Matt Forde's Political Party

In this Conservative Party leadership special, Matt is joined by David Cameron's former PPS, Sam Gyimah and the man who's made all the running in the Conservative leadership election so far, Rory Stewart. Two compelling interviews, for very different reasons, make this a Political Party like no other. Plus, does Matt have a major scoop on his hands? You can follow Sam on Twitter here: @SamGyimah Y...

John McTernan is a highly respected political strategist and has advised leaders around the world including Tony Blair and Julia Gillard. For the first time ever, he talks in detail about his experience of the Cash for Honours inquiry, during which he was interviewed twice under caution. You can follow John on Twitter here: @johnmcternan You can follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the sh...

Sophie Walker was the founding leader of the Women's Equality Party and led the party for 4 years. In this powerful interview she reveals the lessons of leadership, the impact that the party has already had, the reason she stood down and what the future holds. Sophie also discusses the challenges facing women in politics and those that have personally effected herself as an individual. Oh and ther...

Suella Braverman has become one of the most prominent Brexiteers in Parliament. She is a leading member and former Chair of the European Research Group and dispels some of the myths surrounding it. As well as her frustrations with the government's handling of Brexit, Suella explains her journey towards voting Leave, why she believes Brexit is an opportunity for the UK and some top tips on how to m...

Arthur Snell served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen and Zimbabwe as a diplomat and worked on the UK's anti-terrorism strategy 'Prevent'. In this revealing interview, Arthur gives a fascinating insight into the effects of Empire, Britain's role in the world and the dangers of working in some of the most volatile parts of the world. You can follow Christopher Hope on Twitter here: @SnellArthur You can f...

Ten years ago the Expenses Scandal exposed the financial claims of our MPs and was an earthquake in UK politics. Christopher Hope helped break the story at the time and gives an insiders account of how The Daily Telegraph ran with it, his own unique role in the team and how it's changed our politics. He is also Chair of the Lobby and gives a peek into the world of political journalism including so...

Just a few days ago Nick Boles sensationally resigned from the Conservative Party. In this revealing and honest interview he tells Matt how he reached that point, the changes he's seen in the Tory Party and the way he thinks politics will develop. Oh and a chat about his favourite Ibiza nightclubs. You can follow Nick on Twitter here: @NickBoles You can follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Emai...

Well, the timing could not have been better. George Osborne joins Matt on the day that Theresa May announced that she would resign if her deal passed in the Commons and the night that the Commons held its indicative Brexit votes. George overcomes his grief at the Prime Minister's imminent departure and shares hilarious stories about working for Iain Duncan Smith, facing Gordon Brown for the first...

Brace yourself for some juicy political detail and a burst of positivity as Naomi Smith is the Chief Operating Officer of Best for Britain and co-host of the Remainiacs Podcast is tells Matt about the various anti-Brexit campaigns and how they're distinct from each other, the way to win a second referendum and the things that inform her own politics. Prepare to enter the world of MRP (all will be...

Welcome to this special, bonus live episode with 4 members of the newly formed Independent Group: Ann Coffey, Mike Gapes, Heidi Allen and Chuka Umunna. They all recently left the Labour and Conservative parties to sit together in the House of Commons. In these hilarious and at times emotional interviews, they reveal why they came to their individual decisions, what the future of the group is and w...

There aren't many politicians who've led a life like Johnny Mercer. In this hilarious and sometimes emotional interview, Johnny tells Matt about his tours of Afghanistan and the effect they had on him, the way he thinks politics should be and his hopes for the future. Oh and some incredible stories you won't hear elsewhere. You can follow Johnny on Twitter here: @JohnnyMercerUK You can follow Matt...

Matt is joined by the Editor of Brexit Central, Jonathan Isaby. The pair first met 12 years ago and here they rekindle their love of political impressions, election coverage and football stickers. Jonathan has been a prominent and influential writer and lobbyist, working for The Telegraph, ConservativeHome and running the Taxpayer's Alliance as their Chief Executive. You can follow Jonathan on Twi...

Tony Blair joins Matt for a discussion about the latest on Brexit. What happens with the backstop? Should we delay Article 50? Will he personally protest in the streets if he doesn't get his way? The former Prime Minister answers all those questions and more. You can follow The Institute for Global Change on Twitter and Instagram: @InstituteGC You can read Tony's latest article on Brexit here: htt...

David Blunkett served as Education Secretary, Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Tony Blair. One of the most talented and prominent members of the new Labour government, his achievements are even more remarkable given the challenges he had to overcome. David talks warmly and openly about politics then, politics now and how being blind at football matches is a lot bet...

Sophie Jarvis is Head of Public Affairs at the Adam Smith Institute, a neoliberal think tank inspired by the great Scottish economist and philosopher. She joins Matt to discuss what makes the ASI different to other think tanks, showcases some of their more eye-catching policies and has a wider discussion about markets and the role of the state. Get tickets to Matt's 2019 tour here: www.mattforde.c...

In this second festive special Alastair Campbell and Adam Boulton bury the hatchet... or do they? To get tickets for Matt's 'Brexit Through the Gift Shop' Tour, including his recently added dates at the Southbank Centre and Other Palace, go to www.mattforde.com/live Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Follow Alastair on Twitter: @campbellclaret Follow Adam on Twitter: @adamboultonSKY H...

Jess and Sarah join Matt for a lively Christmas special at the Leicester Square Theatre. To get tickets for Matt's 'Brexit Through the Gift Shop' Tour, including his recently added dates at the Southbank Centre and Other Palace, go to www.mattforde.com/live Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Follow Jess on Twitter: @jessphillips Follow Sarah on Twitter: @sarahwollaston Hosted on Acast...

Patrick O'Flynn is an MEP for the East of England and recently defected from UKIP to the SDP. Yes, the SDP are still going and they're Eurosceptic. Paddy takes us inside UKIP, his experience of being a 'centrist' member of it and shines a light on some of the disputes within the party in the last few years, including the final one with Gerrard Batten and why he could no longer stay in the party. H...

Prof Philip Cowley Philip Cowley is Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. His latest book 'The British General Election of 2017' is widely regarded as the Bible of the last general election. He's an expert on Parliamentary voting and behaviour. In this light-hearted interview he explains what he loves and loathes about politics as well as giving a fascinating insight into the f...

Emily Thornberry - Live Emily Thornberry is one of the biggest stars in British politics. She joins Matt for a raucous evening with risque tales of campaigning as well as emotional stories about her upbringing. Emily and Matt also discuss the merits of her voice. Oh and there's Brexit. Because of course there is. Get tickets to Matt's live 'Brexit Through the Gift Shop' shows on 1 and 5 December h...

Kevin Hague is an entrepreneur and founder of 'These Islands', a forum to promote unity between the people of the United Kingdom. In this fascinating interview he outlines his work trying to hold the SNP's Sustainable Growth Commission to account and the pros and cons of making a positive case for 'the Union'. Tickets for Matt's Southbank shows are here: https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/...

Aaron Bastani is the founder of left-wing website Novara Media and author of the forthcoming book 'Luxury Automated Communism Now!'. A prominent and passionate supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, he and Matt discuss the future of the economy, dieting, Brexit, poppies and WhatsApp groups. Buy tickets to Matt's fully updated 'Brexit Through the Gift Shop': https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/133159-b...

Lord Andrew Cooper Andrew Cooper is the founder of polling company Populus and was Director of Strategy to David Cameron in Downing Street. In this gripping interview, he explains how polling works, how the industry has changed, how mistakes happen and the social changes influencing our politics. He also discusses his own political beliefs and his time working in Number 10. Get tickets to see Matt...

Carwyn Jones Carwyn Jones is the First Minister of Wales and Leader of the Welsh Labour Party. He has led Wales for 9 years and as he comes to the end of his time as FM, he tells Matt about what he's learned from leadership, what being Welsh means and explains the Welsh love of nicknames. Never has pragmatism sounded so exciting and vital. Tickets for the Political Party Christmas Specials here: h...

Jane Merrick Jane was a Time Person of the Year in 2017 and has been at the heart of British political journalism for nearly 20 years. She joins Matt to discuss her career - including the differences between working for the Daily Mail and the Independent on Sunday - an her politics. Jane also talks about her experience of sexual harassment in Westminster, which led to Michael Fallon leaving the Ca...