The Political Party

Stephen was Chief Strategist to the Yes campaign in the 2014 independence referendum. Following that he trained to be a Jesuit priest and is now an academic at Edinburgh University. He's led a fascinating life and the last few years have led him to some very interesting conclusions. In this thoughtful and considered interview he explains how both sides of the constitutional debate in Scotland can win, but only if they're prepared to change the way politics is done. He also has some sober advice for the current First Minister.  Read Stephen's interview with The Times here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/brains-behind-2014-yes-campaign-returns-from-life-with-the-jesuits-gchwtdjz7 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:5 Dec: Rachel Reeves19 Dec: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL: Yvette Cooper, Emily Thornberry and music from MP423 Jan: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel20 Feb: Keir Starmer6 March: Eddie Izzard Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Chair of the Conservative Party doesn't hold back in this revealing and heartfelt interview. He tells the inside account of both recent Conservative Leadership Elections and what he told Rishi Sunak about certain members of the government. Clearly concerned about the direction of the government, Jake explains his own brand of conservatism and why 'levelling up' is so important to him and his constituents. Jake also tells the hilarious story of when Boris Johnson jilted the Northern Research Group of Conservative MPs to go to Ukraine instead, leaving them all waiting at Doncaster Racecourse. Despite that, could Boris come back..? 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:5 Dec: Rachel Reeves19 Dec: Christmas Special with Emily Thornberry and music from MP423 Jan: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel6 March: Eddie Izzard Plus more to be announced!  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a broadcasting legend as you've never heard him before. David Dimbleby is as thoughtful and incisive as you'd imagine, but he's also devilishly hilarious. Finally able to say what he really thinks, he delivers his analysis of politics, broadcasting, the BBC, the monarchy and pyjamas in that familiar voice. This is crammed with great stories about interviewing titans like Thatcher and Blair, as well as the reality of hosting election night TV and Question Time. It's one of the funniest and most fun episodes of the show ever recorded.  Buy David's book 'Keep Talking' here: https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/david-dimbleby-2/keep-talking/9781399702423/ 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:14 Nov: Jake Berry5 Dec: Rachel Reeves19 Dec: Christmas Special including music from MP423 Jan: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel6 March: Eddie Izzard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavin has a unique perspective on politics, government and the Conservative Party having served as both an MP and the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff. Unusually he was an MP first, but having lost his seat in 2017, was hired by Theresa May to be her most senior adviser. Gavin takes us inside the Brexit negotiations, with some surprising insights on some of Europe's major players. It's also a defence of Theresa May and the values of public service and how she contrasts with some of her successors... Follow Gavin on Twitter: @GavinBarwell 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:7 Nov: David Dimbleby14 Nov: Jake Berry5 Dec: Rachel Reeves19 Dec: Christmas Special including music from MP423 Jan: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel6 March: Eddie Izzard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When the Prime Minister could fall at any point, talk to someone who knows what should happen next. Grant Shapps is that someone and has a very clear view on how the next Conservative leader should be chosen. He's a crucial power player and will be instrumental in any future leadership contest. Grant also has some brilliant stories about serving in Boris Johnson's Cabinet, what it was like doing the Covid TV briefings and how Liz Truss sacked him. As well as being a passionate advocate of centre-right pragmatism, he's also an optimist... despite some hellish life experiences that could easily have destroyed his positivity.This is an impeccably timed interview with a fascinating politician at the centre of what happens next.Follow Grant on Twitter: @grantshapps See Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right on the following dates: Fri 21 Oct - Bloomsbury TheatreFri 28 Oct - Bloomsbury Theatre Tickets: https://www.mattforde.com/2022tour 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:7 Nov: David Dimbleby14 Nov: Matt Hancock5 Dec: Rachel Reeves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most prominent public figures of the year demonstrates why he has captured the imagination of the country. Mick Lynch has connected with people in a way that few union bosses ever will, with his dry sense of humour and direct style. He gives a fascinating insight into RMT negotiations with various transport companies, and tells us what happened off camera during some of his most notorious TV exchanges. He also reveals what his most conservative opinion is and why he'd never have a combover. It's gripping from the first minute and Mick even manages to make a discussion about the benefits of non-affiliation to the Labour Party sound entertaining. Open a can of beer, make yourself some sandwiches and enjoy the funniest conversation about trade unions you'll ever hear.  See Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right on the following dates: Tues 18 Oct - Leicester Square TheatreFri 21 Oct - Bloomsbury TheatreFri 28 Oct - Bloomsbury Theatre Tickets: https://www.mattforde.com/2022tour 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 Oct: Grant Shapps7 Nov: David Dimbleby14 Nov: Matt Hancock5 Dec: Rachel Reeves   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What better time to interview a moderate former Tory MP who spent 7 years in the Treasury? David Gauke does not disappoint and is fully uncorked in this entertaining analysis of the Tories' current economic policy and the people driving it. David's story is fascinating. He went from leading Cabinet minister to ex MP within just a few months and now considers himself politically homeless. How did this happen to one of the Tories' most prominent and capable performers? It's probably not that hard to figure out but David tells his story with typical wit and warmth. He also reminisces about the coalition years, including the political legacy of austerity.  Follow David on Twitter: @DavidGauke See Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right on the following dates: Tues 18 Oct - Leicester Square TheatreFri 21 Oct - Bloomsbury TheatreFri 28 Oct - Bloomsbury Theatre Tickets: https://www.mattforde.com/2022tour 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 Oct: Mick Lynch17 Oct: Grant Shapps7 Nov: David Dimbleby14 Nov: Matt Hancock5 Dec: Rachel Reeves Read David's New Statesman piece: https://www.newstatesman.com/comment/2022/09/conservatives-lost-fantasy-world-danger-country Read David's ConservativeHome piece on Kwarsi Kwarteng's Budget: https://conservativehome.com/2022/09/26/david-gauke-after-last-weeks-budget-in-all-but-name-its-clear-how-brave-the-government-is-or-in-other-words-foolhardy/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patriotic. Principled. Hilarious. Tom Blenkinsop is all three of those things and so much more. This is full of brilliant stories of trade union fist fights, his father's involvement in D Day and searing political sense. Tom was the Labour MP for his hometown from 2010 to 2017. He stood down at the 2017 election in protest against Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. That was just one of many principled decisions Tom has taken in his life. He's a member of the Army Reserve and explains his support for monarchy and what it means to members of the armed forces. This is an absolute corker.  Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomBlenkinsop See Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right on the following dates: Tues 18 Oct - Leicester Square TheatreFri 21 Oct - Bloomsbury TheatreFru 28 Oct - Bloomsbury Theatre Buy tickets here: https://www.mattforde.com/2022tour  Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of UK politics' most formidable talents shares her unique experience of modern politics. Whether it's leading the legal battles against Parliament's unlawful prorogation, or speaking up for the rights of women, Joanna is someone speaks from the heart and the head. Her views on sex-based rights have proven controversial in her own party and she talks movingly about the reaction of some of her colleagues and the lack of support she's received in the face of abuse. This is a thoughtful, considered and candid hour.   Buy tickets to Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right at The Edinburgh Festival here and his new London dates here: https://www.mattforde.com/2022tour Tuesday 18 October: Leicester Square TheatreFriday 21 October: Bloomsbury TheatreFriday 28 October: Bloomsbury Theatre Forthcoming guests at The Political Party include: 19 Sept: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel3 Oct: Mick Lynch17 Oct: Matt Hancock7 Nov: David Dimbleby5 Dec: Rachel Reeves Tickets: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The charismatic (and cheeky) leader of Scottish Labour returns to the Political Party to boss Matt about again. Anas continues to be hilarious and profound in equal measur and speaks movingly about Scotland's role in the Empire, Labour politicians on picket lines and what becomes the major topic of discussion: Comic Con and the awful things he saw there. Best enjoyed with a big bag of jelly peaches. (It'll make sense). Buy tickets to The Political Party, live at The Duchess Theatre here: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/matt-forde-clowns-left-me-jokers-right/performances Buy tickets to Matt's completely rewritten stand-up show Clowns To The Left Of Me, Jokers to the Right at The Edinburgh Festival here: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/matt-forde-clowns-left-me-jokers-right/performances Forthcoming guests at The Political Party include: 22 Aug: Joanna Cherry19 Sept: Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel3 Oct: Mick Lynch17 Oct: Matt Hancock7 Nov: David Dimbleby5 Dec: Rachel Reeves Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.