In the first episode of the podcast recorded since social distancing measures were recommended by the government, Matt meets Paul Harrison, former Press Secretary at 10 Downing Street under Theresa May and former special adviser to at the Department of Health under Jeremy Hunt. Paul gives his assessment of the government's Comms strategy on coronavirus, the things it should and shouldn't be doing, handling the Lobby during a period like this, the wisdom of daily press conferences and crucially, ...
Mar 18, 2020•55 min
Kim McGuinness If you've been desperate to hear from a leading non-Westminster politician (and even if you haven't), you're in for a massive treat. Kim McGuinness is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and the first Police and Crime Commissioner to feature on the show. She tells Matt all about the job of the Commissioner, the huge impact they can have, the limits on them and the political aspects of such a unique role. It's also a timely reminder that some of our brightest and best...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 12 min
In this instant classic, the BBC's Political Editor takes us inside the life of the modern political reporter. This is packed with insight and wisdom about the role of the media in holding politicians to account, the decisions about what to prioritise, the power of pictures and so much more. Enjoy! Follow Rebecca on Twitter here: @bbclaurak Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde You can watch Laura's Brexit Storm documentaries here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0003wxb/the-brexit-stor...
Mar 05, 2020•1 hr 6 min
Rebecca Long-Bailey outlines her plans for the Labour leadership and gives an insight into her own brand of socialism, the lessons learned from the election defeat and how Labour wins next time. Rebecca also tells us what it's like to live with Angela Rayner and who's a better flatmate. The pair also discuss the biggest issue facing the country: the best dish to order from a Chinese takeaway. Follow Rebecca on Twitter here: @RLong_Bailey Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: po...
Feb 27, 2020•1 hr 26 min
Rory Palmer was, until very recently, the Labour MEP for the East Midlands. He became one of the defining images of the last day of the UK's EU membership as the scarves he had to make the occasion were worn in the chamber. Rory gives a brilliant insight into the UK's departure from the EU from the inside - giving us the political and personal reality of the job and how the final days felt. He also gives his assessment on Labour's last few years and the leadership's attitude to Europe. Oh and we...
Feb 20, 2020•1 hr 19 min
Gregg Hurwitz is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series as well as writing for DC and Marvel on comics like Batman: The Dark Knight and Wolverine. He also offers a fascinating psychological angle on politics, and helps Democrat candidates across America to understand how to reach out not just to Trump voters but to the different wings of their own movement. This is a Political Party episode like no other, a timely reminder of the importance of understanding...
Feb 13, 2020•1 hr 14 min
Deborah Mattinson returns to discuss her fascinating research on the election and the story underneath the result. This is a pure dose of political reality, so sit in your favourite chair, pour yourself a glass of your favourite drink and emerge an hour later as an expert on what just happened. Follow Deborah on Twitter here: @debmattinson Read Deborah's election research here: https://britainthinks.com/news/post-election-reflections-a-study-by-britainthinks Follow Britain Thinks on Twitter here...
Feb 05, 2020•58 min
Lisa Nandy has shaken up the Labour leadership contest and explains the roots of her politics, why she thinks Labour lost, how Labour can win again and more importantly, why she prefers lager to real ale. Follow Lisa on Twitter here: @lisanandy Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which continues at the Soho Theatre before going nationwide here: www.ma...
Jan 30, 2020•1 hr 35 min
Robert Colville co-authored the Conservative Manifesto 'Get Brexit Done: Unleash Britain's Potential'. He takes us inside the development of editing it, the two phases of the process and the stages the document had to go through as well as the political direction of the manifesto and campaign. He also reveals the role that chicken katsu curry played in winning the election for the Conservatives. Follow Robert on Twitter here: @rcolville Follow The Centre for Policy Studies here: @CPSThinkTank Fo...
Jan 22, 2020•1 hr 3 min
Lucy Powell is co-ordinating the review into Labour's general election defeat for LabourTogether - a group which seeks to unite the different factions within the Labour Party. Lucy discusses the parameters and nature of the review, as well as her personal experience of the election. She also reflects on the things that Labour MPs who didn't support Jeremy Corbyn got wrong... Contribute to the LabourTogether review: https://www.labourtogether.uk/ Follow Lucy on Twitter here: @LucyMPowell Follow L...
Jan 14, 2020•1 hr 8 min
Matt ends the year with a raucous Christmas show featuring the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and possible Deputy Leadership candidate (at the time of recording) Rosena Allin-Khan. Expect plenty of chat about the future of the Labour Party as well as more important subjects like Nando's, aftershave and tactical contact with moped gangs. Follow Sadiq on Twitter: @SadiqKhan Follow Rosena on Twitter: @DrRosena Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list...
Dec 20, 2019•1 hr 44 min
It's Polling Day and Matt shares some of brilliant campaign stories from listeners - highlights involve Mr Blobby, Ian Botham and an enormous joint of Roast Beef. Enjoy! Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.comSign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-listGet tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates:14 January - Salfor...
Dec 12, 2019•10 min
Craig Oliver is uniquely placed to answer some of the biggest questions posed by this election campaign. He was Director of Communications at Number 10 the last time the Conservatives won a majority and before that he was editor of the BBC News at Ten and BBC News at Six. Is the BBC biased? Does it matter if the Tory campaign has crossed the line of decency? What's the best way to deal with stories that are completely untrue? Follow Craig on Twitter here: @CraigOliver100 Follow Matt on Twitter h...
Dec 11, 2019•42 min
Paddy Ashdown's former Press Secretary gives Matt a frank analysis of the Lib Dem campaign so far and gives her assessment of the political realities facing the party and the country. If you're in despair about modern politics, you are not alone. WARNING: Also contains Pussy Galore... Follow Miranda on Twitter here: @greenmiranda Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies:...
Dec 10, 2019•30 min
At the start of the final week of the campaign, Tony Blair shares his insights not just on this election but on the three he won. Would he do TV debates now? Is Boris Johnson right to hide from Andrew Neil? What does this election mean for Brexit? Plus the big question: what did he really say to Noel Gallagher when he saw him recently? Follow Tony on Twitter here: @InstituteGC Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to ...
Dec 09, 2019•31 min
The co-leader of the Green Party joins Matt for a brilliant chat about the opportunities and risks for the Greens at this election as well as a great conversation about how they influence the powerful and the public in general. Are they being squeezed by Jeremy Corbyn? How do they differ in their approach to Extinction Rebellion? How can you find out about what information the police have on you? Is Matt in trouble for drinking from a single use plastic bottle? There's only one way to find out.....
Dec 06, 2019•42 min
Len McCluskey is the General Secretary of Unite and one of the most influential figures in the Labour movement. This interview is a fascinating insight into every major issue facing the Labour Party in this election. Yes it's longer than usual but it's worth it. Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salfo...
Dec 05, 2019•1 hr 25 min
Former special adviser Anita Boateng explains the different pressures facing the Conservatives in this campaign compared to Labour and the differences in perception of the parties and leaders. She also takes us behind-the-scenes of Jeremy Hunt's leadership campaign and tells us what it's really like to work on Question Time. Oh and why food is the enemy of the statesman! Follow Anita on Twitter: @anitabeebee Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypo...
Dec 04, 2019•48 min
The leader of the SDLP talks to Matt about the changing nature of Northern Ireland's politics, the impact Brexit may have at this election, the SDLP's distinct identity in Northern Ireland the importance of pragmatism in politics. Follow Colum on Twitter: @columeastwood Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at t...
Dec 03, 2019•46 min
The ever-cheerful Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats joins Matt to discuss the opportunities for the party across the UK and in Scotland, this relationship with Jo Swinson and making the progressive case for the Union. Plus Willie explains why he was papped dressed as Harry Potter in an alleyway. Follow Willie on Twitter: @Willie_Rennie Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/maili...
Dec 02, 2019•32 min
Alan Duncan has been one of the leading voices in the Conservative Party since his election in 1992 and was described as 'The Conservatives' Peter Mandelson'. In this raucous interview, Alan showcases his brilliant impressions of other politicians, reflects on his political career and the future direction of the country and shares an outrageous story about David Cameron. Follow Alan on Twitter: @AlanJCDuncan Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny stories to politicalpartypodcast@gma...
Nov 29, 2019•1 hr 19 min
*Disaster Special* WARNING: You are about to hear stories that will blow your mind. Find out what it's like when everything goes wrong on the campaign trail from two people who've seen disaster unfolding before their eyes. Martin Angus was Head of the Deputy Prime Minister's Tour and was in the melee when John Prescott punched a voter. Salma Shah was Special Adviser to Sajid Javid and was powerless to intervene when an event turned into a catastrophe. This doesn't do justice to what you're about...
Nov 28, 2019•45 min
Matt visits Perth to meet with former rock star Pete Wishart, who's been an SNP MP since 2001. The seat is one of the most marginal in the UK and a top target for the Tories. Pete tells us what it's like to fight in a close campaign, the transition from rock star to politician, his changing use of social media and, of course, Scottish independence. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteWishart Follow MP4 on Twitter: @MP4rockband Watch Runrig perform 'Loch Lomond' live at Loch Lomond (and spot Pete on key...
Nov 27, 2019•30 min
Stop what you're doing! You're about to become an expert on this election because everyone's favourite political genius is here to share his infinite wisdom with us. This is a thrilling dose of political insight. Follow John on Twitter: @WhatScotsThink Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde To receive occasional and tedious updates about The Political Party and other such stuff that Matt's up to, sign up to his mailing list here: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Nov 26, 2019•40 min
The Shadow Foreign Secretary joins Matt to discuss Labour's manifesto, whether it's possible to be neutral on Brexit, whether Emily would press the nuclear button and most important of all: foot fetishes. Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmilyThornberry Download Labour's manifesto here: https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Real-Change-Labour-Manifesto-2019.pdf Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde To receive sporadic and partially useful updates about The Political Party and other such st...
Nov 25, 2019•42 min
In this special double bill, Matt is joined by the former and current leader of the Scottish Conservatives. Ruth Davidson led the party for 8 years and reflects on her time in charge, their prospects for this election campaign and why her next move might involve PaddyPower. Jackson Carlaw leads the Scottish Tories into this election and Matt asks if, after a strong result in 2017, hey exceed that result and make gains... Follow Ruth on Twitter: @RuthDavidsonMSP Follow Jackson on Twitter: @Jackso...
Nov 22, 2019•56 min
Ian Murray has held Edinburgh South for Labour since 2010. In 2015 he was the only Labour MP left in Scotland. He tells Matt about the changing nature of Scottish politics, the difficulties Labour face in this election, his personal battle to remain as Labour’s candidate and why the red jackets he wears out campaigning have confused some constituents... Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanMurrayMP Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign...
Nov 21, 2019•22 min
James Mills has served as Head of Communications to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. He takes us behind-the-scenes with both men and explains the challenges that Labour face in this election as well as looking ahead to tomorrow’s Labour manifesto... Follow James on Twitter: @JamesMills1984 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on ...
Nov 20, 2019•41 min
The Secretary of State for Health joins Matt to discuss the NHS, going viral and staying healthy on the campaign trail. Plus: is the NHS safe from Trump? Does Brexit threaten our medicine? How did the Health Secretary's granny live to such a ripe old age? And what tips would Matt give Jeremy Corbyn in facing Boris Johnson in a TV debate? Follow Matt Hancock on Twitter: @MattHancock Follow Matt Forde on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Sign ...
Nov 19, 2019•31 min
Enfield Southgate in 1997. Morley and Outwood in 2015. Finchley and Golders Green in 2019? Luciana Berger is looking to cause a major political upset in the Conservative-held seat of Finchley and Golders Green in what could become one of the defining moments of the 2019 election. In this fascinating interview Luciana explains her decision to leave the Labour Party as well as the nature and scale of the abuse she received. She also discusses the Lib Dem policy of revoking Article 50 as well as th...
Nov 18, 2019•39 min
