The Political Party show

The Political Party

Summary: Stand-up comedian, TalkSPORT host and former political advisor Matt Forde presents THE POLITICAL PARTY, a monthly celebration of politics and its big personalities recorded live at the St James Theatre every month.

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Podcasts:

 Show 205 - Andy Street | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:00:32

If you still think that Mayors are those councillors in funny hats and gold chains then prepare to have your mind blown. The Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands - and former boss of John Lewis - tells Matt about the significant powers he has and the potential that comes with them. This is a great explanation of the difference mayors can make but also why certain powers should lie in certain hands. Oh and some good news for Coventry City fans! Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Follow Andy on Twitter here: @andy4wm Find out more about the West Midlands Combined Authority here: https://www.wmca.org.uk/ Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 204 - *BUDGET SPECIAL* with Paul Johnson from the IFS | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:15:21

This is a detailed and accessible briefing on Rishi Sunak's 2021 Budget and a brilliant wider discussion about tax, the economy and financial regulation. It's way more exciting than it sounds and it's full of fascinating facts, including about the effect of tax on gingerbread men. You might even end this episode excited about economics. Follow Paul on Twitter: @PJTheEconomist Follow The IFS on Twitter: @TheIFS Watch/read the IFS' Budget analysis here: https://ifs.org.uk/budget-2021 Download The Budget 2021 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/budget-2021-documents Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 203 - Margaret Beckett | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:17:17

One of the true greats of British politics shares stories from one of the most distinguished political careers in modern history. From being Deputy Leader under John Smith to standing against Tony Blair for the Labour leadership in 1994, to introducing the minimum wage and then becoming the first ever female Foreign Secretary, this is a phenomenal selection of recollections from the top of Labour and British politics. Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 202 - Mandy Rhodes | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:30:40

If you've found yourself confused by the twists, turns and competing narratives around the Committee on the Scottish Government Handling of Harassment Complaints then firstly, you are not alone and secondly, this is the briefing you've been after. Mandy Rhodes is the Managing Editor of the brilliant Holyrood Magazine, the fortnightly trade paper for Scottish politics. Mandy takes through the details step-by-step and explains all the different elements: the remit of the committee, the issues the committee has faced, the context of The Crown Office intervention and the dynamic between the current First Minister and her predecessor. It's also an honest account on the pressures journalists face in getting to the truth, especially in an environment where power and friendships overlap. Follow Mandy on Twitter: @holyroodmandy Subscribe to Holyrood Magazine here: https://www.dodsshop.co.uk/store/products,holyrood_16.htm Visit the Holyrood website: https://www.holyrood.com/ Subscribe to the Holyrood podcast 'Politically Speaking': https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/politically-speaking/id1515636736 Apply to vote by post here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 201 - Dave Rowntree | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:39:11

Depending on what you're into, Dave Rowntree is either one of the most famous drummers in modern rock 'n' roll history or the Councillor for the University Ward on Norfolk County Council. The Blur drummer talks about his own political journey, from young radical via headline Glastonbury slots and number 1 singles to solving leaks. There is of course some Cool Britannia chat, about how Dave felt about it at the time, the conversations within the band about new Labour and his view of it in retrospect. Dave also explains why the happiest day of his life wasn't beating Oasis to number 1, but meeting Gordon Brown in Downing Street. Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveRowntree Find out about up-and-coming band 'Blur' here: https://www.blur.co.uk/ Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 200 - Julia Gillard | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:17:52

The first and only female Prime Minister of Australia reflects on her time in office and gives her unique perspective on leadership and the role gender played in her experience. In a wide-ranging interview, Julia describes the challenge of education reform, the importance of purpose in politics and her personal approach to life as a former Prime Minister. Julia's work after elected office includes chairing The Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London and she tells Matt why the Institute was set up, what it hopes to achieve and how she'll handle the commute... Follow Julia on Twitter: @JuliaGillard Read 'Essays on Equality' here: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/giwl/assets/essays-on-equality-2020.pdf Order Julia and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's new book 'Women in Leadership': https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Women-Leadership-Real-Lives-Lessons/dp/1787634388/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=julia+gillard&qid=1613044324&sr=8-1 Order Julia's autobiography 'My Story' here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/My-Story-Julia-Gillard/dp/0857983997/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=julia+gillard&qid=1613044439&sr=8-2 Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 199 - Charlotte Leslie | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:15:13

"Some people stand in the darkness, afraid to step into the light..." Former lifeguard Charlotte Leslie was the MP for Bristol North West for 7 years and shares a series of brilliant insights about life and politics, including how the laws of the beach apply to handling the coronavirus pandemic. Charlotte went from increasing her majority in 2015 to losing the seat two years later. This is a great, personal and honest account of what it's like to be removed from office in your prime, the brutality of democracy and how you can still have a political impact outside of Parliament. Oh and a very important lesson about the best way to film inside a fetish club... Follow Charlotte on Twitter: @CharlotteLeslie Subscribe to the Conservative Middle East Council podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/cmec-podcast/id1538520478 (and for non-Apple users here: https://soundcloud.com/user-64338953) Find out more about the Conservative Middle East Council's work here: https://cmec.org.uk/ Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 198 - Monica Lennon | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:21:55

Monica Lennon shot to international political fame just a few months ago thanks to her Period Poverty Bill. Thanks to that legislation, Scotland is the first country in the world to provide free and universal access to period products. Monica tells Matt how she built a political coalition across the party and constitutional divides in Scotland and how she changed the Scottish Government's mind and got them to support her. It's an inspirational tale and shows the difference that individuals can make - even if their party isn't in power. Talking of which, Monica and Matt also discuss the Scottish Labour Leadership election in which Monica is standing and what it means for the future of Labour in Scotland and the UK. Will Scottish Labour break with tradition and conduct a leadership election in a civil and friendly way..? Follow Monica on Twitter: @MonicaLennon7 Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest Scottish Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

 Show 197 - John Sweeney | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 02:00:39

Welcome to one of the most gripping episodes of any podcast ever recorded. Investigative journalist John Sweeney shares his incredible experiences coming face-to-face with Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, The Church of Scientology, the far right and so many more. At times terrifying, at times absolutely hilarious, all of John's amazing stories come from his ruthless pursuit of the truth. This will blow your mind. What will also blow your mind is that it could easily have been ten hours longer. Get yourself a bottle of wine and a block of cheese, you're in for a wild ride. Follow John on Twitter: @johnsweeneyroar Buy 'The Useful Idiot' and John's other books here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/John-Sweeney/e/B00MDETXI6?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1611769207&sr=1-1 See John's 'roar' on Panorama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjlo4u_8g60 Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 196 - Hilary Benn | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:20:37

One of Labour's most gifted politicians tells Matt about growing up as the son of another huge Labour talent, Tony Benn, and about the moment where their politics started to diverge. This is a great mixture of the personal and the political: Hilary talks about his central role in holding the government to account over Brexit - and the principles that should underpin the UK's role in the world. Plus there's a bit of football chat. Like previous guest Tracey Crouch, Hilary was also on that Zoom call with Jose Mourinho. Follow Hilary on Twitter: @hilarybennmp Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 195 - Nick Robinson | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:21:41

This is a masterclass on the art of the interview from one the best political interviewers alive. Nick Robinson explains his approach, not just to interviewing, but to politics, broadcasting and people. Mixing sharp insights about populism and the role of the media with great anecdotes about how to control a 'Leaders Debate' and the tricks that both politicians and journalists use to gain an upper hand. Oh and why Wayne Rooney might be the scariest person he's ever interviewed... Follow Nick on Twitter: @bbcnickrobinson Order Nick Robinson's Election Notebook here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Election-Notebook-Britains-Personal-2015-06-11/dp/B01MU69P2F/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1610557594&sr=1-3 Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Listen to Political Thinking here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04z203l/episodes/player Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 194 - Tracey Crouch | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:14:04

Have you ever wondered what resigning from government actually involves? You're about to find out. Tracey Crouch resigned from Theresa May's government over a delay to a crucial change in gambling policy and she explains why and how she departed. It was a brief that Tracey loved and she shares her experience of being a female Conservative sports minister and how her love of Tottenham Hotspur led to a tense exchange with Arsenal fan Jeremy Corbyn. Tracey was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2020 and tells Matt about her experience of being a politician with cancer, receiving treatment during a pandemic and the challenges of taking part in Parliamentary proceedings. Oh and what happened when she was on a Zoom with Jose Mourinho... Follow Tracey on Twitter: @tracey_crouch Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 193 - Peter Mandelson | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:20:55

One of the most gifted politicians in British history reveals what life was like for him at the heart of new Labour - in good ways and bad. Blessed with a superhuman ability to be calm in any crisis, Peter Mandelson explains why he is the way he is. He also charts the changing fortunes of the Labour Party having helped transform Labour into a rampant political force at the height of new Labour. As much personal as it is political, this is a portrait of a unique talent. Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 192 - Deborah Mattinson Returns | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:03:27

Plug yourself into the mood of the nation and find out what the country is thinking as our favourite pollster shares her latest fascinating research. Every time Deborah is on the show it's a treat, but this episode is particularly brilliant. Can Labour win back the voters who deserted them in the election? How does the UK feel the government has handled the crisis? Which leaders have impressed the public and more importantly, if Boris Johnson was an animal, what animal would he be? Order 'Beyond The Red Wall' here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Beyond-Red-Wall-Labour-Conservatives/dp/1785906046/ref=smi_www_rco2_go_smi_1285150262?_encoding=UTF8&%2AVersion%2A=1&%2Aentries%2A=0&ie=UTF8 Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Deborah on Twitter: @debmattinson Read the BritainThinks Leadership Report here: https://britainthinks.com/pdfs/Leadership-2020_Report_101120.pdf Read the BritainThinks Mood of the Nation Report here: https://britainthinks.com/pdfs/Mood-of-the-Nation-2020_Report.pdf Follow Britain Thinks on Twitter: @BritainThinks Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 Show 191 - Tracy Brabin | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 01:10:40

Does being an actor prepare you for a life in politics? The answer is... not in the way you might think. Tracy shot to fame playing Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street and went on to star in EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill, Silent Witness, Casualty and loads more. She's now the Labour MP for Batley and Spen and tells Matt about how she coped campaigning there after Jo Cox's murder and the pressure of being Jo Cox's successor. Tracy is running to be the West Yorkshire Mayor and explains why, after just a few years as an MP she's prepared to leave the Commons behind. This is an invigorating conversation about what politics is really about. Order 'Politically Homeless' here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/2100000262618 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow Tracy on Twitter: @TracyBrabin Find out more about Tracy's Mayoral bid here: https://tracy4mayor.org.uk/ Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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