The Political Party

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://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond19 June: Margaret Beckett3 July: Joe Lycett2 October: Jason Williamson Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ever again.  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond19 June: Margaret Beckett3 July: Joe Lycett Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what led her to this new, online genre? And how does it differ from other political journalism? The answers are within... Subscribe to the London Playbook Morning Email here: https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/london-playbook/ Follow Rosa on Twitter: @RosaFPrince Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond19 June: Margaret Beckett3 July: Joe Lycett Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 politics will have. It's a riot. Enjoy!Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond3 July: Joe LycettPlus more to be announced! Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest newsEmail the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 chair party conference in an arena and how seating plans can defeat factionalism. It's a positive, optimistic and funny defence of political activism.  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:3 April: Ruth Davidson17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip HammondPlus more to be announced! Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest newsEmail the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 stories about his experiences with politicians (like Steve Baker), he also shares fascinating encounters with Robert Downey Jr, Quentin Tarantino and Jimmy Savile. This is an hour in the company of an exceptional broadcasting talent, blessed with remarkable clarity of thought.   Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ Forthcoming guests include:3 April: Ruth Davidson17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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), Greg gives his unique perspective on the runaway success of the Premier League that he helped found. Did he ever imagine it would end up here? Plus a couple of Brian Clough stories.  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ Forthcoming guests include:20 March: Krishnan Guru-Murthy3 April: Ruth Davidson17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ash. If she'd continued living in England, would she even be in politics at all? And what do her children make of her campaign to run the country? It's a fascinating hour with someone determined to take Scotland in a different direction.  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ Forthcoming guests include:20 March: Krishnan Guru-Murthy3 April: Ruth Davidson17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 elected in 2024. Plus it wouldn't be an interview with Eddie Izzard without some exceptional routines on all manner of subjects including Jesus, Abraham Lincoln and fat tigers.  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:20 March: Krishnan Guru-Murthy3 April: Ruth Davidson17 April: Jess Phillips22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 business, the economy and the role of government in our lives. It's also about faith in politics and the fundamentals of freedom of speech.   Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/Forthcoming guests include:6 March: Eddie Izzard20 March: Krishnan Guru-Murthy3 April: Ruth Davidson22 May: David Blunkett5 June: Philip Hammond Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.