Matt Forde's Political Party

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.

Harriet is a rare thing: a new Conservative MP who won her seat at the last election. In Scotland. She's already been made a whip.So how come she's rising so fast and what's it like entering the Commons when your party has suffered a historic defeat?And how has living in rural communities shaped her particular brand of conservatism? THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Milibandhttps://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 a powerful lesson in campaigning, pragmatism and processing grief. Rosamund's daughter Ella died in 2013 at the age of nine. She is still the only person ever in the UK to have air pollution registered as a cause of death. Since then, Rosamund has been a relentless campaigner for improving air quality. She has helped change policy here in the UK and has a legion of international admirers that includes Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can see why. Rosamund is impassioned but also reasonable and empathetic towards those who disagree with her. She is a total inspiration. DONATE to the Ella Roberta Foundation here:https://www.ellaroberta.org/about-ella THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg16 February: David Milibandhttps://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.

Amy has led an extraordinary life and she's still only in her 30s.While the SNP MP for East Dunbartonshire she suffered a brain hemorrhage. As she recovered, she had to battle the arcane rules of the House of Commons in order to speak and vote on behalf of her constituents. Having narrowly beaten Jo Swinson in 2019, Amy then lost the seat in 2024. So what's life like outside of politics? And what does the future hold for her?This is a great chat about life and how fragile it is. And what that means for politics. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg16 February: David Milibandhttps://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.

Bridget is one of the biggest stars of the Labour government. As well as being Education Secretary, she is standing to be Labour's Deputy Leader.It's the first major test of members' opinion since Labour came into office. She's led a fascinating life. Growing up in poverty, but making it to Oxford via Byker Grove. So what drives her, what changes is she making to our schools and who does she prefer... Oasis or Blur?  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE8 December: Nick Clegg16 February: David Milibandhttps://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.

Star of GB News (and many other places), Tom outlines his libertarianism as well as giving an engaging analysis about the problems facing the Tories, Reform and the government. Tom is one of the most prominent broadcasters on the right and he's only 29. So why did he get involved so young and what's the secret of his success? This is a fascinating analysis of the problems we face as a country from a libertarian/right perspective.  THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE6 October: Bridget Philipson8 December: Nick Clegg16 February: David Milibandhttps://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.

Tom Tugendhat Returns. Again!Friend of the show Tom Tugendhat returns to give us the perspective from the Tory backbenches.Why are so many Tories defecting to Reform?How worried is he about the Tommy Robinson march?Is he still addicted to Haribo?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE6 October: Bridget Philipsonhttps://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.

Lindsay Hoyle - REPLAYThe charismatic Speaker of the House was on cracking form back in 2022.He shows how you can make the Commons function more effectively without sacrificing its unique atmosphere. One episode with Lindsay really isn't enough, you'll be left wanting so many more stories from him. His tale about taking Nancy Pelosi to Coronation Street is one of the best you'll ever hear. Grab a crumpet and wash it down with a pint of Newton and Ridleys, we're going to Lancashire...THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE - Bridget PhilipsonSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UKJanuary28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal and Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton TheatreDONATE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark PougatchOne of our most gifted sports broadcasters is also a massive politics nerd. Mark's usually seen anchoring ITV's coverage of England games. But should we keep politics out of sport? Is that even possible? In this hugely entertaining and insightful interview Mark indulges his twin passions: politics and sport and explains what they can learn from each other. This is great fun. SUBSCRIBE to Mark's brilliant podcast 'How It All Played Out'THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE - 6 October: Bridget PhilipsonSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UKJanuary28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal/Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton Theatre Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kirsty Wark - LIVENewsnight star. Late Show legend. Celebrity Masterchef contestant...Kirsty Wark is a gifted broadcaster and is at her charismatic and hilarious best in front of a live Edinburgh audience. She shares stories from her phenomenal career and gives her take on the state of British and Scottish politics, as well as her experience with Gregg Wallace. This is a corker. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE6 October: Bridget PhilipsonSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:January28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal and Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton TheatreDONATE to the RNOH Charity here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sadiq Khan - LIVEThe Mayor of London is on top form in this special episode recorded at the Edinburgh Festival. What's his analysis of Labour's first year in power?Will Sadiq and Trump meet during the State Visit?If so, where in London will Sadiq take him..?SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-showsJanuary28 Birmingham Glee Club29 Dorking Halls30 Northampton Royal and Derngate TheatreFebruary5 Lancaster Grand Theatre6 Brighton Corn Exchange12 Tunbridge Wells Theatre14 London Bloomsbury Theatre18 Faversham The Alex19 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre20 Milton Keynes The Stables26 Canterbury The Gulbenkian27 Bridport Electric PalaceMarch1 Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre3 Buxton Opera House4 Shrewsbury Theatre Severn5 Isle of Wight Shanklin Theatre6 Paignton Palace Theatre19 Leicester Y Theatre20 Durham Gala Theatre25 Sunderland Fire Station26 Alnwick Playhouse27 Barnard Castle The WithamApril9 Winchester Theatre Royal15 Worcester Huntingdon Hall16 Swansea Taliesin Arts Centre17 Monmouth Savoy Theatre18 London Bloomsbury Theatre22 Cheltenham Town Hall23 Bath Komedia24 Swindon Arts Centre26 Salford Lowry28 Leeds City Varieties29 Lincoln New Theatre Royal30 Chorley TheatreMay1 Chester Playhouse7 Norwich Playhouse8 Oxford Northwall Arts Centre13 Plymouth Quad Theatre14 Launceston Town Hall15 Exeter Northcott20 Stamford Corn Exchange21 Chelmsford Theatre22 Bury St Edmunds The Apex27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre29 Maidenhead Norden Farm31 Nottingham Theatre RoyalJune4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre5 Cambridge Junction6 Sheffield Steamworks9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre10 Chipping Norton TheatreDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Cherry - LIVEThis is a corker. Joanna Cherry doesn't hold back on what it was like to be inside the SNP, but outside the Sturgeon clique. Following the publication of the former First Minister's memoir, Joanna gives a comprehensive analysis of the failings of the last few years. This is absolutely compelling from the very first second.Oh, and it also includes some quality music chat. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-showsDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Murray - LIVEThis is an absolute hoot.For years Ian Murray was the only Labour MP in Scotland. Now he's in the Cabinet as Secretary of State. He takes us inside Labour's first year and tells some cracking stories along the way including meeting Donald Trump off his plane when he recently visited Turnberry.It's a classic. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:13 August: Joanna Cherry17 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Cleverly - REPLAYJames Cleverly is back on the Conservative Party Frontbench.Back in 2018 he'd just been made Deputy Chairman of the Tory Party.He's on top form in this riotous hour.  He would go on to be, among other things, Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, before standing for the leadership in 2024. Hear where it all began...COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Miliband - REPLAYEd Miliband is one of the most powerful politicians in the country.But in 2018 he was in a very different place.Three years after his emotional resignation as leader, he was rebuilding his political career in the middle of the Corbyn era. This is a fascinating interview from The Political Party back catalogue. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oliver CoppardOliver has been the Labour Mayor for South Yorkshire since 2022. It's an area at the centre of many of our biggest political discussions. Health is his big priority, but does he have the powers he needs to create real change and how would he measure it?This is an entertaining, engaging hour with a young politician whose Jewish heritage has meant he's not always had the easiest relationship with his own party. He's led a fascinating life... but what are the experiences that were formative in his politics?COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!14 July: Michael Govehttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkhttps://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-political-party-with-matt-fordeDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattfordeSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamitywww.mattforde.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Gove - LIVEOne of the most transformational and impactful Cabinet ministers of recent years is on top form as he reminisces about his biggest moments. What was going through his mind at that press conference the morning after the Brexit referendum?How did Boris react when he changed his mind about backing him?How did he end up throwing shapes in an Aberdeen nightclub?Michael also gives his take on Reform and Nigel Farage. How worried should we be about him becoming Prime Minister?This is an outrageous and incisive interview with a phenomenal political brain. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY AT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE:7 August: Ian Murray13 August: Joanna Cherry15 August: Sadiq Khan21 August: Kirsty Warkwww.mattforde.comSEE Matt's new stand-up show 'Defying Calamity' at the Edinburgh Festival:https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-defying-calamityDONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/mattforde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.