Matt Forde's Political Party

Avalon

Comedian, Broadcaster (and former political adviser) Matt Forde presents Matt Forde's Political Party, the show where renowned politicians and experts open up and give their most honest, revealing and often hilarious answers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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519 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes519

Newest first

Yesterday · 1 hr 7 min
Huw Edwards sabotaged my show: Broadcasting legend Simon McCoy on what really happened at the BBC
Simon McCoy is the man who made BBC News funny. He is also an absolute news obsessive. In this fascinating and entertaining interview, he tells us what it was like moving from the BBC to GB News, what frustrated him about covering the Brexit referendum, and the intervention that Huw Edwards made about Simon's afternoon slot on News 24. Packed full of behind-the-scenes insight, this is an absolute cracker with one of our most gifted broadcasters. GET TICKETS for Matt's brand new stand-up show Project Holy Moly at the Edinburgh Festival and touring nationwide in 2027: www.mattforde.com MARCH 19 FAVERSHAM The Alex 20 DORKING Halls APRIL 7 STOURBRIDGE Town Hall 8 GLOUCESTER Guildhall 9 LEICESTER Y Theatre 12 SALFORD Lowry 16 NORTHAMPTON Royal & Derngate 21 EXETER Northcott Theatre 24 LONDON Bloomsbury Theatre 28 ALNWICK Playhouse 29 BARNARD CASTLE Witham 30 HULL Asylum MAY 6 BIRMINGHAM The Glee Club 12 COVENTRY Warwick Arts Centre 13 WORCESTER Huntingdon Hall 14 CHORLEY Theatre 18 STAMFORD Corn Exchange 19 SHEFFIELD Steamworks 20 SHREWSBURY Theatre Severn 21 NOTTINGHAM Theatre Royal 23 LEEDS City Varieties Music Hall 26 NORWICH Playhouse 27 NORWICH Playhouse JUNE 2 SCUNTHORPE Plowright 4 CANTERBURY Gulbenkian Theatre 5 READING Concert Hall 8 CARDIFF The Glee Club 9 BATH Komedia 10 MONMOUTH Savoy Theatre 11 CHIPPING NORTON The Theatre 15 BURY ST EDMUNDS Theatre Royal 16 MILTON KEYNES The Stables 18 TUNBRIDGE WELLS Trinity Theatre 30 LIVERPOOL Everyman Playhouse JULY 1 CARLISLE Old Fire Station 2 GLASGOW The Glee Club 4 EDINBURGH Lyceum Theatre See the Political Party Live on Stage: 9 August: Anas Sarwar (Edinburgh) 15 August: Stephen Flynn (Edinburgh) 18 August: TBC (Edinburgh) 20 August: Malcolm Offord (Edinburgh) 9 November: Liz Kendall (London) 21 December: Wes Streeting (London) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 27 · 1 hr 8 min
Top Blairite: Why I'm Not Blairite Anymore
John McTernan is one of the most fascinating voices on the British left. He worked at the centre of 10 Downing Street as Tony Blair's Political Secretary. But now he's in a slightly different space. His perspective has shifted and he sees new Labour as the end of a different era. Now he believes Labour has to be more left wing. So what's changed? And how many more agree with him? SEE Matt's brand-new stand-up show 'Project Holy Moly' at the Edinburgh Festival 5-30 August: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/matt-forde-project-holy-moly Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 20 · 56 min
Dan Neidle
Dan is a tax expert. A proper tax expert. You may have seen him on Channel 4 recently getting immensely frustrated with Gary Stevenson about a wealth tax. Dan doesn't agree with a wealth tax and in this fascinating interview he explains why. He also tells us what really happened during the filming of that infamous interview and what bits were left out... 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.
July 13 · 1 hr 5 min
Andrew Neil
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.
July 6 · 1 hr 2 min
Suzanne Moore
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.
June 30 · 1 hr 17 min
Andy Burnham - Replay
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.
June 22 · 1 hr 12 min
Johann Lamont
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 DATE July 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.
June 15 · 54 min
Beeban Kidron
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/9780753562468 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 June 15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATE July 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.
June 9 · 49 min
Jeremy Hunt
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 June 9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre 10 Chipping Norton Theatre 12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE 14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE 15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATE July 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.
June 3 · 1 hr 23 min
Show 405. Lucy Powell - LIVE
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 June 3 Portsmouth New Theatre Royal - EXTRA DATE 4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre 5 Cambridge Junction 6 Sheffield Steamworks 9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre 10 Chipping Norton Theatre 12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE 14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE 15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATE July 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.
May 26 · 54 min
Show 404. Kieran Andrews
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 Festival 27 Lowestoft Marina Theatre 28 Steyning Festival 29 Maidenhead Norden Farm 31 Nottingham Theatre Royal June 3 Portsmouth New Theatre Royal - EXTRA DATE 4 Coventry Warwick Arts Centre 5 Cambridge Junction 6 Sheffield Steamworks 9 Liverpool Everyman Theatre 10 Chipping Norton Theatre 12 Norwich Playhouse - EXTRA DATE 14 York The Crescent - EXTRA DATE 15 Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE 16 Glasgow Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 18 Aberdeen Lemon Tree - EXTRA DATE 26 Bristol 1532 - EXTRA DATE July 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.
May 19 · 47 min
Samantha Niblett
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.
May 13 · 1 hr 33 min
Show 402. Lewis Goodall
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.
May 4 · 1 hr 3 min
Show 401. Steve Baker
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.
April 27 · 1 hr 22 min
Show 400. Andrew Marr - Replay
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.
April 22 · 1 hr 36 min
Show 399. Shabana Mahmood - LIVE
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.
April 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Show 398. Ben Judah
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 Goodall https://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.
April 6 · 49 min
Show 397. Claire Coutinho
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 Goodall https://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.
March 31 · 1 hr 36 min
Show 396. Lisa Nandy LIVE
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 Culture Media and... Peroni, AI and Britney Spears. It's a classic. THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodall https://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.
March 23 · 52 min
Show 395. Chris Curtis
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 LIVE 30 March: Lisa Nandy 20 April: Shabana Mahmood 11 May: Lewis Goodall https://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.