
The Political Party
Comedian, Broadcaster (and former political adviser) Matt Forde presents The Political Party, the show where renowned politicians and experts open up and give their most honest, revealing and often hilarious answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 21, 2025 • 60min
Show 361. Oliver Coppard
Oliver CoppardOliver has been the Labour Mayor for South Yorkshire since 2022. It's an area at the centre of many of our biggest political discussions. Health is his big priority, but does he have the powers he needs to create real change and how would he measure it?This is an entertaining, engaging hour with a young politician whose Jewish heritage has meant he's not always had the easiest relationship with his own party. He's led a fascinating life... but what are the experiences that were formative in his politics?COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-political-party-with-matt-fordeDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 24min
Show 360. Michael Gove - LIVE
Michael Gove - LIVEOne of the most transformational and impactful Cabinet ministers of recent years is on top form as he reminisces about his biggest moments. What was going through his mind at that press conference the morning after the Brexit referendum?How did Boris react when he changed his mind about backing him?How did he end up throwing shapes in an Aberdeen nightclub?Michael also gives his take on Reform and Nigel Farage. How worried should we be about him becoming Prime Minister?This is an outrageous and incisive interview with a phenomenal political brain. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
Show 359. Louise Haigh - LIVE
Louise Haigh - LIVERecorded live at the Crossed Wires festival in Sheffield, Louise Haigh reflects on Labour's first year in power.Louise is on top form and has a unique perspective, having served in Cabinet and now sitting on the backbenches. How did the government get itself in a mess over welfare?Where can Labour improve?Plus why Louise got pepper sprayed... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry21 August: Kirsty Warkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-political-party-with-matt-fordeDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 30, 2025 • 46min
Show 358. Sonia Kumar
Sonia KumarSonia 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 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-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 23, 2025 • 57min
Show 357. Mims Davies
Mims DaviesPrepare 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)https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/crossed-wires-presents-the-political-party-with-guest-andy-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 16, 2025 • 58min
Show 356. Nick Thomas-Symonds
Nick Thomas-SymondsNick 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-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 17min
Show 395. Kemi Badenoch
Kemi BadenochThe 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 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-burnham14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's final 'End of an Era Tour' shows:12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex www.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 8min
Show 394. Guto Harri
Guto HarriGuto 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 Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 26, 2025 • 51min
Show 393. Dr Michelle Clement
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 premiership.Michelle brings the internal machinations to life in this fascinating and entertaining interview. BUY Michelle's book here: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/the-art-of-delivery COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GoveGet tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579 DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde SEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 19, 2025 • 60min
Show 392. Alan Rhodes
Alan RhodesA 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 SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael GovePlus more to be announced...Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ GET FREE tickets to Radio 4's The Matt Forde Focus Group here: https://www.sroaudiences.com/application.asp?show_id=579DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre30 May: Swindon Arts Centre 4 June: Leeds City Varieties 5 June: Nottingham Playhouse 6 June: Cambridge Junction 12 June: York, The Crescent 13 June: Chelmsford Theatre 14 June: Faversham, The Alex Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.