Sonia Kumar Sonia 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 compelling reason for visiting Dudley you are ever going to hear. Book your train tickets now! COME AND SEE TH...
Jun 30, 2025•46 min
Mims Davies Prepare 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 politics mixed in . COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 6 July: Andy Burnham (in Sheffield)...
Jun 23, 2025•57 min
Nick Thomas-Symonds Nick 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-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham 14 July: Michael Gove https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-p...
Jun 16, 2025•58 min
Kemi Badenoch The 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 does the timing of policy announcements matter? What's her favourite McDonalds order? It flies by. COME AND SEE ...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Guto Harri Guto 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? And would he ever go into elected politics? COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 1...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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 inner workings of 10 Downing Street and how Tony Blair changed his approach to the civil service during his pre...
May 26, 2025•51 min
Alan Rhodes A 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 level. It's also a brilliant insight into local government with a dedicated public servant. Enjoy! COME AND ...
May 19, 2025•1 hr
Wes Streeting - LIVE The 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: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Local Elections Analysis with John McTernan Why 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 Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres....
May 05, 2025•46 min
The Matt Forde Focus Group is my new comedy series for Radio 4 and tickets are now available! We are recording a run though on May 7th at The Bush Hall is London. For tickets visit sroaudiences.com or click on this link The Matt Forde Focus Group See you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 02, 2025•39 sec
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 explain the roots of it all. This is absolutely compelling. BUY Julie's new book Lesbians, Where Are We Now? h...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 8 min
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 McSweeney's former colleagues. Plus, why he loves checked shirts so much. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 ...
Apr 21, 2025•56 min
Jason Stockwood Brace 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 THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... ...
Apr 14, 2025•50 min
Dr Scott Arthur Scott 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 Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ DONATE to the RNOH Charity ...
Apr 07, 2025•39 min
Anthony Scaramucci - LIVE The 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 Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/show...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Claire Ward Claire 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 Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for...
Mar 31, 2025•53 min
Eluned Morgan Eluned 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 Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-...
Mar 24, 2025•50 min
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 POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July...
Mar 17, 2025•55 min
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 Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 30 min
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 STAGE! 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Mike Tapp Mike 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 Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Mhari Aurora Mhari 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 Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all sh...
Feb 17, 2025•49 min
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 next guests at The Duchess Theatre are: 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Bad...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Dr Sharon Lockyer The 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. Comedy. It's a serious business. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves 10 March:...
Feb 10, 2025•42 min
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 into the incredible work Cancer Research UK are doing and why the future is looking bright. Disclaimer for this one...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Ava Santina-Evans Ava 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 modern politics is here! THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbe...
Feb 03, 2025•51 min
Gavin Esler What 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 Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-polit...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Sam Carling Sam 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 Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://n...
Jan 20, 2025•49 min
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 issues, including her role on the All Party Beer Group... THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbel...
Jan 13, 2025•45 min
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 tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 29 January: N...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 26 min
