Matt Forde's Political Party

Kinnock is on a mission to make Labour electable... sound familiar? Stephen Kinnock is very much his own man and his own politician, and his new project 'Labour Renaissance' has published a fascinating report into the voters Labour lost and what the party can do about it. This is a brilliant analysis of where Labour has gone wrong, combined with practical recommendations about how it reconnects wi...

Kevin Brennan isn't a typical MP and although he studied PPE at Oxford, he certainly doesn't fit the stereotype. A man of varied interests and talents, he's just recorded an album with a Sex Pistol. Kevin worked for Rhodri Morgan before replacing him as the MP for Cardiff West and this is packed full of great stories and insights from 20 years in Parliament, including some as a government minister...

If Penny Mordaunt gives you options, consider them very carefully. You'll understand what that means once you've heard some of her incredible stories. Penny has done some weird and wonderful jobs inside and outside of politics - from being a magician's assistant to becoming the first ever female Secretary of State for Defence. Her approach to life is inspiring and her philosophy around u...

If you're not watching the new Labour documentary on the iPlayer, what is the matter with you? The new series has got everyone talking about the Blair and Brown era and one man who knows it inside out is John Rentoul. He wrote the definitive biography of Tony Blair and along with Jon Davies runs a course at King's College about new Labour. This is a great accompaniment to the BBC series, chal...

The Mayor of Manchester is on sparkling form as he sets out his vision for where Labour needs to be. It's a great mix of thoughtful political analysis and riveting behind-the-scenes detail as Andy tells the incredible inside story behind his showdowns with the UK and Scottish governments. He also tells the heartbreaking story of the Hlllsborough families' long campaign for justice and his rol...

This is pragmatism as its most inspirational. Anna Turley is here to sort stuff out and is passionate about solving problems. She was the Labour MP for Redcar until 2019 when the toxicity of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership turned a proud Labour seat into a Tory gain. Anna describes how she was simultaneously trying to mitigate the catastrophic loss of the steel industry in the area, while fighting a le...

Get comfy on the sofa because you are in for a treat. Gabriel Milland is one of the country's finest opinion researchers. After working alongside Michael Gove and Dominic Cummings at Education, he was Special Adviser to the Prime Minister from March to July 2020. Gabriel takes us inside Number 10 during the first months of the pandemic and his role in tracking public opinion during that time. This...

The co-leader of the Scottish Greens tells the inside story of their historic deal with the SNP which puts the Greens in government in the UK for the first time. What influence do the Greens hope to have on the SNP? What are they and aren't they bound by? What is the Green case for Scottish independence? Lorna also discusses her own politics beyond Green issues and reflects on her life as per...

Siobhan has done it all. As a senior civil servant she advised both the new Labour and coalition governments before leaving to stand for office herself. In 2012 she ran for London Mayor as an independent and finished just behind the Lib Dems. It was an incredible achievement and underlined her appeal as a charismatic and impressive politician. In this fascinating interview she describes the elatio...

This is the most emotional episode of The Political Party ever recorded. Roh Yakobi was tortured by the Taliban when he was just 12. In this deeply moving interview he tells us his remarkable life story, including the brutal reality of being governed by the Taliban. He also speaks of his despair for his family and friends, particularly his female cousin, now that the Taliban are back in contr...

The new leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats gives a highly personal and entertaining interview about politics, faith and life. Alex shares his plans for the party and the incredible stories about how he was almost recruited for MI6 and how he saved his daughter's life. What is the future of the Scottish Lib Dems and how do they stand out in the crowded marketplace of Scottish politics? H...

Tom Tugendhat is an expert on Foreign Affairs and served in Afghanistan with the British Army. In this emotional and impassioned interview, the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee gives a comprehensive explanation of why he believes leaving Afghanistan is wrong and what the implications of that decision will be.  Follow Tom on Twitter: @TomTugendhat Buy tickets to The Political...

Peter Kyle has led an extraordinary life. His misdiagnosed dyslexia meant he had to sit his A Levels again at 25, going back to his old school. He'd been inspired to get his A levels in order to go to university by Anita Roddick, who he worked for at The Body Shop. It's just one of many incredible moments that contribute to his unique drive. As well as the personal there's also the political and P...

One of the most direct communicators in politics delivers a dose of pure clarity. Pat has been at the heart of three different Labour leaders' operations: Donald Dewar, John Smith and Tony Blair. He reflects on the attributes they possessed and the importance of visible political change. Pat represents Wolverhampton South East and there are sobering lessons for Labour, especially for its rela...

This is the brilliant inside story of how Joe Biden won the Democratic nomination and The White House, told by Isaac Dovere, the lead political correspondent for The Atlantic. It begins analysing Obama's legacy inside and outside of the party, includes insights from voters who backed Obama twice and voted for Trump, assesses why candidates like Buttigieg, Bloomberg, Warren and Sanders were unable...

Once the youngest MP in the Commons, Chloe Smith is now Minister of State for the Constitution and Devolution. Chloe explains what the new Elections Bill will mean for Voter ID, expanding the franchise and online campaigning. Chloe reflects on some of the big moments in her life and career, including her recent announcement that she is clear of breast cancer. Chloe and Matt discuss some of the big...

One of the UK's finest political correspondents, Carole Walker was a political correspondent for the BBC for 20 years. In a remarkable career spanning some of the most dramatic moments in modern political history, Carole had a front row seat. In this fascinating and entertaining interview, Carole reflects on the highs and lows of the job, the pressures on political journalists and the defining mom...

Trying to make sense of everything on and off the pitch, Matt is joined by the Shadow Minister for Further Education and Skills - and massive football fan - Toby Perkins. The positivity about a wonderful tournament for England and the stand that they took against racism has been tainted by the violence and racism of a hardcore minority. How can football fully rid of itself of its violent and regre...

The SNP's Defence Spokesperson at Westminster is also one of its most popular and respected MPs. He's written a new report called Disinformation in Scottish Public Life  which highlights the interferences of Russia, Iran and China in British and Scottish public life. Stewart also talks frankly about the challenges posed by Scottish independence in the defence realm. More importantly, Stewart...

Frank Luntz is one of the most sought-after political consultants on the planet and has been indispensable to the Republican Party. In this insight-crammed interview he reveals the talent of his old boss Newt Gingrich and explains how the best formula for connecting with the public. He also delivers a humble reappraisal of Mitt Romney and answers the big question: what happens next for Donald Trum...

This is a wild and raucous interview with one of the funniest and most charismatic politicians in the country. As well as sharp political analysis, particularly on the issue of class and society, this includes some stories that are absolutely bonkers... including the incredible tale of Jess's brother and his encounter with a notorious individual. Nothing will prepare you for this. Please make sure...

WARNING: This podcast contains dangerous levels of inspiration!   Esther McVey had an unconventional start in life and has emerged as one of the most optimistic politicians in Britain. In this remarkably honest interview, Esther talks about how being a Barnardo's child shaped her and her politics. She also tells the incredible truth about the abuse she has received during her time in politics...

One of the brightest talents in the Conservative Party shows why she's so highly regarded across the political divide. Andrea shares some brilliant stories from some of the biggest moments in modern politics. From the inside story of how Vote Leave prepared for the TV debate at Wembley, to her 2017 leadership bid, to grilling Bob Diamond when he appeared in front of the Treasury Select Committee a...

Sayeeda Warsi returns to The Political Party and is on typically hilarious form as she gives her personal take on Boris Johnson's leadership and the state of the nation. Sayeeda also shares some of the material that didn't make it to air on Stand Up To Cancer. This is a riot from start to finish.      Get your tickets for the Political Party Special at The Vaudeville Theatre here: &...

This is the Labour leader as you've never heard him before. Appearing in front of a live audience for perhaps the first time since he took the job, Keir Starmer shares some hilarious stories from his time in law and politics. Including the full story of what happened when he met that pub landlord in Bath. He candidly reflects on his first year in charge and how he handles pressure, but also outlin...