

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

Oct 30, 2020 • 1h 16min
Show 185 - Jeffrey Archer
Put on your big coat and your favourite shoes because it's time for a stroll down memory lane. You should also pack a bottle of Chilean red and a nice lump of cheddar (it'll all make sense). As well as book chat - including a discussion about what part if any his politics play in them - Jeffrey Archer also reflects on his time as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party (and his relationships with Margaret Thatcher and John Major), his famous shepherd's pie and champagne parties and his time in prison. This is a winding tale with plenty of anecdotes along the way. Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Jeffrey on Twitter: @Jeffrey_Archer 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.

Oct 23, 2020 • 1h 29min
Show 184 - Angus Robertson
One of the SNP's biggest stars returns to the show ahead of his bid to stand for Holyrood in 2021. In his time away from elected politics, Angus founded the 'Progress Scotland' thinktank and he shares some of the fascinating research about changing attitudes in Scotland. He also talks about his defeat in 2017, whether he saw it coming and what it's like to be away from Westminster. Angus and Matt look ahead to a potential second referendum and how it may differ from the first. Plus, it wouldn't be a Zoom call without an interruption and Angus is joined by his daughter Saiorse who wanders in halfway through. Plus inevitable whisky chat! Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Angus on Twitter: @AngusRobertson Follow Progress Scotland on Twitter: @progressscot Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest Scottish Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 2020 • 1h 17min
Show 183 - Gisela Stuart
Oh you are in for a treat! This is a masterclass in cool-headed political judgement. Gisela's story is impressive enough anyway - coming to the UK from Germany, winning an unwinnable seat and holding it for 20 years and now sitting in the House of Lords - but it's the way she tells that story which will have you engrossed. You've probably never heard a politician talk about themselves the way Gisela does. This is one of the most honest interviews you'll ever hear. Order Matt's debut book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Gisela on Twitter: @GiselaStuart 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.

Oct 9, 2020 • 1h 27min
Show 182 - Malcolm Rifkind
The definition of a grandee, Sir Malcolm reflects on his astounding political career. This is a corker, taking us inside the Thatcher and Major governments at the times of Poll Tax, Maastricht and the move towards peace in Northern Ireland. Sir Malcom is one of only a handful of ministers who served in the government for the entirety of the 79-97 Conservative government and this wonderful episode charts some of the big moments as well as providing a contrast with politics today. Especially fascinating is his experience as Secretary of State for Scotland many years before devolution which meant he had far more power and influence than most of his successors. Pour yourself a whisky, it's time for a saunter down memory lane... Get your ticket to the online launch of Politically Homeless with Matt Forde and Alastair Campbell (plus a signed copy of the book): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-signed-book-tickets-120233157611 If you've already bought the book, here's the link to just buy the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-only-tickets-120189707651 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.

Oct 5, 2020 • 1h 21min
Show 181 - Alison McGovern
One of Labour's most talented and thoughtful politicians tells Matt about getting into trouble for playing football in the House of Commons and explains the politics behind the artwork displayed in Parliament. Alison also talks openly about her views on physical and mental health as well as sharing her theory on why Labour has never had a female leader. Sit back and enjoy an hour with one of Labour's future stars. Get your ticket to the online launch of Politically Homeless with Matt Forde and Alastair Campbell (plus a signed copy of the book): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-signed-book-tickets-120233157611 If you've already bought the book, here's the link to just buy the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-only-tickets-120189707651 Pre-order a signed copy of the book here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Find out more about 'This Girl Can' here https://www.thisgirlcan.co.uk/ Read Alison's Grazia piece here: https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/opinion/alison-mcgovern-labour-body-image/ Follow Alison on Twitter here: @Alison_McGovern 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.

Sep 24, 2020 • 1h 3min
Show 180 - Douglas Ross
Douglas Ross isn't just the leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and an MP, he's also a UEFA qualified referee. He tells Matt about his extraordinary double life which has included officiating Barcelona v Olympiakos in the Champions League and trying to keep Scotland in the Union. He's also been involved in a number of incredible odysseys over land and sea to try and keep all elements of his life functioning. The referee looks at his watch, blows his whistle, and we're off... Get your ticket to the online launch of Politically Homeless with Matt Forde and Alastair Campbell (plus a signed copy of the book): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-signed-book-tickets-120233157611 If you've already bought the book, here's the link to just buy the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-only-tickets-120189707651 Pre-order a signed copy of the book here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Douglas on Twitter here: @Douglas4Moray 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.

Sep 18, 2020 • 1h 33min
Show 179 - Iain Dale
Publisher, talk radio host, Parliamentary candidate, author, partial criminal... Iain Dale has done it all and in this hilarious and reflective chat, he explains where his politics came from, how he became a publisher, what it's like to win a school election but lose a Parliamentary one and the incredible story of his ludicrous brush with the law. What better way to start your weekend? Get your ticket to the online launch of Politically Homeless with Matt Forde and Alastair Campbell (plus a signed copy of the book): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-signed-book-tickets-120233157611 If you've already bought the book, here's the link to just buy the event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/online-event-politically-homeless-with-matt-forde-ticket-only-tickets-120189707651 Click here buy Iain's brilliant book 'Why Can't We All Just Get Along': https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Why-Cant-All-Just-Along/dp/0008379122/ref=sr_1_1?crid=34W1P3CENW477&dchild=1&keywords=why+cant+we+all+get+along&qid=1600444670&sprefix=why+can%27t+we+%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1 Follow Iain on Twitter here: @IainDale 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.

Sep 11, 2020 • 1h 2min
Show 178 - Louise Haigh
The government have just announced that they're going to break international law by breaching the Northern Ireland protocol. Another totally normal week in UK politics. Labour's Shadow Secretary of State explains what that breach means for the people of Ireland and for the UK's standing internationally. Louise also gives a frank assessment about the task facing Labour in general and her insight into the difference in Keir Starmer's leadership style. A former Special Constable, Louise reveals a number of different careers she could have had, including the privilege of working for the greatest football club on earth... Pre-order a signed copy of Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Louise on Twitter here: @louHaigh 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.

Sep 4, 2020 • 1h 17min
Show 177 - Nick Timothy
Make yourself a cup of tea in your favourite mug and settle in for a rollercoaster of an episode. It's got everything: the inside story of the 2017 election campaign, a philosophical discussion about liberalism and tales from inside Theresa May's Downing Street. This will satisfy your every political desire. Enjoy! Pre-order a signed copy of Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Order 'Remaking One Nation: The Future of Conservatism' here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Remaking-One-Nation-Future-Conservatism/dp/1509539174/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EW1EIB0E5GBF&dchild=1&keywords=nick+timothy+remaking+one+nation&qid=1599154307&sprefix=nick+timo%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1 Follow Nick on Twitter here: @NJ_Timothy 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.

Aug 27, 2020 • 1h 1min
Show 176 - Jackie Bailie
Scottish Labour's Finance Spokesperson gives us a brilliant insight into the latest issues in Scottish politics. Jackie responds to the latest figures on Scotland's spending, revenue and deficit - and what it means in the political context of independence. She also shares her experiences as a member of the Committee on the Scottish Government's Handling of Harassment Claims and their frustration at not being able to access the information they want. Jackie is also Deputy Leader of Scottish Labour and gives a frank assessment about the party's position and future. Pre-order a signed copy of Matt's book 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Jackie on Twitter here: @jackiebmsp 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.