from 2018. Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston are on phenomenal festive form in this Christmas cracker of an episode. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE!Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SEE Matt at on to
