Delivery. It's a popular word in politics, but how to Prime Ministers ensure it happens? Michelle is Researcher in Residence at 10 Downing Street and Lecturer in Government Studies at The Strand Group, King's College. She has written a new book 'The Art of Delivery: The Inside Story of How the Blair Government Transformed Britain’s Public Services'…

Alan Rhodes A few weeks ago Reform took control of Nottinghamshire County Council on a landslide. How did this happen and why didn't Nottinghamshire vote Labour instead? Alan Rhodes has been a Labour councillor in Nottinghamshire for nearly 40 years. He understands the shifting politics of the county and the country. This is a fantastic analysis of…

Wes Streeting - LIVE The Health Secretary is on cracking form as he defends Labour's progress so far but demonstrates a clear impatience to deliver change as quickly as possible. We discuss all the big questions: What is Labour getting right? Are the government scared of Reform? What is that cucumber for? It'll all make sense... COME AND SEE THE PO…

Local Elections Analysis with John McTernan Why were the local elections so bad for Labour and how do they reverse their fortunes? Is there a ceiling on Nigel Farage's popularity? Does Labour lack confidence? This is a dose of mega political strategy with Tony Blair's former Political Secretary. It's electric. COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE!…

The Matt Forde Focus Group is my new comedy series for Radio 4 and tickets are now available! We are recording a run though on May 7th at The Bush Hall is London. For tickets visit sroaudiences.com or click on this link The Matt Forde Focus Group See you there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Following the unanimous Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law, Julie tells us how and why we got here. This is a fascinating history not just of women's rights, but of the distinct needs of the lesbian and gay communities. If you've wondered how this issue became so big and how it's come to dominate so …

Gregor was elected as the MP for Livingston in Labour's 2024 landslide. It was a full circle moment for the man who'd been the party's organiser in the 2005 Livingston by-election following the death of Robin Cook. He went on to work for Blue State Digital, the team who masterminded Obama's 2008 and 2012 campaigns. This is a masterclass is the art …

Jason Stockwood Brace yourself, you're about to discover one of the most inspiring voices in politics. Jason is Labour's candidate to be the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire. He's a hugely successful businessman from humble beginnings. But it's the way he talks about life, society and what the country can do, that makes him special. This is audio Red …

Dr Scott Arthur Scott is one the few lucky MPs who topped the ballot for Private Members' Bills. He wants to bring in a Rare Cancers Bill. But what would the Bill do? What difference would it make to someone diagnosed with a rare cancer? COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May: Wes Streeting 9 June: Kemi Badenoch 14 July: Michael Gove Plus mo…

Anthony Scaramucci - LIVE The Mooch is back and is on barnstorming form. He's full-throttle from the start and gives his expert (and hilarious) view on how other world leaders should deal with Trump. Plus an incredible revelation about what the President was trying to watch online in the Oval Office... COME AND SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE! 12 May:…

Claire Ward Claire is the first ever Elected Mayor for the East Midlands. What does running the greatest region in the country involve? How does Claire manage any rivalry or resentment between Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire? Why is being a Mayor better than being an MP? And what does this all mean for Nottingham Forest? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE…

Eluned Morgan Eluned is the First Minister of Wales and the first female First Minister of Wales. What challenges does Wales face that other parts of the UK might not? How do leaders create economic growth? And can someone help get Eluned some Oasis tickets? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci 12 May: Wes Streeting 9…

Everyone's favourite SNP politician tells Matt what Nicola Sturgeon's departure from Holyrood means for the SNP and for Scotland. Stewart also reflects on what the party has to do differently if it wants to gain independence. This is a funny, thoughtful and reflective conversation about Nicola Sturgeon's legacy and the future of Scotland. And the f…

Alastair Campbell - LIVE This is an absolute riot. Alastair Campbell is his vulnerable, doubting, bombastic best in one of the funniest episodes of the show ever recorded. How would he contain Trump? What is Labour getting wrong? Has he put on weight? This will all make sense once you've listened. Sort of. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 31 M…

Simon was Chief Whip under Rishi Sunak and his explosive new book 'Ungovernable' documents the scandalous and tumultuous final term of the Conservative government. So what's his view of his fellow politicians and the system they inhabit? Is it impossible for any Prime Minister to truly get their way? And what's it like being mistaken for Brian Clou…

Mike Tapp Mike is one of Labour's hottest rising stars. Elected in July last year, he's already an accomplished media performer. A former soldier, he is at the vanguard of Labour's patriotic centre. But why does he wake up so early in the morning? Wine. Dogs. The military. This podcast has it all. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 March: Ala…

Mhari Aurora Mhari is a revelation in political broadcasting and in this fascinating chat with Matt she considers some of the big questions facing modern media: What can the 'mainstream media' learn from Joe Rogan? How should they cover Donald Trump? How do you deal with angry taxi drivers? It's all in here! THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10…

What a return! The Chancellor is exceptional form as she discusses Trump, tariffs, the threat of Reform and the inside story of when her hair turned ginger. This interview has it all. The realities of life in government plus invaluable advice for creating the perfect Yorkshire Pudding. Oh and a brilliant story about Gordon Brown's tribute to John P…

Dr Sharon Lockyer The live comedy industry is worth around £1bn annually to the UK economy, yet it doesn't get included in government conversations about the arts. As a result, it doesn't receive the financial support that other arts forms routinely get. To understand why, and to explain the wider impact of live comedy on society, Matt is joined by…

This very special episode is brought to you in paid partnership with Cancer Research UK. At the end of last year, myself, Richard Herring and Mark Steel sat down to have a frank, raw, funny and open conversation about something that has affected us all - cancer. We were later joined by Dr Sam Godfrey, the Science Engagement Lead at Cancer Research …

Ava Santina-Evans Ava is the star of PoliticsJOE, an online platform which covers politics in a different way to other media. It's hugely successful and in this entertaining and insightful interview, Ava explains the decisions behind that popularity. This takes in everything: from Labour and trade union issues, to the appeal of Trump, and the appea…

Gavin Esler What can Trump's opponents learn from him? How should the BBC respond to Elon Musk? What should Change UK have done differently? All these questions and more are discussed with a true broadcasting titan. This is quality from start to finish. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves 10 March: Alastair Campbell 31 …

Sam Carling Sam is one of the brightest and most prominent members of the 2024 intake... and he's only 22. How has Sam become an MP so early in his life, what politicised him and what does the future hold? Remember where you were when you first heard from Sam, he's a man going places. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! 10 February: Rachel Reeves…

Tonia Antoniazzi England are due to play Afghanistan at cricket next month. The decision to honour the fixture has caused uproar. Under the Taliban, women are banned from playing sport. Tonia is leading the campaign to get England to pull out of the fixture. If you want to help, find her on social media: @ToniaAntoniazzi Plus we discuss other vital…

Replay: Christmas Special with Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston Keep the dream alive with this classic from 2018. Jess Phillips and Sarah Wollaston are on phenomenal festive form in this Christmas cracker of an episode. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-ma…

Replay: Christmas Special with Ed Balls and Alastair Campbell. The year is 2016. Ed Balls has just done Strictly. Alastair Campbell is yet to launch his podcast. This is the barmy Christmas Special we all need. THE POLITICAL PARTY IS BACK ON STAGE! Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ …

Alex Burghart Politics. History. Food. What more do you want for Christmas? Alex Burghart is the Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and fills in for Kemi Badenoch at PMQs. More importantly, he has a deep fat fryer and he's keen to experiment. This is the indulgent Christmas special we all needed. FOLLOW Alex on X: @alexburghart THE POLITIC…

Natalie Fleet Natalie has only been an MP since July but has already established herself as one of the most impressive members of the new intake. She has had to overcome a lot to become an MP and talks passionately about how hard it is to succeed if you're working class in modern Britain. This is gripping from start to finish. FOLLOW Natalie on X: …

David Yelland This is a gripping inside account of editing The Sun when tabloids were still dominant. David tried to take the paper in a different direction. But did Rupert Murdoch approve? Plus, does Elon Musk's use of X have its roots in tabloid culture and influence? FOLLOW David on X: @davidyelland SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, includin…

Policy! Football! Pies! It's the interview with everything. After years in opposition, Alison is now an Employment Minister and is keen to get on and change things. She explains the changes she's making to Jobcentres and the difference they'll make. Plus... will Alison become the latest politician to start a podcast? FOLLOW Alison on X: @Alison_McG…

This is inspirational. David was the Conservative MP for Banff and Buchan for 7 years. Then he suffered a spinal stroke. Incredibly he wasn't allowed to defend his seat in the general election. This is the remarkable story of how he recovered, why he was blocked and how he's remained so positive. FOLLOW David on X: @david_duguid SEE Matt at on tour…

Salma Shah is back! The Tory strategist gives her entertaining assessment of Kemi Badenoch and how the Tories are doing. This is such a great chat in which I have my centre-left prejudices thoroughly checked. Talking about the Opposition has never been more fun. FOLLOW Salma on X: @Ommasalma SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra…

Seth Harris - US Election Special Well, it happened. This is a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of why and how Trump won the election with friend of the show, Seth Harris. Seth served in Obama's Cabinet and worked closely with both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. If you're looking for answers, you'll find them here. FOLLOW Seth on X: @MrSethHar…

Darren Jones - Budget Special This is a cracker. A full Budget briefing from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which includes some excellent breakfast chat. SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 2024 6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 8 November: Tunbridge Wells, T…

One of our most gifted political writers reflects on the death of Alex Salmond and the current state of Scottish politics. This is engrossing from the very first second. SUBSCRIBE to the Ponsonby and Massie podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ponsonby-and-massie-podcast/id1749779794 SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his…

Sir Graham Brady What's it like telling a Prime Minister their time is up? Sir Graham chaired the 1922 Committee throughout the tenure of five Conservative Prime Ministers. In this entertaining interview he tells us what those private moments with them were like and how each of them used their power differently. This is the thrilling inside account…

Thangam Debbonaire Thangam is one of the brightest stars of the Labour movement. As Shadow Culture Secretary she was all set to command the brief in government. But things didn't go to plan. On 4 July, Thangam lost Bristol Central to the Green Party. A classically trained cellist. Thangam has a range of life experience. She's one of the most charis…

Pam Duncan-Glancy Pam is the Shadow Education and Skills Secretary in Scotland. She's only been an MSP for four years but has already made a huge impact. Her life story is fascinating, as is her route into politics. As the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood, she has to overcome daily challenges in order to do her job. Pam is an optimist an…

Iain McNicol This. Is. Class. Iain was General Secretary of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2018. He tells us what it was like having to run the party during the most tumultuous time in its history. You'll be hanging on his every word. SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his 2 extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.c…

Siobhan Baillie What's it like to lose your seat after one term, when your political career was really starting to flourish? Siobhan was the MP for Stroud and had worked hard to do the job properly. But that experience was cut short in July. As well as opening up about the emotional impact of losing the seat, Siobhan has clear ideas about what impr…

Emma Revell What does a Thatcherite think tank do when the Tories are out of office? Emma Revell from the Centre for Policy Studies briefs us on what's next for one of Britain's most influential organisations. Plus... why being a Lib Dem first is becoming a right of passage... SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-sho…

Murdo Fraser - Scottish Conservative Leadership Special What's next for the Conservatives in the UK and in Scotland? Murdo Fraser wants to lead the party into the Holyrood election in 2026. But what's a realistic ambition for them and how do they make a case for conservative values and policies at such a challenging time? PLUS... a brilliant story …

Sarah lived in Downing Street for the entirety of the last Labour government. What is the role of a political spouse? Why doesn't the UK formalise the role? More importantly, what was Sarah and Gordon's first date like? This is the hilarious inside story of what it was like living on Britian's most famous street for 13 years. WATCH the goal that Go…

Jacob Rees-Mogg: LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival After an earthquake of an election for Jacob and the Conservatives, what does the future hold? Jacob Rees-Mogg opens up on why the Tories lost, how they can win again and whether he'll stand next time. Plus... how does he stay so trim? His diet tips may surprise you... SEE Matt on tour until March 202…

After Labour's stunning general election victory. Anas Sarwar is on the brink of becoming First Minister. But what would Labour do if they won in Scotland? And more importantly, will Anas be getting a makeover? SEE Matt at the Edinburgh Festival in August and on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 2024 31 July - 25 August: E…

James Frith JUST ANNOUNCED: Come and see The Political Party LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival with the following guests: 13 August: Anas Sarwar 18 August: Jacob Rees-Mogg 19 August: Sarah Brown Tickets: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows James won the Bury North seat for Labour in 2017. He lost it in 2019 by just 105 votes. A few weeks ago James wo…

Toby Perkins Toby won his Chesterfield seat for the fifth time at the recent general election. But how did he retain his seat throughout Labour's darkest years when colleagues around him were losing theirs? One of the most likeable MPs in the Commons was a Shadow Minister but didn't get appointed to the frontbench after the election. He talks openl…

Jovan Owusu-Nepaul Jovan is already a political star and he's only in his 20s. A former Labour staffer, he tells the inside story of what it was like standing against Nigel Farage in Clacton. This is about so much more than what happened in one seat. This is about what sort of country we want to be and how we get there. You are listening to someone…

Shama Tatler Shama was the Labour candidate in Chingford and Woodford Green and almost unseated Iain Duncan Smith just a few weeks ago. Had it not been for an independent candidate standing in the seat, Shama would almost certainly have won. Shama describes her experience in full, including the abuse she faced and the misinformation spread about he…

Anthony Mangnall Anthony was one of the stars of the Election 24 Series. A former adviser to William Hague, he'd been the Conservative MP for Totnes since 2019. On 4 July he lost his seat to the Lib Dems. In this candid and hilarious interview, he reflects on defeat and reveals what advice he gave his successor. SEE Matt at the Edinburgh Festival i…