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
Why I'm still fighting for veterans (and why I've put on weight) with Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer is back!He may have lost his seat two years ago but his passion hasn't dimmed and he's as motivated as ever to deliver for veterans.He also reckons he's put on weight because of going to the pub more now that he's not an MP.So the big question is... pork scratchings or crisps?Buy Johnny's book 'No Way To Run A Country' here: https://www.panmacmillan.com/au
Smart Phones and the link to tyranny: James Marriott
James Marriott is an exceptional writer. His debut book 'The New Dark Ages' charts our shocking decline in reading and what the political impact of that already is.This is a warning about the profound impact on smart phones on us as human beings and how they are directly linked to the rise of charismatic, populist leaders. Reading less and scrolling more is ruining our politics.It's no
Burnham's TikTok Teens: Lottie Viola and Poppy Alsford
Why is Andy Burnham's online game so strong? And what the hell is looksmaxxing?Two of the social media stars behind the Prime Minister's online dominance explain what works well on TikTok and Instagram and why the new PM is so adept at it.Lottie, 19, and Poppy, 17, don't just take us inside the world of political stan accounts, they give us a fascinating insight into how young people t
I was the only MP allowed into Gaza. This is what I saw: Labour Minister Melanie Ward
Melanie Ward has only been an MP two years and she is already a government minister, promoted to the government by Andy Burnham.Melanie worked in international aid before becoming an MP and continues to be an advocate for some of the most vulnerable people on the planet.Two years ago she visited Gaza and she describes the horrors she witnessed. This is a frank discussion about why Labour's pol
'My Trump joke went viral but it had a serious point': SDLP leader Claire Hanna
Claire Hanna went viral with a superb joke about Donald Trump after he apparently supported a united Ireland. The leader of the SDLP gives us a comprehensive and entertaining briefing about the state of politics in Northern Ireland and has clear ideas about how to improve the system and its politics. On top of the detail, passionate and funny, Claire embodies the hope of a politics free
I worked for Keir Starmer inside Number 10: here's what REALLY happened, with Matt Langford
Matt Langford was Special Adviser to The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, from the day he became Prime Minister to the day he left. He takes us inside the famous black door and tells us what Keir Starmer was really like as a leader, a boss and a man. He tells us what it was really like in those final weeks in between the local election results and the Prime Minister's departure.
How I will lead Labour to victory in Scotland: Michael Marra
Many have failed... but is Michael Marra the man to finally lead Labour to success in Scotland? It's a huge task that has proved beyond nine leaders, so what would Michael do differently? And does having Andy Burnham as Prime Minister help? More importantly, what on earth happened to him in Malawi? And is he really a proper 6Music dad? See the Political Party Live on Stag
I was diagnosed with cancer on election day: Malcolm Offord LIVE in Edinburgh
This is astonishing.Malcolm Offord is the leader of Reform in Scotland and led them to a huge result in May, tying with Scottish Labour on 17 seats. But that day had mixed feelings for him as he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was the latest chapter in an incredible life that led him from Greenock on the west coast of Scotland, to the House of Lords via the City of London.Made a p
We underestimated the SNP: Douglas Alexander LIVE in Edinburgh
Douglas Alexander has been around for ages and he still looks fresh-faced. In this frank and entertaining hour the Secretary of State for Scotland reveals why Labour failed so badly at this year's Holyrood elections.He also takes us behind-the-scenes of the first weeks of the Burnham government as well as the fall of Keir Starmer.PLUS stories from the good old Blair/Brown days and more import
Sturgeon wrong to criticise SNP: Stephen Flynn LIVE in Edinburgh
One of the SNP's top talents, Stephen Flynn is on hilarious form at the Edinburgh Festival.He opens up about his frustrations with Nicola Sturgeon's critique of the SNP campaign and exclusively reveals that he'd already resigned as SNP Leader in Westminster BEFORE the 2024 general election had been called. Stephen's got great stories about small talk with ex-Prime Ministers at the Cenotaph as
EXCLUSIVE: What really happened when I told Keir Starmer to resign, with Anas Sarwar
This is an exclusive, the first interview Anas has given since becoming a Minister and a Lord.No stone is unturned as he tells us:What really happened when he called on Keir Starmer to resign.Why Scottish Labour lost so badly.Why he believes there are still legitimate questions the SNP must answer about the party finances...And so much more. It's packed. Best enjoyed with a black c
Huw Edwards sabotaged my show: Broadcasting legend Simon McCoy on what really happened at the BBC
Simon McCoy is the man who made BBC News funny.He is also an absolute news obsessive. In this fascinating and entertaining interview, he tells us what it was like moving from the BBC to GB News, what frustrated him about covering the Brexit referendum, and the intervention that Huw Edwards made about Simon's afternoon slot on News 24. Packed full of behind-the-scenes insight, this is an
Top Blairite: Why I'm Not Blairite Anymore
John McTernan is one of the most fascinating voices on the British left. He worked at the centre of 10 Downing Street as Tony Blair's Political Secretary. But now he's in a slightly different space. His perspective has shifted and he sees new Labour as the end of a different era. Now he believes Labour has to be more left wing. So what's changed? And how many mo
Dan Neidle
Dan is a tax expert. A proper tax expert. You may have seen him on Channel 4 recently getting immensely frustrated with Gary Stevenson about a wealth tax. Dan doesn't agree with a wealth tax and in this fascinating interview he explains why. He also tells us what really happened during the filming of that infamous interview and what bits were left out... See Matt at the Soho Th
Andrew Neil
The one-and-only Andrew Neil pops in for a gripping hour of political and media analysis. What's it like working for Rupert Murdoch? Has Andrew ever tried to go into politics? What really happened with Bobby Gillespie? All that and so much more! See Matt at the Soho Theatre trying out new material, 21-25 July:https://sohotheatre.com/events/matt-forde-work-in-progress-4/&nb
Suzanne Moore
You're not going to hear anyone else talk about politics like this. Suzanne is an original thinker. From bunking off school and doing acid while selling Marxism Today to ending up writing for The Telegraph. Her route through her career and life is completely unorthodox. She has a truly adventurous take on life and that informs her unique political analysis. This is a one-of-a-
Andy Burnham - Replay
Let's go back in time five years and see what, if anything, has really changed...In 2021 Andy was Mayor of Manchester but was clearly developing his thinking on where power in the UK lies. This is a great mix of thoughtful political analysis and riveting behind-the-scenes detail as Andy tells the incredible inside story behind his showdowns with the UK and Scottish governments. He also tells
Johann Lamont
This. Is. Superb. The former leader of Scottish Labour gives an impassioned and engrossing analysis of everything happening in Scottish and UK politics: · SNP corruption·  
Beeban Kidron
From Hollywood film director to campaigner against the evils of Big Tech, via the House of Lords. Beeban Kidron is a force of nature and her new book 'Users' charts the rise of Big Tech and crucially tells us how we can fight back. This is a fascinating and hilarious interview with a national asset who has dedicated her life to fighting injustice online. Oh, and there's a cracking s
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
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
