{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/5e0d964c401c0c991bd78983/5e0d96bd3272aea67a894f35?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Free Exchange: Tim Bale on the life and times of political parties","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/5e0d964c401c0c991bd78983/fa99780ff00712370d18a0b46e1a3d35.jpg?height=200","description":"In confusing times, Tim Bale is a rare voice of clarity.&nbsp;Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London, Tim is a regular presence on radio and tv, providing insightful commentary on the latest political crises. The author of many incisive books, including&nbsp;The Conservative Party: from Thatcher to Cameron,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Five Year Mission:&nbsp;Labour under Ed Miliband,&nbsp;Tim spoke to our Deputy Editor, Frank Lawton, about elections,&nbsp;Brexit and his&nbsp;latest co-authored book,&nbsp;Footsoldiers: Political Party Membership in the C21st. Frank began by asking why we need political parties in the first place.  For information regarding your data privacy, visit <a href=\"https://www.acast.com/privacy\">acast.com/privacy</a>","author_name":"CapX"}