The first episode of this special replay season could only start with one person: Tessa Jowell. The most magical guest in the history of the show demonstrated why she was such a unique politician. This is my favourite interview and it’s all because of Tessa. It was recorded back in 2014. Not a week goes by when I don’t wish Tessa was still here. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10 : https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpart...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 17 min
What's it like to work in Number 10 before an election you're likely to lose? Michael Dugher will tell you. He'll also tell you what it's like to get typecast in politics and what it's like to end up working with your musical heroes. Among the many roles he's had, he worked for Gordon Brown in the run-up to 2010, became a Labour MP, served in the Shadow Cabinet and is now CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council. He shares hilarious stories from his amazing career in this entertaining interview. (H...
Oct 16, 2023•44 min
One third of the formidable News Agents , Lewis Goodall is a unique talent. At just 34 he's already one of the most established and exciting broadcasters in the country. Born and raised in Birmingham, he has fascinating insights into class and the effects of it in the media and politics. He's hilarious, engaging and brilliant company. He loves politics so much. This is the best way to start Labour Conference week. Just a little warning, I do mention at the start of the episode why there's not be...
Oct 09, 2023•39 min
Kate Forbes' leadership campaign caused a stir earlier in the year, when she provided a different vision of what the SNP could be. In this candid and entertaining hour, Kate reflects on that campaign and what it all means. She talks openly about her faith and how to engage with people you disagree with. Why hasn't the SNP been able to convince a majority in favour of independence? Are the Scottish Greens good coalition partners? How will Labour do in Scotland next time? As well as discussing the...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Arguably Britain's most charismatic politician returns to the show in a whirlwind of entertainment, passion and drive. As well as defence of Labour's pragmatism and policies, Angela regales the Edinburgh crowd with stories about clubbing until 5am and her favourite cocktail which always derails her BBQs. She also reflects on how she's grown as a politician and how Labour is approaching the next election. A mix of the deeply political mixed in with the massive, outrageous laughs that only Angela ...
Aug 19, 2023•1 hr 8 min
It's been an incredible start to Humza Yousaf's time as First Minister and he reflects on the unique situation he's had to deal with in this candid and light-hearted interview. From the news of Nicola Sturgeon's arrest, to his first awkward chat with Rishi Sunak, he shares the privileges and pressures of being First Minister. Humza talks openly about his mental health, but also his physical health where he's enlisted the help of Joe Wicks to shed his 'dad bod'. It's a real mix, with deep convers...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Mhairi Black took British politics by storm with her election and maiden speech in 2015. 8 years on and she's now Deputy Leader of the SNP in Westminster... but not for much longer. A few weeks ago Mhairi announced that she won't be standing at the next election. Why has such an impassioned politician, especially one who's now in a leadership role, deciding to stand down at just age 28? This is the story of a tumultuous period in our politics, where rapid change has become the norm. Scottish pol...
Jul 18, 2023•51 min
No-one uses their platform like Joe Lycett. A gifted comedian, he's used his position to raise various injustices and delightfully poke fun at those he disagrees with. He tells the hilarious inside stories of his money-shredding stunt, his challenge to David Beckham and his infamous appearance on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC show (including the after party with Rishi Sunak). Joe is a very funny man and this is a great laugh but it's also an insightful discussion about LGBT issues, social injustice and...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 28 min
There are very few, if any, politicians like Margaret Beckett. Uniquely composed, completely dignified and with a depth of experience unmatched in the House of Commons. This is a transfixing evening in the company of a national treasure. Thoughtful, hilarious and at times emotional, Margaret reflects on the changes she's seen since first becoming an MP in 1974. Is politics less sexist than it was then? Is the Labour Party? Margaret has played a prominent role in modern Labour history for nearly ...
Jun 20, 2023•1 hr 34 min
This is Philip Hammond as you've never heard him before. The former Chancellor and Foreign Secretary tells us exactly what he thinks of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Theresa May. He also shares his own approach to politics and what his ambitions were, based on his own assessment of his own skills. This is the inside story of what it was like to be Chancellor during one of the most tumultuous times in modern politics and what it was like seeing what unfolded afterwards... Buy tickets to The Politi...
Jun 08, 2023•1 hr 34 min
Rob has produced the biggest political shows on TV, Question Time, The Daily Politics, PoliticsLive, The Andrew Marr Show and many more. He is obsessed with long form political interviews and is deeply annoyed by a lack of them on television. This is a great account from someone on the inside about how political interviews are planned for television, how they play out and how and when a producer should intervene. It's also a defence of high-quality political broadcasting and features a superb in...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min
David Blunkett is an exceptional individual. A titan of modern politics and a rare gift of a communicator, combining warmth and compassion with an impressive directness. A former Home Secretary, he doesn't hold back in his assessment of Suella Braverman and his analysis of the small boats policy is devastating. He'd led a phenomenal life and he shares hilarious stories from his time in Cabinet and the challenges he faced. He's also a mad on Sheffield Wednesday and he beautifully describes the ex...
May 25, 2023•1 hr 25 min
Just a couple of weeks ago Andrea hosted the 25 year anniversary commemoration of the Good Friday Agreement with Hillary Clinton and George Mitchell. The event was in her native Belfast, so how did it feel to celebrate such a hopeful moment in the place she'd grown up during The Troubles? This is a phenomenal first-hand of account of the reality of living in Belfast during those years, what it felt like to leave and how it's shaped Andrea's approach to life and career. A career that took her all...
May 11, 2023•57 min
One of the most exciting writers in the country delivers a fascinating mix of political observations and personal career reflections. From his time at The Guardian during the Iraq War, his documentary series about Tony Blair and his take on where Labour is now, this is quality time in the company of a gifted thinker and communicator. Subscribe to David's Substack here: https://davidaaronovitch.substack.com/ Buy tickets to The Political Party , live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheat...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 14 min
This is gripping and hilarious from start to finish. Jess Phillips continues to be one of the most compelling communicators in British politics, as well as a powerful advocate for women's rights. She is also very funny and in this episode reveals her love of steamy fiction and her husband's detailed plan for a zombie apocalypse. Jess robustly defends the recent attack ads on Rishi Sunak and gives her take on 'that' Spitting Image sketch. You may not hear an interview as impassioned than this eve...
Apr 18, 2023•1 hr 37 min
The editor of the greatest morning email on earth explains why we all find it so addictive. Politico's London Playbook is the email you need in your life, an entertaining and punchy briefing first thing in the morning. What started the phenomenon and what are its objectives? Does Rosa have to get up at 3am to get it all done? Rosa has an infectious passion for politics and political reporting and is the author of various excellent books, including biographies of Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May. So...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr
The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives is on phenomenal form as she gives her heartfelt, considered and hilarious take on the state of Scottish and British politics. This is gripping from start to finish. Ruth is just as passionate taking on her own side's failings as she is those of her opponents, making this a thrilling listen. It's also emotional as Ruth talks about her son and parents. With Ruth, you're never far away from a crazy story and she some tales that no-one else in politic...
Apr 04, 2023•1 hr 34 min
Johanna is the Chair of Labour's NEC and this is the most exciting chat about internal party machinery that you will ever hear. In fact, it's going to make you want to join a political party and get involved. It's a great inside account of what some of Labour's most infamous NEC meetings have been like, including the recent one that voted to bar Jeremy Corbyn from standing for the party. Johanna has so many great stories about helping the party function as a volunteer, what it's like having to c...
Mar 31, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Krishnan Guru-Murthy is one of the true greats of broadcasting and he delivers an exceptional analysis of the state of British news. Not just of the BBC and Channel 4, but the whole thing. At times hilarious, this is a first-hand account of what it's like holding the powerful to account, live on TV. Clearly gifted from a young age, his TV career began at just 15. He recalls the surreal situation he found himself in: his own TV show before he'd even gone to university. As well as brilliant storie...
Mar 21, 2023•1 hr 26 min
Greg Dyke is so much more than a former Director General of the BBC. He's been at the top of various organisations that have shaped our national life and in this sparkling interview gives his verdict on the Gary Lineker controversy and what the rules should be for non-BBC News employees. Greg also reflects on the Hutton Report and the events surrounding his departure from the BBC, as well as sharing his insight on the pressures on any Director General. As former Chair of the FA (and Brentford), ...
Mar 16, 2023•54 min
In the second SNP Leadership Special, Ash Regan outlines her plan to deliver independence as well as her plans to change the SNP. It's a candid conversation in which Ash also shares her concerns about how the contest is being run. Does her leadership campaign prove that SNP members who were once gradualists are becoming more fundamentalist? Would Ash keep the coalition with the Scottish Greens? Also, this is a conversation about how life turns out, and how things might have been different for As...
Mar 14, 2023•56 min
Eddie Izzard is one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, as well as being a gifted actor, marathon runner and campaigner... but there's at least one other major ambition still burning: to get elected to the House of Commons. In this hilarious, emotional and deeply personal interview, Eddie talks about everything from the death of loved ones to serving on Labour's NEC in the Corbyn years. Possessed with amazing stamina and drive, Eddie plans to change Britain for the better by getting ...
Mar 07, 2023•1 hr 43 min
It's been quite the week for Kate Forbes, who's standing to be the next leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. On maternity leave when Nicola Sturgeon resigned, Kate is now the most talked about politician in the UK. In this frank and open interview, she discusses her vision for the future of Scotland and the SNP. Kate also reflects on her personal resilience following the difficult birth of her daughter and how that's helped her in politics. It's a wide-ranging conversation about bus...
Feb 28, 2023•1 hr 12 min
Keir Starmer returns to The Political Party in scintillating form. As well as sharing some hilarious stories, mainly about what his children say to him to keep him grounded, he talks openly about recent events, including his emotional trip to Ukraine to meet Volodmyr Zelensky. Keir is open about his strategy for changing the Labour Party and reflects on the decisions that led Labour to their current poll lead. The show it's a mix of serious politics and laugh out loud moments. Keir reacts to Nic...
Feb 21, 2023•1 hr 36 min
This is a highly entertaining interview with the Political Editor of The Sun. Harry takes us into the modern world of the tabloid and explores The Sun's relationship with politics. How does it decide who to back at an election and has that decision been taken yet? How much politics does The Sun aim to cover? What is the balance between print and online. Ultimately this is an account of modern political journalism by a total political obsessive. It's a story about the relationship between newspap...
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 13 min
Stewart McDonald is an ally of the First Minister and in this candid interview he reacts to the shock news of her resignation. Nicola Sturgeon bows out of Scottish politics at the very top, enjoying an unprecedented electoral record it is all but impossible to surpass. So why has she resigned now and what does it mean for the SNP, Scotland and the UK? What will she do next? And more importantly, what 'low and no' beers does Stewart recommend? Buy tickets to The Political Party , live at The Duch...
Feb 15, 2023•42 min
The former leader of the SNP in Westminster shares stories from his 5 years in charge of the group, including the inside account of what really happened when he was ejected from the Commons in 2018. And his infamous attack on Boris Johnson in 2022. He also talks about the current state of Scottish politics, including the controversial policy of Self ID. It's got everything! Buy tickets to The Political Party , live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 24 min
This is a riot. Emily and Jon are even more fun than you'd imagine. They were already two of the biggest stars in broadcasting. Then their podcast, The News Agents, propelled them to even higher heights. They talk candidly about leaving the BBC and the risks involved. Both passionate about journalism and holding powerful people to account, they share hilarious stories from their encounters with Prince Andrew, Donald Trump and the things they saw at Davos. You won't want this to end. Buy 'Tony Bl...
Jan 25, 2023•1 hr 40 min
Helen is one of Britain's most gifted journalists and after many years at The New Statesman is now staff writer at The Atlantic. She's also made an exceptional podcast called 'The New Gurus' which you have to listen to. The link is below. Having been a journalist since 2010, Helen has covered a number of major political and social changes and has found herself at the centre of various contentious debates, despite holding mainstream opinions. So what happened and why was she no-platformed by Ston...
Jan 16, 2023•1 hr 17 min
One of Britain's most prominent political commentators shares his experience of writing in the online era - with all its pros and cons. Dan has led a fascinating life. Son of Glenda Jackson, the Oscar winning former Labour MP, he worked for her and then embarked on a varied career which includes working for the Mail on Sunday. Fascinated by politics but not obsessed with it, he has a unique perspective on Westminster. This is the perfect start to 2023, Follow Dan on Twitter: @DPJHodges Buy Dan's...
Jan 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min
