The Political Party

Another titan of British politics, another guest who’s sadly passed away since they were on the show. Paddy Ashdown was a dominant figure in 80s and 90s politics. In this 2016 interview he was on top form, regaling us all with great memories, searing insight and his massive laugh.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

OK, this wasn’t that long ago but I couldn’t pick my favourites and not include this. There’s no-one in politics like Angela Rayner, she’s got the charisma of a rock ‘n’ roll star. A different part of this interview went viral every week for about 6 months. It’s a riot from start to finish. Enjoy!  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

This was recorded in 2019 long before Suella became Home Secretary. She’s more informal here than you might expect and shows a side to her personality you don’t see in public.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

Recorded a year after Nick Clegg left office, this is a fascinating evening with someone who served as Deputy Prime Minister for 5 years. The coalition government may seem like distant history now, but Nick Clegg was a political phenomenon. His performance in the 2010 Election TV Debates helped propel his party into government. This is packed with fascinating and hilarious reflections of a unique time in British politics, long before Mark Zuckerberg signed him up.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

Just 4 years ago Keir Starmer was Shadow Brexit Secretary. That’s when this episode was recorded. On that night it was clear he was a man going places, he was a total contrast to the leadership not just of his party but his opponents’. Since this interview he has transformed the fortunes of the Labour Party in a profound way. Hear where it all began.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

Tony Blair’s first appearance on the podcast was electric. Recorded in 2015, I couldn’t tell the audience who the guest was. No-one there on the night could have imagined that Tony Blair was going to emerge, but he did and what a special interview he gave. Sharp, hilarious, totally on top of his game.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

The first episode of this special replay season could only start with one person: Tessa Jowell. The most magical guest in the history of the show demonstrated why she was such a unique politician. This is my favourite interview and it’s all because of Tessa. It was recorded back in 2014. Not a week goes by when I don’t wish Tessa was still here.  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com

What's it like to work in Number 10 before an election you're likely to lose? Michael Dugher will tell you. He'll also tell you what it's like to get typecast in politics and what it's like to end up working with your musical heroes.  Among the many roles he's had, he worked for Gordon Brown in the run-up to 2010, became a Labour MP, served in the Shadow Cabinet and is now CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council. He shares hilarious stories from his amazing career in this entertaining interview. (He's also a Forest fan but that's not the reason he's on, it is purely on merit).   Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com 

One third of the formidable News Agents, Lewis Goodall is a unique talent. At just 34 he's already one of the most established and exciting broadcasters in the country. Born and raised in Birmingham, he has fascinating insights into class and the effects of it in the media and politics. He's hilarious, engaging and brilliant company. He loves politics so much. This is the best way to start Labour Conference week.  Just a little warning, I do mention at the start of the episode why there's not been a show for a while and why the live editions aren't happening at the moment. I've got a tumour on my spine which I'm having removed, so I won't be working for a bit. I'm going to record some extra episodes of the show to cover the time before I return and maybe replay some of my favourite interviews from the back catalogue. I'll come back and I'll be fine, the shows will return at The Duchess Theatre and my tour will happen next year. Cheers!  Buy Lewis's brilliant book 'Left for Dead? The Strange Death and Rebirth of Labour Britain':https://www.waterstones.com/book/left-for-dead/lewis-goodall/9780008226725 Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com