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Rebels with opposite causes. Former Tory defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert don’t see eye to eye — and that’s exactly why it works. Each week they take on the biggest stories in British politics with wit, insight, and the occasional exasperated sigh. With guests from across the spectrum, Political Frenemies is the antidote to establishment podcasts: unfiltered, unpredictable, and proudly independent.
Chris Newton is a PhD military historian and defence analyst. Mathew Hulbert is a former journalist, councillor, and charity chair. Both appear on TV and radio.
Chris Newton is a PhD military historian and defence analyst. Mathew Hulbert is a former journalist, councillor, and charity chair. Both appear on TV and radio.
55 Episodes
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As Westminster slips into Easter recess, Political Frenemies brings the heat: Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton lock horns over a week of intrigue, scandal, and shifting power. From the bizarre fallout of Morgan McSweeney’s phone theft—and what it could mean for the ever-lingering shadow of Peter Mandelson—to the provocative question of whether Ed Miliband is quietly pulling the strings behind the Labour government, no topic is off limits. Throw in a sharp debate on whether a looming crackdown on crypto donations could clip the wings of Reform UK, and you’ve got a fast-paced, no-punches-pulled dive into the personalities and power plays shaping British politics right now.Thumbnail Image: UK Governmenthttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ed_Miliband_hosts_Summit_on_the_Future_of_Energy_Security_(54474512137).jpg
Political Frenemies is back with sparks flying as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert reunite with Yellow Rebel’s Andy Chandler for a no-holds-barred breakdown of a bruising week in British politics. From Keir Starmer taking heat on all sides—drawing fire from both Donald Trump and Angela Rayner—to further questions over the Mandelson appointment, the trio dig into a leadership under pressure. They clash over Nick Timothy’s uproar around the Trafalgar Square Iftar, air growing frustrations within the Lib Dem ranks over Ed Davey’s direction, and grapple with the moral and political fault lines exposed by Scotland’s assisted dying vote. Sharp, irreverent, and unafraid to disagree, this episode delivers political debate at its most combustible.Thumbnail Images Trump: White House Starmer: Number 10
For the landmark 50th episode, Political Frenemies goes bigger than ever as Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert reports live from the Lib Dem Spring Conference in York while regular sparring partner and former Tory adviser Chris Newton holds the fort. They’re joined by a heavyweight panel: Tory commentator Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, Lib Dem YouTuber Andy Chandler, and former Labour adviser Matt Lloyd. Together they dive into the escalating Iran War and what it could mean for Britain, unpack the explosive release of the Mandelson files, and debate Labour’s controversial moves on social cohesion, cutting back jury trials, and introducing Digital ID. Expect sharp disagreements, surprising alliances, and plenty of laughs—plus the long-awaited return of the Political Frenemies quiz. It’s chaotic, combative, and completely unmissable!Thumbnail ImagesKeir Starmer: Number 10USS Thomas Hudner: US Department of War
On this episode of Political Frenemies former Tory defence policy adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined once again by Conservative commentator and councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman for a lively and occasionally combustible discussion on Britain’s response to the unfolding Iran War. The trio dive into how Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government have handled the crisis, weighing claims of caution against accusations of drift and indecision. They also dissect the political reactions across Westminster, from the positioning of Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey to the criticisms coming from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Expect sharp disagreements, insider perspectives, and plenty of political sparring as the frenemies debate whether Britain’s response has been strategic restraint—or a missed moment on the world stage.Thumbnail Images:Israeli F-16s: IDF Spokesperson Unithttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Operation-Roaring-Lion-0018.jpgKeir Starmer: Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_gives_a_statement_in_the_Middle-East_(55121027594).jpg
In this electric episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by Green activist Daniel Laycock to unpack the shockwaves from the Greens’ dramatic by-election triumph in Gorton and Denton—asking whether this is a local blip or the start of something much bigger. The panel digs into what the result means for Zack Polanski and the wider Green strategy, while also weighing the knock-on effects for Nigel Farage, Keir Starmer, Kemi Badenoch, and Ed Davey as the political weather shifts. To round things off, they turn to Westminster gridlock, sparring over the growing controversy surrounding the House of Lords’ delay of the Assisted Dying Bill—and what it says about power, principle, and paralysis in British politics.
On this week’s Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by James Nation, former Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit under Rishi Sunak, for a candid, behind-the-scenes tour of life at the heart of government. Nation lifts the lid on how policy is really made in Downing Street — and what it’s like navigating crises from inside No.10. The trio then dive into the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, another bruising week for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party — from Labour Together allegations to a local election u-turn and blistering criticism of the Chagos deal from Donald Trump — and ask whether the pressure is finally starting to bite. Plus, what do Reform UK’s first four “Shadow Cabinet” appointments tell us about Nigel Farage’s endgame? Sharp, punchy and unfiltered — politics as you’ve never heard it before.Thumbnail Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10
In this explosive episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and political commentator Oliver Dean dive headfirst into Keir Starmer’s most dramatic week yet — from shock senior government resignations and mounting calls for him to quit, to a last-minute Cabinet rally that pulled him back from the brink. The trio unpack what it all means for Labour’s authority and the wider political landscape, before turning to Starmer’s fiery spat with Jim Ratcliffe — co-owner of Manchester United — over immigration, a clash that blends politics, business, and culture-war flashpoints. The episode wraps up with a sharp look at the Liberal Democrats’ latest pitch on economic growth — and whether it’s bold enough to cut through in an increasingly volatile political climate.Thumbnail Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_visits_China_on_30_January_2026_-_16.jpg
Political Frenemies dives headfirst into Westminster meltdown mode as former Tory adviser Chris Newton, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, and academic and ex–Labour adviser Matt Lloyd unpack the explosive fallout from the Mandelson–Epstein scandal. From Mandelson’s association with Epstein to KeirStarmer’s jaw-dropping admission that he knew about it when appointing Mandelson as ambassador, the trio tear into a week of high political drama that culminated in one of the most bruising PMQs in recent memory. Sharp, partisan, and occasionally brutal, the episode closes with the question now hanging over British politics: are we finally watching the beginning of the end for Starmer?Thumbnail Image: Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_hosts_a_business_roundtable_(54354501680).jpg
Political Frenemies returns with Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton joined by Tom Willerton-Gartside, Head of Press at Looking for Growth, for a fast-paced scrap over the week’s biggest political stories. The trio dig into Keir Starmer’s contentious China visit, Suella Braverman’s dramatic defection to Reform UK, the opening skirmishes of the Gorton and Denton by-election, and Labour’s proposed police reforms—serving up sharp analysis, partisan tension, and just enough common ground to keep things interesting.Thumbnail Image: Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_visits_China_(55066780794).jpg
Old rivalries, new rows, and plenty of political mischief: Political Frenemies is back with former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, joined once again by Yellow Rebel host Andy Chandler, to tear into another week of chaotic politics. From Keir Starmer’s increasingly spiky clashes with Donald Trump over Greenland, Chagos, and Afghanistan, to the fallout from Andrew Gwynne’s resignation and the tantalising question of whether Andy Burnham would fancy a by-election comeback, nothing is off limits. Throw in postponed local elections and fresh right-wing turbulence as Robert Jenrick stirs controversy from his new home in Reform UK, and you’ve got an episode packed with sharp takes, ideological sparring, and the kind of uncomfortable agreements only true frenemies can deliver.
Political Frenemies is back with sparks flying as Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton welcome once again Tory councillor and campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman for a fast-paced dive into Westminster chaos and local fallout. The trio react to Robert Jenrick’s jaw-dropping defection to Reform UK, spar over Labour’s abrupt U-turn on digital ID, and unpack reports of delayed local council elections that could reshape the political map. Add in the Liberal Democrats’ latest announcement on A&E, and you’ve got a sharp, combative, and often funny clash of perspectives that cuts through the spin and gets to the political fault lines of the week.
Political Frenemies kicks off 2026 with a bang as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert welcome their first guest of the year, Tory councillor Zak Wagman, for a no-holds-barred take on a week of political shockwaves. From Britain’s jittery response to Donald Trump’s intervention in Venezuela and his threats over Greenland, to Keir Starmer’s decision to commit UK troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, the trio spar over what it all means for Britain’s role in the world. Add in government threats to ban X and Reform UK’s choice of Laila Cunningham as their London mayoral candidate, and you’ve got sharp analysis, partisan fire, and the kind of cross-party clash that makes Political Frenemies essential listening.Thumbnail Image: The White House
It’s baubles at dawn on Political Frenemies as Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton host the Christmas Snowflake Party special —a gloriously chaotic festive roundup joined by fan favourites Tory councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, Lib Dem YouTuber Andy Chandler, and Green activist Daniel Laycock. The gang kick off by unwrapping the week’s political news, including the latest resident doctors’ strike, before settling in for a sharp, funny, and occasionally spiky review of the political year across Labour, Reform UK, the Conservatives, Lib Dems, the Greens, and the devolved nations. With partisan cheer, cross-party banter, and a Christmas quiz to test loyalties and memories alike, this is Political Frenemies at its most indulgent, irreverent, and end-of-year reflective.Thumbnail Background Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Downing+Street+christmas&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=image
In this week’s episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are reunited with their occasional Green firebrand Daniel Laycock for a lively end-of-year round-up. The trio catch up with Daniel on the latest twists inside the Greens before diving into Westminster’s big stories: the Commons vote on a UK–EU customs union, a fresh batch of political peers, and Reform UK becoming the country’s largest party by membership. Mathew caps things off with his take on the season’s headline magazine interviews—making for a sharp, witty, and wonderfully irreverent conversation across the political spectrum.Thumbnail Image: Lauren Hurley / Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_attends_G20_Summit_in_South_Africa_(54938550946).jpg
This week on Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and Yellow Rebel host Andy Chandler unpack Mathew’s latest campaigning adventures — including his chance encounter with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The trio also explore whether Labour’s proposals to slash jury trials and postpone mayoral elections hint at a drift toward illiberalism, before turning to Nigel Farage’s alleged comments about a possible pact with the Tories, and Daisy Cooper’s appearance on BBC Question Time.
In this week’s episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by political commentator – and freshly elected Reform UK councillor – Russell Quirk. The trio dig into the Russell’s election as councillor, trade sharp insights on the fallout from this week’s Budget, and unpack what it all means for Rachel Reeves and the Labour government. Expect banter, bold takes, and a spirited clash of perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.Thumbnail Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chancellor_Rachel_Reeves_prepares_to_deliver_the_Budget_(54947859269).jpg
Political Frenemies is back with Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton—this time joined once again by Conservative councillor and campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman—for a lively, cross-party clash of ideas. In this episode, the trio dive into Shabana Mahmood’s headline-grabbing immigration and asylum reforms, unpack the explosive findings of the new Covid-19 inquiry report, debate fresh worries about the UK’s military preparedness, and react to the sentencing of Nathan Gill. Expect sharp disagreements, unexpected alliances, and plenty of wit as Britain’s political divides get the friendliest possible airing.CHECK OUT Matthew Goodwin-Freeman's YouTube channel.www.youtube.com/@MGoodwinFreeman.CHECK OUT Chris' appearance on Matthew Goodwin-Freeman's show.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeu_npREXVEBUY Matthew Goodwin-Freeman's book: 'A Blueprint'.https://www.matthewgoodwinfreeman.uk/bookTwitter/X: @PolFrenemiesThumbnail Image: Andy Taylor/Home Officehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Home_Secretary_Shabana_Mahmood_addresses_Home_Office_(54795840793).jpg
Political Frenemies returns with sparks flying as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert team up once again—this time joined by political scientist and historian Dr George Aylett—to dissect one of the most chaotic weeks in British politics. From the rumours of a Labour coup plot to two senior BBC resignations amid a brewing row with Donald Trump, the trio pull no punches. Add in yet another junior doctors’ strike and the Lib Dems’ VAT announcement, and you’ve got a fast-paced, sharp-tongued episode where frenemies clash, debate, and occasionally agree their way through the madness.Thumbnail Image: Department for Science, Innovation, and Technologyhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Secretary_of_State_for_Science,_Innovation_and_Technology_attends_the_UK_International_Investment_Summit_at_Guildhall_(54069588623).jpg
In this episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and researcher-campaigner Tom Willerton-Gartside dive into a whirlwind week in politics — from David Lammy’s embattled response to the prisoner release fiasco to Rachel Reeves’ and Nigel Farage’s speeches on the economy. The trio tackle the charged atmosphere and protests at Villa Park during the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match, ask whether the British left can take inspiration from Zohran Mamdani’s grassroots success, and round things off with thoughtful reflections on Remembrance Sunday. Spirited, sharp, and surprisingly good-natured — it’s politics without the echo chamber.Thumbnail Image: Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Officehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2025_07_22_Foreign_Secretary_David_Lammy_at_NCA,_London,_with_DG_Rob_Jones_(54670654192).jpgTwitter/X: @PolFrenemies
In this anniversary episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert mark one year of spirited debate, unexpected agreement, and plenty of laughs. The pair dive into a packed political week — from the stripping of former Prince Andrew’s titles and Rachel Reeves’ rent row to the Greens’ surprise surge and the Lib Dems’ latest trans quota controversy. Plus, a quick apology for the sound quality — a few technical gremlins joined the party — but the conversation is as sharp (and friendly) as ever!Thumbnail Image: Kirsty O'Connor/HM Treasuryhttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UK-FR_Business_Rountable_2025-07-09-14-08.jpg
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