Where Politics Meets History

This week Jacqui welcomes Grant Tucker who spills the beans about sharing a flat with Iain. They discuss Plymouth, Afghanistan, Climate change, tensions in government and Prince Andrew as well as making some alpaca-loving enemies when discussing Geronimo. Grant can remember what A Level grades he got, but neither are impressed by Gavin Williamson. Smut levels: medium.

Jacqui welcomes Tim Montgomerie to fill Iain’s big shoes (small opportunity for smut) and they discuss Tim’s time advising Boris Johnson and where it all went wrong; teenage political crushes; Alok Sharma’s airmiles; travel traffic lights and whether Jacqui will get a holiday away from the caravan she is filling with young men; Latin and Jack Grealish. Smut quota: Lowish.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the latest Covid issues, a cowering Sajid Javid, Boris Johnson’s crime announcement, the Olympics, holidays, the Unite LBC hustings and much more! Smut quota: Middling. Next week it’s Jacqui with Tim Montgomerie.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the NHS payrise, the Police Federation’s no confidence in Priti Patel, Dawn Butler being expelled from the House of Commons, the Olympics and much else besides. Smut quota: Middling to low.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the aftermath of the Euros, the foreign aid vote, ‘freedom day, Boris Johnson’s ‘levelling up’ speech, floods, the National Food Strategy, golf, Sian Berry, GB News, Iain’s new book and the sudden death of Guardian columnist Dawn Foster. Smut quota: Low-ish

Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale discuss the Euros, with a new list of footballer drag queen names, the lifting of Covid restrictions, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the BBC, Jacqui’s Jet2 experience and Iain’s trip to the Buxton International Festival. Smut quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith talk about the Batley & Spen by-election result and its consequences, the aftermath of Matt Hancock’s resignation and Sajid Javid’s appointment, the Euros, lockdown lifting, Angela Merkel, the Gove marriage split and the Princess Diana statue. Smut quota: Middling to low.

Hi, For The Many listener, We’ve got another brand new podcast we think you’ll enjoy. ‘I’ve Been Thinking’ is a new weekly show hosted by Peter Frankopan. As well as being a best-selling author (Silk Roads), Professor of Global History and Oxford and voted as one of the World’s Top 50 Thinkers, Peter uses this podcast to speak with some incredible guests looking at topics from around the world that help understand and explain the past, present and future. Guests include former Director of the FBI James Comey and Chinese artist & activist Ai Weiwei. This is a taster of what you can expect from the show. If you like what you hear please search for I’ve Been Thinking with Peter Frankopan on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Matt Hancock’s troubles, the Royal Navy and the Russians, the sentencing of Derek Chauvin, Keir Starmer’s back office reshuffle, social care, John Bercow, a new royal yacht, rape convictions, periods, Euro 2020, Batley & Spen and much more besides. Smut quota: It gets worse as it goes on…

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the delay to the lifting of lockdown restrictions, the Chesham & Amersham by election result, Batley & Spen, the Euros, the launch of GB News, events in Northern Ireland, Dominic Cummings, Nick Watt and the future of Cressida Dick. Smut quota: Middling to high. Sorry.