

The Political Party
Avalon
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2021 • 1h
Show 214 - Anneliese Dodds
The Shadow Chancellor tells Matt what Labour's economic priorities are and gives an insight into the mood of the party. This is a frank and open conversation about the political realities of the pandemic and what the pressures on the Opposition are at a time of national crisis. Anneliese also shares her passion for dance music... could Doctor Dodds have rivalled Judge Jules in the superclubs of Ibiza? Get your ticket for the Tony Blair Political Party Streaming Special on Thursday 22 April here: https://link.dice.fm/8kcZhboQrfb Get your tickets for the Political Party Specials at The Garrick Theatre here: https://www.nimaxtheatres.com/shows/matt-fordes-political-party-podcast/ Monday 24 May: Peter Mandelson and Sayeeda Warsi Tuesday 25 May: Keir Starmer and Andrea Leadsom Wednesday 2 June: Jess Phillips and Esther McVey Follow Anneliese on Twitter: @AnnelieseDodds Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Matt on WTSocial: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 14, 2021 • 1h 8min
Show 213 - Jimmy Wales
The founder of Wikipedia explains why his site is so different to the other big stars of the internet, like Twitter, Facebook and Google and why the decisions he took mean that Wikipedia is run in a completely different way. It turns out there's a whole side to this you might not know about! This is a fascinating discussion about how the internet should function and in whose interest, who should decide what other people see and the benefits and flaws of the Twitter and Facebook models. It's not just about how the internet does and should work, but about human nature and what makes people participate in what way and what the implications for politics and democracy are. Even if you have absolutely no idea about tech or computers, you will love this. GET TICKETS FOR THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE AT THE GARRICK THEATRE: www.mattforde.com/live Monday 24 May: Peter Mandelson and Sayeeda Warsi Tuesday 25 May: Keir Starmer and Andrea Leadsom Wednesday 2 June: Jess Phillips and Esther McVey Follow Jimmy on Twitter: @jimmy_wales Sign up to his new social media site, WT Social, here: https://wt.social/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Matt on WTSocial: https://wt.social/u/matt-forde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2021 • 1h 7min
Show 212 - Annie Wells
If you heard about a single mum from Spingburn in Glasgow who had her political awakening during the 2014 independence referendum, you'd probably presume that she voted Yes. Well, not only did Annie Wells find herself voting No and discovering her inner Tory, she then joined the Conservatives and now sits on their front bench in Holyrood. One of Scottish politics' biggest characters explains why without that referendum she'd be working in M&S, how her Labour supporting family reacted to news that she was a Tory, how she dealt with shoplifters and why leeks are best left in the M&S Food Hall. Oh and what happened when she served Darius Danesh from Pop Idol... Follow Annie on Twitter: @AnnieWellsMSP Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 5, 2021 • 1h 38min
Show 211 - Andy Coulson
The former editor of the News of the World and former Director of Communications at 10 Downing Street talks in depth about both roles, the people he worked with and for, and the lessons he's learned from going through his own crisis. It's a gripping account of what life was really like as a tabloid editor, the things that drove the people who worked at The News of the World and his take on why the Conservatives didn't win the 2010 election outright. And, of course, so much more. Listen to Andy's podcast 'Crisis, What Crisis' here: https://www.crisiswhatcrisis.com/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2021 • 60min
Show 210 - Paddy Tipping
The audio equivalent of a fine cigar, Paddy Tipping has one of the most soothing voices in politics. The Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire shares his love of the job and how it compares to his previous life as the MP for Sherwood. He also explains why Nottinghamshire Police received plaudits for their policing of a vigil in the city. Paddy was an anti-war MP and he recalls the pressure he and others felt under at the time of the Iraq vote, caught between his conscience and not wanting to bring down a Labour government. Paddy's warm exterior shouldn't fool you, he's a sharp political brain. Paddy gave Matt his first job in politics and explains why on earth he ever employed him in the first place. Follow Paddy on Twitter: @PaddyTipping Visit Paddy's website: http://paddy4pcc.co.uk/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 29, 2021 • 1h 13min
Show 209 - Alan Milburn
Stop what you're doing, find a quiet space and immerse yourself in this impressively candid recollection of the new Labour government from one of its leading lights. This has it all - an insight into the principles behind controversial policies, what it was like behind-the-scenes during the fuel protests, the tensions between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown - as well as a frank assessment of the things that new Labour got wrong. Alan is remarkably open about his own upbringing and the effect that it may, or may not have had, on some of the decisions he took. Get comfy, this is a real classic. Follow Alan on Twitter: @alanmilburn1958 Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 2021 • 1h 6min
Show 208 - *Ministerial Code Special* with Jackie Baillie
Two different reports, two different headlines, lots of conclusions, even more confusion. On the face of it, one report was bad for the First Minister and one report was good for the First Minister. But there's a lot more to it than that. Jackie Bailie sat on the Committee which concluded that the First Minister did mislead Parliament. She tells Matt how that conclusion was reached and the political and interpersonal challenges of being on the committee, as well as their frustration at not being able to get all the information they wanted. Can politics ever be fully taken out of proceedings like these? How were the political differences on the committee handled? And what will Jackie do with her dining table now she's got it back? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2021 • 56min
Show 207 - Tobias Ellwood
This is a brilliant analysis of the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy from the chair of the Defence Select Committee. Covering everything from nuclear weapons to why China isn't mentioned as much as it should be, from the soft power of the Premier League to why Brexit isn't mentioned as much as it should be, from the weaponisation of space to the 'Indo-Pacific Tilt', it's all in here. Ultimately it's about what Britain's role in the world should be. This is a riveting breakdown of geopolitics from someone who has personal experience of both serving in the military and seeing the horror of terrorism first-hand. Read the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/969402/The_Integrated_Review_of_Security__Defence__Development_and_Foreign_Policy.pdf Follow Tobias on Twitter: @Tobias_Ellwood Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 15, 2021 • 1h 7min
Show 206 - Jamie Klingler
Jamie Klingler is one of the Co-Organisers of Reclaim These Streets, a group formed to remember Sarah Everard and all women lost to violence. It has been an incredible few days - Jamie got involved on Wednesday and was in the High Court on Friday. In this personal account of the last five days, she explains how Reclaim These Streets was set up, how they were treated by The Metropolitan Police and how they can help change the world for the better. Donate to Reclaim The Streets here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/reclaimthesestreets Follow Reclaim The Streets on Twitter here: @ReclaimTS Follow Jamie on Twitter here: @jamieklingler Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2021 • 1h 1min
Show 205 - Andy Street
If you still think that Mayors are those councillors in funny hats and gold chains then prepare to have your mind blown. The Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands - and former boss of John Lewis - tells Matt about the significant powers he has and the potential that comes with them. This is a great explanation of the difference mayors can make but also why certain powers should lie in certain hands. Oh and some good news for Coventry City fans! Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Follow Andy on Twitter here: @andy4wm Find out more about the West Midlands Combined Authority here: https://www.wmca.org.uk/ Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.