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The Two Matts

"Five Jobs Shapps"

If Grant Shapps was the answer… what on earth was the question? Also - why Iain Duncan-Smith has won Hypocrite of the Decade award… and the 2 Matts tackle the big sports story of the week: Luis Rubiales and the Spanish FA.


Get Rory Stewarts' new book, Politics On the Edge, FREE when you take out a new subscription to The New European: theneweuropean.co.uk/2matts

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  • ARGUMENT ALERT! The Matts clash over Tourette’s row

    01:04:18|
    Before the Matts start kicking lumps out of each other, they enjoy the relative calm of a brief discussion on the smokescreen around the arrest of Peter Mandelson. Then it all kicks off as they explore the ramifications of the N-word Bafta Tourette’s row. It would take about 1,000 words to explain the points of difference, so just click play and enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ 
  • The Two Matts Q&A: Nigel Farage, Jim Ratcliffe and assorted other nasties

    38:59|
    The Matts answer listeners' questions, including whether Nigel Farage really is a man of the people, if Manchester United deserve an owner as odious as Jim Ratcliffe, how to deal with friends who turn bad, whether we just wait out Donald Trump… and what is our favourite Robert Duvall role? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ 
  • Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor: The photo that says it all

    32:50|
    The Matts sweep up an extraordinary 24 hours in British history. But first, they marvel at the power of a single photographic frame - currently splashed on every newspaper front page in the country. Is this the most extraordinary back seat photo since Thatcher? Then they discuss if the media has an innate deference to the Royal Family and whether Jonathan Dimbleby in particular needs to rethink his designation as an actual journalist. It’s a special podcast extra as events unfold… enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • SPECIAL: ANDREW MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR ARRESTED!

    58:01|
    The King’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested this morning by Thames Valley Police officers investigating allegations of misconduct in public office. It is an historic moment in British history. While he remains innocent until proven guilty, the consequences of the arrest of the former Duke Of York will have a profound impact around the world. The Matts get their heads around just how enormous this breaking news is… join them as they work through the implications. ALSO: Is Reform wobbling? Can Nigel Farage's party successfully transition from high-energy anti-establishment mavericks to a more orthodox party fit to govern? The Matts explore the tensions within the party the bookmakers believe will form the next government. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • The Two Matts Q&A: Starmer coup, Sadiq for PM and too much Dracula?

    36:23|
    The Matts answer listeners' questions. This week: is Keir Starmer the new Joe Biden; why isn’t Sadiq Khan in the frame for next PM; how does Boris Johnson get off so lightly; should we keep calling Prince Andrew Prince Andrew; why are the Brits sucking up to Noel Gallagher; and do TV bosses make too many repeats of telly classics? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • Re: Starmer - a little humble pie, a lot of conviction

    49:39|
    The Matts reflect on the last week, and address their own fallibilities (and thank you, dear listeners, for pointing them out!). But the argument around Keir Starmer’s premiership remains solid. Also - is the Royal Family doing enough to bring the wrong ‘un formerly known as Prince Andrew to justice? Enjoy.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • Face it, Keir, it’s over. But you could still save the nation

    39:25|
    The Matts digest the events of the past 24 hours. Will Morgan McSweeney’s departure delay or hasten the existential crisis facing Keir Starmer? Does Starmer’s plea bargain over Peter Mandelson’s appointment wash? How could he take a bold personal decision and salvage his legacy? And of all the problematic contenders circling overhead, who could achieve mission barely-possible: to keep Nigel Farage out of Downing Street? It’s a special bonus edition of the podcast today. Enjoy.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • The Two Matts Q&A: Mandelson rage, arrest Andrew Windsor and Zack Polanski on drugs

    32:26|
    The Matts answer listeners' questions including: why has this Peter Mandelson scandal provoked such enormous fury, why is not-Prince Andrew still at large, can Zack Polanski be trusted, is the House of Lords really a threat to democracy and what is the best protest song ever? Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/
  • This is the end for Keir Starmer

    45:55|
    The Matts assess the last 24 hours and reach an inescapable conclusion: Keir Starmer will not survive the Mandelson affair. He may limp on for weeks, even months. But the damage of this specific event has ignited such a rage within and without the Labour Party that his departure as prime minister feels more than likely - it feels both inevitable and necessary. If Starmer and his government were strong and making headway in the nation, this scandal would be entirely survivable. But they’re not.Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/