This is the brilliant inside story of how Joe Biden won the Democratic nomination and The White House, told by Isaac Dovere, the lead political correspondent for The Atlantic. It begins analysing Obama's legacy inside and outside of the party, includes insights from voters who backed Obama twice and voted for Trump, assesses why candidates like Buttigieg, Bloomberg, Warren and Sanders were unable to defeat Biden... and how popular the politics of AOC and Ilhan Omar are with the wider party. In s...
Aug 02, 2021•1 hr 9 min
Once the youngest MP in the Commons, Chloe Smith is now Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution. Chloe explains what the new Elections Bill will mean for Voter ID, expanding the franchise and online campaigning. Chloe reflects on some of the big moments in her life and career, including her recent announcement that she is clear of breast cancer. Chloe and Matt discuss some of the big questions in UK politics: where should power lie in the UK? Why is English devolution not done at a...
Jul 26, 2021•1 hr 8 min
One of the UK's finest political correspondents, Carole Walker was a political correspondent for the BBC for 20 years. In a remarkable career spanning some of the most dramatic moments in modern political history, Carole had a front row seat. In this fascinating and entertaining interview, Carole reflects on the highs and lows of the job, the pressures on political journalists and the defining moments she witnessed at the closest proximity. This is a cracking insight into holding governments to ...
Jul 19, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Trying to make sense of everything on and off the pitch, Matt is joined by the Shadow Minister for Further Education and Skills - and massive football fan - Toby Perkins. The positivity about a wonderful tournament for England and the stand that they took against racism has been tainted by the violence and racism of a hardcore minority. How can football fully rid of itself of its violent and regressive elements? Is this just an England problem? Warning: contains the emotional and incoherent ramb...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 8 min
The SNP's Defence Spokesperson at Westminster is also one of its most popular and respected MPs. He's written a new report called Disinformation in Scottish Public Life which highlights the interferences of Russia, Iran and China in British and Scottish public life. Stewart also talks frankly about the challenges posed by Scottish independence in the defence realm. More importantly, Stewart shares a brilliant Glasgow pub recommendation. Read Stewart's Report, Disinformation in Scottish Public Li...
Jun 28, 2021•1 hr 15 min
Frank Luntz is one of the most sought-after political consultants on the planet and has been indispensable to the Republican Party. In this insight-crammed interview he reveals the talent of his old boss Newt Gingrich and explains how the best formula for connecting with the public. He also delivers a humble reappraisal of Mitt Romney and answers the big question: what happens next for Donald Trump and how much influence does he have over what the Republican do next? Follow Frank on Twitter: @Fr...
Jun 21, 2021•41 min
This is a wild and raucous interview with one of the funniest and most charismatic politicians in the country. As well as sharp political analysis, particularly on the issue of class and society, this includes some stories that are absolutely bonkers... including the incredible tale of Jess's brother and his encounter with a notorious individual. Nothing will prepare you for this. Please make sure you're not consuming liquid while listening to this episode, because you will spit your drink out a...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 6 min
WARNING: This podcast contains dangerous levels of inspiration! Esther McVey had an unconventional start in life and has emerged as one of the most optimistic politicians in Britain. In this remarkably honest interview, Esther talks about how being a Barnardo's child shaped her and her politics. She also tells the incredible truth about the abuse she has received during her time in politics and talks movingly about Philip Davies and the support he has given her. It's an astonishing listen, Esthe...
Jun 11, 2021•57 min
One of the brightest talents in the Conservative Party shows why she's so highly regarded across the political divide. Andrea shares some brilliant stories from some of the biggest moments in modern politics. From the inside story of how Vote Leave prepared for the TV debate at Wembley, to her 2017 leadership bid, to grilling Bob Diamond when he appeared in front of the Treasury Select Committee and so much more. This is a corker from French Martini start to finish. Follow Andrea on Twitter: @an...
Jun 04, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Sayeeda Warsi returns to The Political Party and is on typically hilarious form as she gives her personal take on Boris Johnson's leadership and the state of the nation. Sayeeda also shares some of the material that didn't make it to air on Stand Up To Cancer. This is a riot from start to finish. Get your tickets for the Political Party Special at The Vaudeville Theatre here: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/matt-fordes-political-party-podcast/ Wednesday 2 June: Jess Phillips and Esther McVey...
Jun 01, 2021•45 min
This is the Labour leader as you've never heard him before. Appearing in front of a live audience for perhaps the first time since he took the job, Keir Starmer shares some hilarious stories from his time in law and politics. Including the full story of what happened when he met that pub landlord in Bath. He candidly reflects on his first year in charge and how he handles pressure, but also outlines his intentions for the future of the Labour Party and how he thinks they can win the next electio...
May 28, 2021•1 hr
Peter Mandelson - LIVE For the first time in nearly a year and a half, the Political Party returns to the stage and oh boy, are you in for a treat. This is Peter Mandelson at his hilarious, outrageous and politically astute best. Nothing will prepare you for this. Strap in and enjoy the ride! Get your tickets for the Political Party Special on 2 June at the Vaudeville Theatre here: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/matt-fordes-political-party-podcast/ Wednesday 2 June: Jess Phillips and Esther...
May 26, 2021•1 hr 15 min
A titan of British politics shares stories from his fascinating career. David reminisces about Roy Jenkins, Shirley Williams and Margaret Thatcher, but also delivers sharp political analysis about Keir Starmer, Boris Johnson, Jeremy Corbyn and Brexit. Oh and explains the differences between The Gang of Four and The Independent Group. As well as founding and leading the SDP, David served as Foreign Secretary under James Callaghan... at the age of 38! His insights on the international stage, inclu...
May 21, 2021•1 hr 58 min
Louise Casey is one of a kind. A uniquely gifted public servant, she has been a fearless champion of the most vulnerable people in society at the highest level. In this deeply personal interview, Louise recalls her experience of helping to tackle some of the UK's toughest social problems and how she's had to continually deliver uncomfortable truths to the most powerful people in the country. Louise is also hilarious and the interview is peppered with fantastic behind-the-scenes stories. This gri...
May 17, 2021•2 hr 5 min
'Mystic' Greg Cook was psephologist to Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and helped Labour leaders understand every subtle shift in the political landscape. He has a unique antenna for public opinion and has a detailed knowledge of constituencies and what results in different parts of the country mean. Now the Senior Political Analyst at Lexington Communications, Greg explains what the 6 May election results really mean for all the major parties and what the results in Scotland mean for the cause of S...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 27 min
This is a gripping personal account of how Labour managed to lose Hartlepool for the first time in the history of the constituency. Paul was Labour's candidate and in this comprehensive analysis, he explains the factors in the defeat, what the public really said to him and Keir Starmer about Labour, how Keir Starmer dealt with the public in Hartlepool and what Labour needs to do if it not only wants to win back a former safe seat, but ever wants to form a government ever again. Get your tickets ...
May 11, 2021•1 hr 11 min
One of the funniest guests in the history of the show shares some more hilarious tales of Polling Day disasters and dramas. Whether you're a voter, activist, member of party staff or a politician, you'll love these behind-the-scenes stories about the chaos of election day. If your phone rings at 3am you might get a surprise... Get your tickets for the Political Party Specials at The Garrick Theatre and Vaudeville Theatre here: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/matt-fordes-political-party-podca...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 7 min
A gifted and powerful communicator, the Leader of Plaid Cymru makes an impassioned case for his party and for the cause of Welsh independence. With just a couple of days until polling day, Adam outlines where Plaid stand, what they can learn from the SNP and what the relative position of the Labour Party means for their fortunes. This is a brilliant and entertaining exploration of the principles of Welsh independence and Adam's personal experience of being a politician in Westminster and Cardiff...
May 04, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Labour's candidate for West Midlands Mayor mixes the personal and the political in this searingly honest interview. Reflecting candidly about how he dealt with the loss of both his parents as well as his father's alcoholism, Liam describes the effect on him as a person and as a politician. Liam shares his narrative on Labour's wilderness years and his analysis of what the party has to do to win again, but do party members agree with him? If you've ever wondered why some politicians possess such ...
Apr 30, 2021•1 hr 10 min
Brace yourself for the most entertaining conversation you'll ever hear about Parish Councils, with Britain's favourite local government official. Jackie Weaver shot to fame for her chairing of a notorious Handforth Parish Council meeting and she updates us on what's happened since. Jackie also tells Matt why she went into local government and why she'd rather be council officer than an elected official. This isn't just a funny exploration of very local politics, it's about how human beings achie...
Apr 28, 2021•1 hr 6 min
One of the leading lights of the SNP and one of the most talented politicians in Scotland gives a funny and candid account of his time in government and politics so far. The Justice Secretary talks openly about the political challenges facing him and his party as well as the personal challenges he's faced in his life. (Including how he manages to campaign in an election taking place during Covid and Ramadan). Humza also reflects on the debates around the Hate Crime Bill and the Gender Recognitio...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 19 min
Episodes like this are why this podcast exists. Shaun Bailey is the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London, but his life could have taken a very different path. He tells Matt about how close he came to getting involved in gangs at a young age and the role that his mother, uncle and Star Wars played in keeping him away from a life of crime. Shaun also explains how growing up black and working class led him to join the Conservatives. This is a thought-provoking, frank and entertaining explorat...
Apr 23, 2021•1 hr 1 min
Bristol has been at the centre of two major demonstrations in the last year: the removal of the Colston statue and the 'Kill the Bill' protest. The elected mayor of Bristol explains how he handled the delicate politics of both events and the wider politics and history of the city. He also shares his own political philosophy in this candid interview reflecting on the challenges he still faces as a result of his race and class. This is a politician speaking from the heart, it is riveting listening...
Apr 19, 2021•1 hr 10 min
The Shadow Chancellor tells Matt what Labour's economic priorities are and gives an insight into the mood of the party. This is a frank and open conversation about the political realities of the pandemic and what the pressures on the Opposition are at a time of national crisis. Anneliese also shares her passion for dance music... could Doctor Dodds have rivalled Judge Jules in the superclubs of Ibiza? Get your ticket for the Tony Blair Political Party Streaming Special on Thursday 22 April here:...
Apr 16, 2021•1 hr
The founder of Wikipedia explains why his site is so different to the other big stars of the internet, like Twitter, Facebook and Google and why the decisions he took mean that Wikipedia is run in a completely different way. It turns out there's a whole side to this you might not know about! This is a fascinating discussion about how the internet should function and in whose interest, who should decide what other people see and the benefits and flaws of the Twitter and Facebook models. It's not ...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 8 min
If you heard about a single mum from Spingburn in Glasgow who had her political awakening during the 2014 independence referendum, you'd probably presume that she voted Yes. Well, not only did Annie Wells find herself voting No and discovering her inner Tory, she then joined the Conservatives and now sits on their front bench in Holyrood. One of Scottish politics' biggest characters explains why without that referendum she'd be working in M&S, how her Labour supporting family reacted to news...
Apr 12, 2021•1 hr 7 min
The former editor of the News of the World and former Director of Communications at 10 Downing Street talks in depth about both roles, the people he worked with and for, and the lessons he's learned from going through his own crisis. It's a gripping account of what life was really like as a tabloid editor, the things that drove the people who worked at The News of the World and his take on why the Conservatives didn't win the 2010 election outright. And, of course, so much more. Listen to Andy's...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 38 min
The audio equivalent of a fine cigar, Paddy Tipping has one of the most soothing voices in politics. The Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire shares his love of the job and how it compares to his previous life as the MP for Sherwood. He also explains why Nottinghamshire Police received plaudits for their policing of a vigil in the city. Paddy was an anti-war MP and he recalls the pressure he and others felt under at the time of the Iraq vote, caught between his conscience and not wa...
Apr 02, 2021•1 hr
Stop what you're doing, find a quiet space and immerse yourself in this impressively candid recollection of the new Labour government from one of its leading lights. This has it all - an insight into the principles behind controversial policies, what it was like behind-the-scenes during the fuel protests, the tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - as well as a frank assessment of the things that new Labour got wrong. Alan is remarkably open about his own upbringing and the effect that it...
Mar 29, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Two different reports, two different headlines, lots of conclusions, even more confusion. On the face of it, one report was bad for the First Minister and one report was good for the First Minister. But there's a lot more to it than that. Jackie Bailie sat on the Committee which concluded that the First Minister did mislead Parliament. She tells Matt how that conclusion was reached and the political and interpersonal challenges of being on the committee, as well as their frustration at not being...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 6 min
