Matt Forde's Political Party

Show 411. Andrew Neil 13.07.2026 1h 5min

The one-and-only Andrew Neil pops in for a gripping hour of political and media analysis. What's it like working for Rupert Murdoch? Has Andrew ever tried to go into politics? What really happened with Bobby Gillespie? All that and so much more! See Matt at the Soho Theatre trying out new material, 21-25 July:https://sohotheatre.com/events/matt-forde-work-in-progress-4/ Subscribe to Andrew's new podcast, The Andrew Neil Report:https://open.spotify.com/show/033rtEM2eq993E22SE0vPm See the Political Party Live on Stage:9 August: Anas Sarwar (Edinburgh)15 August: Stephen Flynn (Edinburgh)18 August: Rachel Reeves (Edinburgh)20 August: Malcolm Offord (Edinburgh)9 November: Liz Kendall (London)21 December: Wes Streeting (London) Get tickets for Matt's brand new stand-up show Project Holy Moly at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-project-holy-moly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 410. Suzanne Moore 06.07.2026 1h 2min

You're not going to hear anyone else talk about politics like this. Suzanne is an original thinker. From bunking off school and doing acid while selling Marxism Today to ending up writing for The Telegraph. Her route through her career and life is completely unorthodox.  She has a truly adventurous take on life and that informs her unique political analysis. This is a one-of-a-kind episode.  See the Political Party Live on Stage:9 August: Anas Sarwar (Edinburgh)15 August: Stephen Flynn (Edinburgh)18 August: Rachel Reeves (Edinburgh)20 August: Malcolm Offord (Edinburgh)9 November: Liz Kendall (London)21 December: Wes Streeting (London) Get tickets for Matt's brand new stand-up show Project Holy Moly at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-project-holy-moly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 409 - Andy Burnham - Replay 30.06.2026 1h 17min

Let's go back in time five years and see what, if anything, has really changed...In 2021 Andy was Mayor of Manchester but was clearly developing his thinking on where power in the UK lies. This is 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 role in changing the Labour government's position, including the moment he stands in front of a packed Anfield at the memorial service. See the Political Party Live on Stage:9 August: Anas Sarwar (Edinburgh)15 August: Stephen Flynn (Edinburgh)18 August: Rachel Reeves (Edinburgh)20 August: Malcolm Offord (Edinburgh)9 November: Liz Kendall (London)21 December: Wes Streeting (London) Get tickets for Matt's brand new stand-up show Project Holy Moly at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-project-holy-moly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 408. Johann Lamont 22.06.2026 1h 12min

This. Is. Superb. The former leader of Scottish Labour gives an impassioned and engrossing analysis of everything happening in Scottish and UK politics: ·                    SNP corruption·                    Triple by-election reaction·                    Scottish media pig pen·                    PLUS! Tartan Army action It's everything you'd want and more.   THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 9 November: Liz Kendall 21 December: Wes Streeting https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE the final dates of Matt's stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  June 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATEJuly 3 Basingstoke The Haymarket - EXTRA DATE 8 Birmingham Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 10 Bedford Quarry Theatre - EXTRA DATE 16 Maidenhead Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE  DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 407. Beeban Kidron 15.06.2026 54min

From Hollywood film director to campaigner against the evils of Big Tech, via the House of Lords. Beeban Kidron is a force of nature and her new book 'Users' charts the rise of Big Tech and crucially tells us how we can fight back. This is a fascinating and hilarious interview with a national asset who has dedicated her life to fighting injustice online. Oh, and there's a cracking story about Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes.  BUY Beeban's book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/480182/users-by-kidron-beeban/9780753562468THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 9 November: Liz Kendall Plus many more to be announced soon! https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE the final dates of Matt's stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  June 15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATEJuly 3 Basingstoke The Haymarket - EXTRA DATE8 Birmingham Glee Club - EXTRA DATE10 Bedford Quarry Theatre - EXTRA DATE16 Maidenhead Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE  DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 406. Jeremy Hunt 09.06.2026 49min

Prepare yourself for a big fat dose of political optimism. Jeremy Hunt is asking a big question: can we be rich again? His latest book seeks to answer this and before he gets into what needs to change, he also believes that there's plenty to be cheerful about. How can the government quickly deliver growth? What makes the UK uniquely placed to benefit from AI? What's his personal best London Marathon time? All this and more in a refreshingly positive take on politics.    DONATE to Sarcoma UK https://www.justgiving.com/page/jeremy-remembers-charlie  BUY Jeremy's book: https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/can-we-be-rich-again-the-extraordinary-potential-of-the-british-economy-by-jeremy-hunt-coming-5-june THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 9 November: Liz Kendall Plus many more to be announced soon! https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE the final dates of Matt's stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  June9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton Theatre  12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATEJuly 3 Basingstoke The Haymarket - EXTRA DATE 8 Birmingham Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 10 Bedford Quarry Theatre - EXTRA DATE 16 Maidenhead Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE  DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 405. Lucy Powell - LIVE 03.06.2026 1h 23min

This is a cracking briefing from Labour's Deputy Leader. On Makerfield and what happens next for the party.  Lucy takes us inside the heart of the Labour Party... do Labour MPs and members actually want a leadership election? And what would happen if there was one? Are the issues that Labour faces actually to do with Keir Starmer at all? Lucy is also a massive football fan, but how does she behave at games... the answer may surprise you. PLUS... beauty tips on how to look 20 years younger.   THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 9 November: Liz Kendall Plus many more to be announced soon! https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE the final dates of Matt's stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  June3 Portsmouth New Theatre Royal - EXTRA DATE 4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton Theatre  12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATEJuly 3 Basingstoke The Haymarket - EXTRA DATE 8 Birmingham Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 10 Bedford Quarry Theatre - EXTRA DATE 16 Maidenhead Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE  DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 404. Kieran Andrews 26.05.2026 54min

This is an absolute scorcher with ITV Borders' Political Editor. Kieran gives an entertaining and comprehensive analysis of the Holyrood election results and what they mean for the future of Scottish and UK politics. From an MSP elected on a student visa to what impact Scotland's World Cup campaign will have, it's all in here. Enjoy!THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows May 26 Hay Festival27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre28 Steyning Festival29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre Royal June3 Portsmouth New Theatre Royal - EXTRA DATE4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton Theatre12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATEJuly3 Basingstoke The Haymarket - EXTRA DATE8 Birmingham Glee Club - EXTRA DATE10 Bedford Quarry Theatre - EXTRA DATE16 Maidenhead Norden Farm - EXTRA DATEDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 403. Samantha Niblett 19.05.2026 47min

Samantha was only elected in 2024 but she's already making waves, especially with her 'Yes, Sex Please, We're British' campaign. It's certainly ruffled feathers and we talk about what she wants to achieve with it, what the reaction has been and whether the Prime Minister supports it. Plus, of course, a bit of Labour leadership stuff... THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 402. Lewis Goodall 13.05.2026 1h 33min

WOAH. Recorded the night Labour MPs began calling on Keir Starmer to resign, this is an adrenaline-fuelled up-to-the-minute analysis of what has gone wrong and what happens next. PLUS great stuff about Lewis's life growing up, his book, his mum and the dynamic between him, Emily Maitlis and Jon Sopel. It's a corker.  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 401. Steve Baker 04.05.2026 1h 3min

Strap on in for an adrenaline-fuelled hour with former Conservative minister Steve Baker. This is packed full of honest reflections on the faith, life, mental health... and so much more.  Steve is a deep thinker and has continued to analyse politics since he left Parliament. This is cracking.  CHECK OUT Steve's project, 'Fighting for a Free Future' here: https://www.fightingforafreefuture.com/  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 11 May: Lewis Goodall 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 400. Andrew Marr - Replay 27.04.2026 1h 22min

This is a classic from the back catalogue.  You are about to be thoroughly entertained by one of the best raconteurs in the history of the show. Andrew Marr is one of the most gifted broadcasters that Britain has ever produced and he shares hilarious stories from his wonderful career.  This is a show packed with powerful moments, including the mistakes Andrew thinks the media made in their coverage of Iraq, and his experiences of interviewing leading politicians like Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn. Andrew Marr isn't just a gifted journalist, he's fantastic company. Enjoy!  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 11 May: Lewis Goodall 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 399. Shabana Mahmood - LIVE 22.04.2026 1h 36min

Shabana Mahmood doesn't hold back in this impassioned, thoughtful and hilarious interview. This is the Home Secretary as you've never heard her before. Nothing is off limits in this wide-ranging interview which includes reflections on her upbringing, her solution for dealing with immigration and a revelation about her hobby that you'd never see coming. Warning: includes protestors. And a very direct response from the Home Secretary.  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 11 May: Lewis Goodall 1 June: Andy Burnham https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 398. Ben Judah 13.04.2026 1h 1min

This is a top level briefing from one of the best minds in foreign policy. Ben was Special Adviser to David Lammy when he was Foreign Secretary. He's been in the room for some of the most important meetings of the last few years, including face-to-face meetings with JD Vance.  In this gripping episode he answers some of the biggest questions about global instability.  What should the UK do to mitigate the shift in American policy? How terrifying is the future? What do these changes mean for politics in the UK? How can the British state be changed to work better? How radical do we need to be when it comes to racial and religious integration at home? Big questions with big answers from one of the most compelling voices in modern politics.  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodallhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 397. Claire Coutinho 06.04.2026 49min

Claire is the Shadow Secretary of State for Energy, Climate Change and Net Zero, having been Secretary of State in the last Conservative government... and she's changed her position on Net Zero. In this candid and entertaining interview, she tells us why she's changed her mind and her frustrations with the system. Claire also talks about having to confront her own mortality after the traumatic birth of her son and what it's done for her outlook on life. Plus, freedom of speech, class, race and everything else going on in politics at the moment. It's a classic.   THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodallhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 396. Lisa Nandy LIVE 31.03.2026 1h 36min

How does Labour defeat Reform and the Greens? What would count as success in the local, Holyrood and Cardiff elections for Labour? PLUS, The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport talks CultureMedia and... Peroni, AI and Britney Spears.   It's a classic.    THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodallhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 395. Chris Curtis 23.03.2026 52min

Chris is 32 and was elected in 2024. Despite that, he's already made a name for himself as the co-chair of the Labour Growth Group. But who are they and what would they do differently? A former pollster, what's his take on Labour's position and can it be saved? More importantly, what is the most nutritious item on the Wetherspoons menu?  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodallhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 394. Karl Turner 16.03.2026 1h 2min

Strap in for an energetic hour of raw analysis from Labour's Karl Turner. He's been going viral lately and you're about to discover why. Karl is forthright but fair in assessing Labour's issues and what the PLP actually want from the leadership. His perspective my surprise you. He's also had his fair share of health issues in the last few years and is open and honest about it all.  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmoodhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 393. Zack Polanski - LIVE 11.03.2026 1h 45min

Zack Polanski has catapulted The Green Party into the national conversation like no-one else before him. So how have The Greens captured so much attention? What do they actually stand for? Can his policies survive until the election? And more importantly, what was his favourite meat? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodallhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show 392. Christopher Snowdon 02.03.2026 58min

What is lifestyle economics and why does it matter? The IEA's Christopher Snowdon is a fun-loving political thinker and explains his opposition to puritanism, why we should have more freedom and what that would mean for our policies on smoking, alcohol, gambling and the very existence of the NHS. Also... what are ultra-processed foods and are they necessarily bad? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmoodhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list  SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.