Matt Forde's Political Party

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.

A classic from 2022... was it really four years ago?In his pomp as RMT's General Secretary, Mick Lynch was on sparkling form.   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.

Oh boy, are you in for a treat. Political colossus David Miliband is in the UK and is on blistering form.  This is impassioned, urgent and absolutely electrifying. An absolute classic.  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 'The Matt Forde Focus Group':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.

To get first access to FREE audience tickets to series two of The Matt Forde Focus Group sign-up to my mailing list at www.mattforde.com/focus-group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baroness Cass didn't expect to end up in the House of Lords.She began her career as a paediatrician, a career path that culminated in her publishing the Cass Review into Gender Identity Services. This is a thoughtful and empathetic analysis of the experiences of vulnerable young people. Hilary takes us inside the report and her findings.She also makes a compelling case for banning social media for under 16s... and tells us what it's like being a newbie in the Upper Chamber. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

Lola is absolutely full of beans. Or is it Pease Pudding?Elected in the 2024 landslide, she has already made a name for herself and is climbing the ladder as PPS to Lisa Nandy.But it's her campaigning around online safety where she's really made an impact. Should the government ban social media for children? Should smart phones be banned in schools?Let's head up to Darlington, lick a Lemon Top and find out. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

The Special VIP Guest is... The Prime Minister. This is a classic episode with plenty of light and shade.There's the personal, the political, the domestic, the international and, of course, some football. It's a mix of massive laughs and proper politics. What's Trump like behind the scenese?What could the government do better?Would he wear aviators indoors?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

George became a national political sensation in 2025 when he became the leader of Warwickshire County Council at the age of 18.The Reform councillor is now 19 and shares his experience of leadership.This is a fascinating insight into Reform as a party, to the realignment on the right and about the impact of defections like Robert Jenrick's. But it's also about the values that underpin George's thinking and about how you get things done in politics.Who is really in charge? And who should be?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

Do MPs dread going back to work like the rest of us do?Rising Labour star James Frith talks us through what it's like going back to the office as a politician.He's now PPS to David Lammy, but what exactly does that involve?And where does he buy and sell his old clothes?All this and more in this entertaining start to 2026. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

2026 may be the year that Anas Sarwar finally leads Labour back into power at Holyrood. In this revealing and hilarious interview from 2021, he outlines what Labour needs to do to win.Since then Labour have won a landslide at Westminster... can he replicate that?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

This is class. Ryan is the Director of Policy and Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. What are the problems we'll face in the future?What are the answers?And what's Tony Blair like as a boss?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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-showsRyan Wain This is class. Ryan is the Director of Policy and Politics at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. What are the problems we'll face in the future?What are the answers?And what's Tony Blair like as a boss?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

Keynes. Woolf. Hitchens. The New Statesman has an illustrious history and editor Tom McTague is the latest custodian of that grand tradition.But how does a centre-left magazine pitch itself in the ferocious world of social media and hot takes?What's its relationship with the Labour Party?How does it handle disagreements on the Left?And, more importantly, what does Labour need to do to win next time?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://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.

It's the biscuit man!Gordon is a viral sensation thanks to his novel way of explaining the national debt using Custard Creams and Bourbons. This is an entertaining analysis of how to use social media and the wider political pressures that Labour face. As a member of the Labour Growth Group, Gordon tells us what the group actually does and how we get deliver growth in the economy. Plus... Gordon's Christmas Day breakfast will blow, and possibly influence, your mind.THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

This. Is. Phenomenal. Nick Clegg has been one of the most powerful people in the UK and in Silicon Valley. He takes us inside the crazy world of Meta and the tech bros. What is Mark Zuckerberg really like? Should we fear AI? Does he still speak to David Cameron?All this and more are contained within! THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

Peray is the Labour leader of Haringay Council.They are leading the way when it comes to building council homes.But why?This is a fascinating, entertaining insight into leadership in local government, including how to manage disagreement and where to go for the best kebabs.THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

Izzy is a political historian and host of the excellent 'Leading Labour' podcast that you can listen to here:https://leadinglabour.podbean.com/It's a series analysing every Labour leader from Attlee to Corbyn.So which Labour leader from history is Keir Starmer most like? And which one can he learn from the most?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

The Matt Forde Focus Group (BBC RADIO 4) is returning!Sign up to my mailing list for exclusive access to free tickets for the Christmas Special recording of The Matt Forde Focus Group on Wednesday 17 December at 7:15pm.Tickets will be released on Wednesday 19 November.   https://www.mattforde.com/focus-group Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marie is one of Labour's rising stars of the 2024 intake and was recently awarded 'Parliamentarian of the Year' by The Spectator. It's easy to see why. She is a formidable campaigner and has had to overcome various barriers in her life in order to succeed.An immense talent, Marie could easily have ended up in law or broadcasting, but politics was too strong a pull.Although there is one particular TV show she'd love to be on...THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

This is PHENOMENAL.Jack was First Minister of Scotland 2001-2007. It was a tumultuous global time and he found himself at the centre of it at the Gleneagles summit.His stories about George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin are incredible.But there's loads more in this. Jack became the leader of a local authority at just 29. He'd joined the SNP at 16, but became a Labour member at 19. It would change the course of his life and he would have a huge impact on the future of Scotland and the UK.THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.

Well this is about way more than politics...Bethany is one of the stars of the Politico Playbook morning email. It's the must-read morning briefing which mixes top-level political analysis with plenty of juicy gossip.We talk about gossip, why it's important and how to get it... but we also talk about health and the importance of patients really pushing for themselves.Bethany has had a number of health issues, including chronic pain in her teenage years. Told that she was making it up, she's had to be relentless to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.Prepare to be inspired!SUBSCRIBE to Politico London Playbook: https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/london-playbook/THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanskihttps://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.