Matt Forde's Political Party

Depending on what you're into, Dave Rowntree is either one of the most famous drummers in modern rock 'n' roll history or the Councillor for the University Ward on Norfolk County Council. The Blur drummer talks about his own political journey, from young radical via headline Glastonbury slots and number 1 singles to solving leaks. There is of course some Cool Britannia chat, about how Dave felt ab...

The first and only female Prime Minister of Australia reflects on her time in office and gives her unique perspective on leadership and the role gender played in her experience. In a wide-ranging interview, Julia describes the challenge of education reform, the importance of purpose in politics and her personal approach to life as a former Prime Minister. Julia's work after elected office includes...

"Some people stand in the darkness, afraid to step into the light..." Former lifeguard Charlotte Leslie was the MP for Bristol North West for 7 years and shares a series of brilliant insights about life and politics, including how the laws of the beach apply to handling the coronavirus pandemic. Charlotte went from increasing her majority in 2015 to losing the seat two years later. This is a great...

Monica Lennon shot to international political fame just a few months ago thanks to her Period Poverty Bill. Thanks to that legislation, Scotland is the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products. Monica tells Matt how she built a political coalition across the party and constitutional divides in Scotland and how she changed the Scottish Government's mind and...

Welcome to one of the most gripping episodes of any podcast ever recorded. Investigative journalist John Sweeney shares his incredible experiences coming face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, The Church of Scientology, the far right and so many more. At times terrifying, at times absolutely hilarious, all of John's amazing stories come from his ruthless pursuit of the truth. This will bl...

One of Labour's most gifted politicians tells Matt about growing up as the son of another huge Labour talent, Tony Benn, and about the moment where their politics started to diverge. This is a great mixture of the personal and the political: Hilary talks about his central role in holding the government to account over Brexit - and the principles that should underpin the UK's role in the world. Plu...

This is a masterclass on the art of the interview from one the best political interviewers alive. Nick Robinson explains his approach, not just to interviewing, but to politics, broadcasting and people. Mixing sharp insights about populism and the role of the media with great anecdotes about how to control a 'Leaders Debate' and the tricks that both politicians and journalists use to gain an upper...

Have you ever wondered what resigning from government actually involves? You're about to find out. Tracey Crouch resigned from Theresa May's government over a delay to a crucial change in gambling policy and she explains why and how she departed. It was a brief that Tracey loved and she shares her experience of being a female Conservative sports minister and how her love of Tottenham Hotspur led t...

One of the most gifted politicians in British history reveals what life was like for him at the heart of new Labour - in good ways and bad. Blessed with a superhuman ability to be calm in any crisis, Peter Mandelson explains why he is the way he is. He also charts the changing fortunes of the Labour Party having helped transform Labour into a rampant political force at the height of new Labour. As...

Plug yourself into the mood of the nation and find out what the country is thinking as our favourite pollster shares her latest fascinating research. Every time Deborah is on the show it's a treat, but this episode is particularly brilliant. Can Labour win back the voters who deserted them in the election? How does the UK feel the government has handled the crisis? Which leaders have impressed the...

Does being an actor prepare you for a life in politics? The answer is... not in the way you might think. Tracy shot to fame playing Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street and went on to star in EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill, Silent Witness, Casualty and loads more. She's now the Labour MP for Batley and Spen and tells Matt about how she coped campaigning there after Jo Cox's murder and the press...

Since appearing on the show a couple of years ago, Laura has been a Special Adviser at both DFID and the MOD. She takes us inside the life of a 'Spad', including an account of the weekly Spad School meetings at Number 10. This is a fascinating account of the being a special adviser in the modern era. Laura also shares the secrets about what really goes on at Davos. Laura also gives her assessment...

One of Scotland's brightest political stars shares both the optimism and the realism that comes with being a Scottish Labour politician. Endlessly positive, often in the face of political setbacks, Anas shows why he's so respected across the political divide. As well as some hilarious stories about his mum, Anas talks about the shocking abuse he's faced - including some from Labour members. Anas a...

This edition really should be called 'A Series of Incredible Events', because Chris Bryant has found himself at the centre of a number of astonishing scenes and he recounts them on this rollercoaster episode. If you're not already sitting down, make sure you are because you're about to hear will blow your mind. Chris also talks about his brilliant new book 'The Glamour Boys', the secret story of t...

This is the only election briefing you will ever need. Two of the world's great talkers give their unique insights on the men they know well. Sharp-shooting Mooch delivers a devastating assessment of how Trump will be feeling and what he will do next. Seth Harris gives us a fantastic analysis of what Biden's reaction will be and what these results mean for America. This is blockbuster politics fro...

Margaret Hodge tells the incredible story of being a Jewish MP in Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party. Margaret describes her experience of antisemitism as well as the details of two specific conversations she had with the now suspended former leader. This is an astonishing personal testimony from someone who experienced the Labour Party at its worst. Margaret also shares her tips for defeating the BNP....

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 wit...

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...

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 Gise...

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...

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 Labou...

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 ele...

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 ti...

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 in...

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://blackwe...