Matt Forde's Political Party

One of the biggest stars of the Thatcher and Major years takes us back in time to a political arena with very different values. This is an enthralling experience mixing the personal and the political. Prepare to live history through someone who was so prominent and who documented the time in such detail. Follow Edwina on Twitter here: @Edwina_Currie Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Buy Edwina's diaries here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Diaries-1987-1992-Edwina-Currie/dp/0316860247/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30MYEBONW7C0Y&dchild=1&keywords=edwina+currie&qid=1589820922&sprefix=edwina+curr%2Caps%2C360&sr=8-1 For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prepare for a top-level briefing on geopolitics from the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Tom Tugendhat explains what the real threat from Huawei's involvement in our 5G network is, how the UK should seek to influence China (and other powerful nations) and shares his experience of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a corker. Follow Tom on Twitter here: @TomTugendhat Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow the work of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee here: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/78/foreign-affairs-committee Subscribe to the China Research Group here: https://chinaresearchgroup.substack.com/ For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vernon Coaker is a Labour Party legend. He was the MP for the marginal seat of Gedling from 1997-2019 and held it when safer seats nearby fell. So how did he defy political gravity for so long? This is a brilliant insight into a particular brand of Labour politics, told by one of its most charismatic standard bearers. Follow Vernon on Twitter here: @Vernon_Coaker Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Watch Vernon debating against Nigel Farage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ku4voAVMoqk For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rosie Duffield won Canterbury in 2017 and became its first ever Labour MP. She repeated the feat and increased her majority in 2019. So how did she manage to get a seat that had never voted Labour to vote Labour twice and increase a majority at a time when Labour's vote was collapsing? In this hugely optimistic interview, Rosie shares her insights into those two amazing results as well as her work on the Domestic Abuse Bill and her role as Chair of the Women's PLP. You'll end the show feeling better about the future. Follow Rosie on Twitter here: @RosieDuffield1 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The former Health Secretary turned Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee shares his insights from both sides of the fence. He tells Matt why accountability is best done in the open and how he uses his position to make constructive suggestions - like the importance of getting contact tracing delivered as soon as possible. He also shares some fascinating insights on dealing with the Iranian regime when trying to get Nanazin Zaghari-Ratcliffe released. Oh and what it's like to have your name mispronounced so publicly... Follow Jeremy on Twitter here: @Jeremy_Hunt Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Follow the work of the Health and Social Care Select Committee here: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/health-committee/ Follow the Committee on Twitter here: @CommonsHealth For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most influential political scientists of the modern era shares his work on 'superforecasting' - the art and science of prediction. Philip explains what makes some people able to better predict the future, how you can you change your thinking to improve your predictions, why we don't always answer the question we're being asked and what questions we should be asking. Fascinating from start to finish, this will change the way you try and solve problems. Follow Philip on Twitter here: @PTetlock Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Try becoming a Superforecaster, enter the Good Judgement Open here: https://www.gjopen.com/ Buy 'Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Predicton' here: https://www.amazon.com/Superforecasting-Prediction-Philip-E-Tetlock/dp/0804136696/ For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again, a major crisis has added implications for the people of Ireland. Against the backdrop not just of Brexit, but a resurrected Assembly in the north and coalition negotiations after an election in the Republic, how differently is the crisis being handled in different parts of the island? What are the implications of the changing political situations either side of the border and what are the political implications of the crisis? Claire Hanna is the recently elected SDLP MP for Belfast South and has served as an MLA and councillor. She gives her unique insight into all these issues and more, in this hugely informative and ultimately hopeful interview. Follow Claire on Twitter here: @ClaireHanna Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde For the latest UK Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest NI Executive advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-overview-and-advice For the latest Irish Government advice on coronavirus go to: https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c36c85-covid-19-coronavirus/ *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another damaging episode in the Labour Party's relationship with the Jewish community, Matt is joined by Mike Katz, Chair of the Jewish Labour Movement. He gives his reaction to the leaked Labour Party report which circulated on social media earlier this week and charts the changing relationship between Labour and the Jewish community. Does the election of Keir Starmer offer some hope that Labour is serious about rooting out anti-Jewish racism? Follow Mike on Twitter: @mikekatz Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brace yourself for a top-level briefing from one of The Scottish Government's most senior public health experts. This is a brilliant explanation of how and why different governments react differently to the crisis, what role demographics play in the spread of the virus and what messages work best with the public. It's a comprehensive public health briefing delivered in a characteristically human way. Follow Jason and say nice things to him on Twitter here: @jasonleitch Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a stunning result in the Labour Deputy Leadership campaign, Rosena returns to share her experiences of going back to the front line of the NHS as an A&E doctor. Recorded just before Boris Johnson came out of intensive care, Rosena explains what being in ICU involves if you're a patient. Having been elevated to the Shadow Cabinet as Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Rosena also reflects on the mental health impact of the crisis but also gives us some messages of hope. Follow Rosena on Twitter: @DrRosena Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cancel your plans for the next hour, you've got a date with The Mooch. Donald Trump's fast-talking and deep thinking former Director of Communications delivers a comprehensive assessment of the President's profound mishandling of the crisis. Mixing personal insight of Trump's character and an analysis of the political risks to the President, Anthony Scaramucci proves himself to be one of the best guests in the history of the show. Oh, and listen out for investment advice! Follow The Mooch on Twitter: @Scaramucci Follow Skybridge Capital on Twitter: @SkyBridge Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Scotland's finest political columnists analyses the political implications Alex Salmond's trial and verdict. What are the ramifications for Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, the SNP and the cause of Scottish independence? One of Salmond's allies, Kenny Macaskill has promised a "reckoning" but who for and when? Euan takes us inside the rival camps of the SNP and a gathering storm delayed by the coronavirus outbreak. Follow Euan on Twitter: @euanmccolm Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A friend of mine who works in Whitehall has told me that the army are going to be on the streets this week arresting people who don't listen to this podcast. If that sounds familiar, you'll be aware that this crisis has already been fertile ground for disinformation. Marianna Spring is a BBC specialist reporter covering disinformation and social media. In this fascinating interview, Marianna reveals how disinformation and misinformation gets so widely shared, why we share it, how to spot it, what the trends are, how it differs around the world and so much more. This is a brilliant insight not just into the sharing of innaccurate information, but into human behaviour. Follow Marianna on Twitter: @mariannaspring Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pour yourself a glass of your favourite drink, unwrap a bar of your favourite chocolate and enjoy the fascinating insights of Ben Page, Chief Executive of IpsosMORI and all-round polling guru. He takes us inside the mind of the nation and tells us what the country thinks about the government handling of the crisis, public attitudes to stockpiling, what it is that we most fear and even how many Britons think that coronavirus is 'fake news'. You might be in for a shock... Follow Ben on Twitter: @benatipsosmori Follow IpsosMORI on Twitter: @IpsosMORI Read IpsosMORI's 'Trust: The Truth': https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/ipsos-thinks-trust-truth Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Labour Leadership election quietly comes to an end, one time leadership hopeful Emily Thornberry reflects on the contest and her role in it. As candid as ever, Emily reveals the challenges some leadership candidates face in being able to obtain data and in her case, incredibly, a ballot paper. Emily also tells Matt what she thinks the party must do next, regardless of who is leader. You can follow Emily on Twitter here: @EmilyThornberry You can follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde FOR THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON CORONAVIRUS PLEASE GO TO: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW REARRANGED DATES INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 29 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the country deals with coronavirus, we are facing an economic crisis as well as a public health one. So how do we mitigate the worst effects of that and avoid a damaging recession? Torsten Bell is the Chief Executive of the influential Resolution Foundation and they've produced some radical plans to keep the economy afloat. Torsten knows a thing or two about handling a major crisis, he was a member of the Council of Economic Advisers at the Treasury during the 2008 Financial Crash. You can read the report 'Doing What it Takes' here: https://www.resolutionfoundation.org/publications/doing-what-it-takes/ For the latest government advice on coronavirus, click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response You can follow Torsten on Twitter here: @TorstenBell You can follow The Resolution Foundation on Twitter here: @resfoundation You can follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde *** IMPORTANT TOUR UPDATE *** NEW DATES FOR MARCH/APRIL GIGS INCLUDE: 21 June - Cambridge Junction 2 October - Corby Cube 4 October - Brighton Komedia 9 October - Chorley Little Theatre 18 October - Leeds Hyde Park Book Club 25 October - Newcastle Stand 3 November - Camberley Theatre 13 November - Alnwick Playhouse 15 November - York Crescent 19 November - Cardiff Sherman Theatre 19 November - Glasgow Stand 3 December - Southend Dixon Studio 6 December - Sheffield Leadmill Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of the podcast recorded since social distancing measures were recommended by the government, Matt meets Paul Harrison, former Press Secretary at 10 Downing Street under Theresa May and former special adviser to at the Department of Health under Jeremy Hunt. Paul gives his assessment of the government's Comms strategy on coronavirus, the things it should and shouldn't be doing, handling the Lobby during a period like this, the wisdom of daily press conferences and crucially, the capability of the state to handle a crisis. For the latest government advice on coronavirus, click here: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response Follow Chris Whitty on Twitter here: @CMO_England Follow Sir Patrick Vallance on Twitter here: @uksciencechief Follow Jason Leitch on Twitter here: @jasonleitch Follow Lexington Communications on Twitter here: @Lexcommuk Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated - and now slightly rearranged - 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kim McGuinness If you've been desperate to hear from a leading non-Westminster politician (and even if you haven't), you're in for a massive treat. Kim McGuinness is the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and the first Police and Crime Commissioner to feature on the show. She tells Matt all about the job of the Commissioner, the huge impact they can have, the limits on them and the political aspects of such a unique role. It's also a timely reminder that some of our brightest and best politicians aren't in Westminster... Follow Kim on Twitter here: @KiMcGuinness and @NorthumbriaPCC Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live 'BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR' TOUR DATES: 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 23 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand 9 June - Brighton Komedia *** EXTRA DATE *** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this instant classic, the BBC's Political Editor takes us inside the life of the modern political reporter. This is packed with insight and wisdom about the role of the media in holding politicians to account, the decisions about what to prioritise, the power of pictures and so much more. Enjoy! Follow Rebecca on Twitter here: @bbclaurak Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde You can watch Laura's Brexit Storm documentaries here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0003wxb/the-brexit-storm-laura-kuenssbergs-inside-story And here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000cf6v/the-brexit-storm-continues-laura-kuenssbergs-inside-story Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live 'BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR' TOUR DATES: 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 23 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand 9 June - Brighton Komedia *** EXTRA DATE *** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Long-Bailey outlines her plans for the Labour leadership and gives an insight into her own brand of socialism, the lessons learned from the election defeat and how Labour wins next time. Rebecca also tells us what it's like to live with Angela Rayner and who's a better flatmate. The pair also discuss the biggest issue facing the country: the best dish to order from a Chinese takeaway. Follow Rebecca on Twitter here: @RLong_Bailey Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live 'BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR' TOUR DATES: 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 23 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand 9 June - Brighton Komedia *** EXTRA DATE *** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rory Palmer was, until very recently, the Labour MEP for the East Midlands. He became one of the defining images of the last day of the UK's EU membership as the scarves he had to make the occasion were worn in the chamber. Rory gives a brilliant insight into the UK's departure from the EU from the inside - giving us the political and personal reality of the job and how the final days felt. He also gives his assessment on Labour's last few years and the leadership's attitude to Europe. Oh and we get the full lowdown on the scarves - how they were designed and how many exist... Follow Rory on Twitter here: @Rory_Palmer Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR TOUR DATES: 20 February - Crewe: Lyceum Theatre 21 February - Leicester: Sue Townsend Theatre 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregg Hurwitz is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series as well as writing for DC and Marvel on comics like Batman: The Dark Knight and Wolverine. He also offers a fascinating psychological angle on politics, and helps Democrat candidates across America to understand how to reach out not just to Trump voters but to the different wings of their own movement. This is a Political Party episode like no other, a timely reminder of the importance of understanding individuals, an examination the psychological elements of politics and voting as well as answering the biggest question in global politics: is Batman a Democrat or a Republican? Follow Gregg on Twitter here: @GreggHurwitz Buy 'Into the Fire' here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Into-Fire-Orphan-X-Thriller/dp/0718185501/ref=sr_1_1?crid=CMPB0BN8IV2Z&keywords=gregg+hurwitz&qid=1581603597&sprefix=greg%2Caps%2C253&sr=8-1 Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR TOUR DATES: 20 February - Crewe: Lyceum Theatre 21 February - Leicester: Sue Townsend Theatre 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deborah Mattinson returns to discuss her fascinating research on the election and the story underneath the result. This is a pure dose of political reality, so sit in your favourite chair, pour yourself a glass of your favourite drink and emerge an hour later as an expert on what just happened. Follow Deborah on Twitter here: @debmattinson Read Deborah's election research here: https://britainthinks.com/news/post-election-reflections-a-study-by-britainthinks Follow Britain Thinks on Twitter here: @BritainThinks Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's fully-updated 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' tour: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR TOUR DATES: 20 February - Crewe: Lyceum Theatre 21 February - Leicester: Sue Townsend Theatre 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisa Nandy has shaken up the Labour leadership contest and explains the roots of her politics, why she thinks Labour lost, how Labour can win again and more importantly, why she prefers lager to real ale. Follow Lisa on Twitter here: @lisanandy Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which continues at the Soho Theatre before going nationwide here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR TOUR DATES: 20 February - Crewe: Lyceum Theatre 21 February - Leicester: Sue Townsend Theatre 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 23 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Colville co-authored the Conservative Manifesto 'Get Brexit Done: Unleash Britain's Potential'. He takes us inside the development of editing it, the two phases of the process and the stages the document had to go through as well as the political direction of the manifesto and campaign. He also reveals the role that chicken katsu curry played in winning the election for the Conservatives. Follow Robert on Twitter here: @rcolville Follow The Centre for Policy Studies here: @CPSThinkTank Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which continues at the Soho Theatre before going nationwide here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR TOUR DATES: *** NEW DATES ADDED *** 20 - 25 January- London - Soho Theatre 20 February - Crewe: Lyceum Theatre 21 February - Leicester: Sue Townsend Theatre 5 March - Darlington: Hullabaloo 6 March - Hexham: Queen's Hall 7 March - Bedford: Quarry 10 March - London: Southbank 14 March - Maidenhead: Norden Farm 18 March - Leeds: Hyde Park Book Club 19 March - York: The Crescent 20 March - Alnwick: Playhouse 22 March - Southend: Dixon Studio 23 March - Cambridge: Junction 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton: Komedia 2 April - Cardiff: Sherman Theatre 7 April - Newcastle: Stand 8 April - Glasgow: Stand 9 April - Aberdeen: Lemon Tree 10 April - Chorley: Little Theatre 12 April - Camberley: Theatre 17 April - Corby: Cube 12 April - Shrewsbury: Theatre Severn 28 April - Exeter: Phoenix 30 April - Bristol: Tobacco Factory 1 May - Gloucester: Guildhall 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone: Hazlitt Arts 13 May - Nottingham: Spiegeltent 20 May - Sheffield: Leadmill 21 May - Stafford: MET 22 May - London Southbank 28 May - Eastleigh: The Berry 30 May - Edinburgh: Stand 31 May - Edinburgh: Stand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Powell is co-ordinating the review into Labour's general election defeat for LabourTogether - a group which seeks to unite the different factions within the Labour Party. Lucy discusses the parameters and nature of the review, as well as her personal experience of the election. She also reflects on the things that Labour MPs who didn't support Jeremy Corbyn got wrong... Contribute to the LabourTogether review: https://www.labourtogether.uk/ Follow Lucy on Twitter here: @LucyMPowell Follow LabourTogether here: @LabourTogether Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry *** NEW DATES ADDED *** 20 - 25 January- London - Soho Theatre 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt ends the year with a raucous Christmas show featuring the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and possible Deputy Leadership candidate (at the time of recording) Rosena Allin-Khan. Expect plenty of chat about the future of the Labour Party as well as more important subjects like Nando's, aftershave and tactical contact with moped gangs. Follow Sadiq on Twitter: @SadiqKhan Follow Rosena on Twitter: @DrRosena Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry *** NEW DATES ADDED *** 20 - 25 January- London - Soho Theatre 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Polling Day and Matt shares some of brilliant campaign stories from listeners - highlights involve Mr Blobby, Ian Botham and an enormous joint of Roast Beef. Enjoy! Email the show: [email protected] up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-listGet tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates:14 January - Salford Lowry20 February - Crewe21 February - Leicester5 March - Darlington6 March - Hexham7 March - Bedford10 March - London Southbank18 March - Leeds19 March - York20 March - Alnwick22 March - Southend23 March - Cambridge27 March - London Southbank29 March - Brighton7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen10 April - Chorley12 April - Camberley17 April - Corby28 April - Exeter30 April - Bristol1 May - Gloucester2 May - London Bloomsbury7 May - Maidstone13 May - Nottingham20 May - Sheffield21 May - Stafford22 May - London Southbank30 May - Edinburgh31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craig Oliver is uniquely placed to answer some of the biggest questions posed by this election campaign. He was Director of Communications at Number 10 the last time the Conservatives won a majority and before that he was editor of the BBC News at Ten and BBC News at Six. Is the BBC biased? Does it matter if the Tory campaign has crossed the line of decency? What's the best way to deal with stories that are completely untrue? Follow Craig on Twitter here: @CraigOliver100 Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Buy Craig's book 'Unleashing Demons' here: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Unleashing-Demons-Inside-Story-Brexit/dp/1473652480/ Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paddy Ashdown's former Press Secretary gives Matt a frank analysis of the Lib Dem campaign so far and gives her assessment of the political realities facing the party and the country. If you're in despair about modern politics, you are not alone. WARNING: Also contains Pussy Galore... Follow Miranda on Twitter here: @greenmiranda Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the start of the final week of the campaign, Tony Blair shares his insights not just on this election but on the three he won. Would he do TV debates now? Is Boris Johnson right to hide from Andrew Neil? What does this election mean for Brexit? Plus the big question: what did he really say to Noel Gallagher when he saw him recently? Follow Tony on Twitter here: @InstituteGC Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The co-leader of the Green Party joins Matt for a brilliant chat about the opportunities and risks for the Greens at this election as well as a great conversation about how they influence the powerful and the public in general. Are they being squeezed by Jeremy Corbyn? How do they differ in their approach to Extinction Rebellion? How can you find out about what information the police have on you? Is Matt in trouble for drinking from a single use plastic bottle? There's only one way to find out... Follow Sian on Twitter: @SianBerry Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde To make a subject access request visit the ICO: https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/your-right-to-get-copies-of-your-data/ Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Len McCluskey is the General Secretary of Unite and one of the most influential figures in the Labour movement. This interview is a fascinating insight into every major issue facing the Labour Party in this election. Yes it's longer than usual but it's worth it. Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former special adviser Anita Boateng explains the different pressures facing the Conservatives in this campaign compared to Labour and the differences in perception of the parties and leaders. She also takes us behind-the-scenes of Jeremy Hunt's leadership campaign and tells us what it's really like to work on Question Time. Oh and why food is the enemy of the statesman! Follow Anita on Twitter: @anitabeebee Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leader of the SDLP talks to Matt about the changing nature of Northern Ireland's politics, the impact Brexit may have at this election, the SDLP's distinct identity in Northern Ireland the importance of pragmatism in politics. Follow Colum on Twitter: @columeastwood Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ever-cheerful Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats joins Matt to discuss the opportunities for the party across the UK and in Scotland, this relationship with Jo Swinson and making the progressive case for the Union. Plus Willie explains why he was papped dressed as Harry Potter in an alleyway. Follow Willie on Twitter: @Willie_Rennie Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live BREXIT, PURSUED BY A BEAR tour dates: 14 January - Salford Lowry 20 February - Crewe 21 February - Leicester 5 March - Darlington 6 March - Hexham 7 March - Bedford 10 March - London Southbank 18 March - Leeds 19 March - York 20 March - Alnwick 22 March - Southend 23 March - Cambridge 27 March - London Southbank 29 March - Brighton 7 April - Newcastle 8 April - Glasgow 9 April - Aberdeen 10 April - Chorley 12 April - Camberley 17 April - Corby 28 April - Exeter 30 April - Bristol 1 May - Gloucester 2 May - London Bloomsbury 7 May - Maidstone 13 May - Nottingham 20 May - Sheffield 21 May - Stafford 22 May - London Southbank 30 May - Edinburgh 31 May - Edinburgh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Duncan has been one of the leading voices in the Conservative Party since his election in 1992 and was described as 'The Conservatives' Peter Mandelson'. In this raucous interview, Alan showcases his brilliant impressions of other politicians, reflects on his political career and the future direction of the country and shares an outrageous story about David Cameron. Follow Alan on Twitter: @AlanJCDuncan Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny stories to [email protected] Get tickets to Matt's 'Brexit Pursued by a Bear' which starts at the Salford Lowry on Tuesday 14 January here: www.mattforde.com/live Sign up to Matt's mailing list for as yet unspecified goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Disaster Special* WARNING: You are about to hear stories that will blow your mind. Find out what it's like when everything goes wrong on the campaign trail from two people who've seen disaster unfolding before their eyes. Martin Angus was Head of the Deputy Prime Minister's Tour and was in the melee when John Prescott punched a voter. Salma Shah was Special Adviser to Sajid Javid and was powerless to intervene when an event turned into a catastrophe. This doesn't do justice to what you're about to hear. Brace yourself... Follow Martin on Twitter: @martinangus Follow Salma on Twitter: @Ommasalma See Martin in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UhME8dcOqc&t=21s Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt visits Perth to meet with former rock star Pete Wishart, who's been an SNP MP since 2001. The seat is one of the most marginal in the UK and a top target for the Tories. Pete tells us what it's like to fight in a close campaign, the transition from rock star to politician, his changing use of social media and, of course, Scottish independence. Follow Pete on Twitter: @PeteWishart Follow MP4 on Twitter: @MP4rockband Watch Runrig perform 'Loch Lomond' live at Loch Lomond (and spot Pete on keys) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nZ2zaW0bPg Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde To occasionally receive an email you'll probably delete before reading about The Political Party and other such stuff that Matt's up to, sign up to his mailing list here: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stop what you're doing! You're about to become an expert on this election because everyone's favourite political genius is here to share his infinite wisdom with us. This is a thrilling dose of political insight. Follow John on Twitter: @WhatScotsThink Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde To receive occasional and tedious updates about The Political Party and other such stuff that Matt's up to, sign up to his mailing list here: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Shadow Foreign Secretary joins Matt to discuss Labour's manifesto, whether it's possible to be neutral on Brexit, whether Emily would press the nuclear button and most important of all: foot fetishes. Follow Emily on Twitter: @EmilyThornberry Download Labour's manifesto here: https://labour.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Real-Change-Labour-Manifesto-2019.pdf Follow Matt on Twitter here: @mattforde To receive sporadic and partially useful updates about The Political Party and other such stuff that Matt's up to, sign up to his mailing list here: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special double bill, Matt is joined by the former and current leader of the Scottish Conservatives. Ruth Davidson led the party for 8 years and reflects on her time in charge, their prospects for this election campaign and why her next move might involve PaddyPower. Jackson Carlaw leads the Scottish Tories into this election and Matt asks if, after a strong result in 2017, hey exceed that result and make gains... Follow Ruth on Twitter: @RuthDavidsonMSP Follow Jackson on Twitter: @Jackson_Carlaw Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Send in your funny election and campaigning stories to: [email protected] Sign up to the mailing list for advance news on Political Party guests, tour dates and assorted other bumpf: www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Murray has held Edinburgh South for Labour since 2010. In 2015 he was the only Labour MP left in Scotland. He tells Matt about the changing nature of Scottish politics, the difficulties Labour face in this election, his personal battle to remain as Labour’s candidate and why the red jackets he wears out campaigning have confused some constituents... Follow Ian on Twitter: @IanMurrayMP Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Mills has served as Head of Communications to Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell. He takes us behind-the-scenes with both men and explains the challenges that Labour face in this election as well as looking ahead to tomorrow’s Labour manifesto... Follow James on Twitter: @JamesMills1984 Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Secretary of State for Health joins Matt to discuss the NHS, going viral and staying healthy on the campaign trail. Plus: is the NHS safe from Trump? Does Brexit threaten our medicine? How did the Health Secretary's granny live to such a ripe old age? And what tips would Matt give Jeremy Corbyn in facing Boris Johnson in a TV debate? Follow Matt Hancock on Twitter: @MattHancock Follow Matt Forde on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for free treats and goodies: http://mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enfield Southgate in 1997. Morley and Outwood in 2015. Finchley and Golders Green in 2019? Luciana Berger is looking to cause a major political upset in the Conservative-held seat of Finchley and Golders Green in what could become one of the defining moments of the 2019 election. In this fascinating interview Luciana explains her decision to leave the Labour Party as well as the nature and scale of the abuse she received. She also discusses the Lib Dem policy of revoking Article 50 as well as the specific political challenge in her constituency. Follow Luciana on Twitter: @lucianaberger Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaigning stories to [email protected] Sign up to the mailing list for www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bim Afolami is a rising Conservative star and has only been an MP since 2017. As a One Nation Conservative who's passionate about climate change, is he happy with the direction and leadership of his party? Can the Conservatives bring the whole UK together in the wake of Brexit? What effect are the politics of London having on the rest of the country? Bim also reveals what his style of football does or doesn't say about his politics. Follow Bim on Twitter: @BimAfolami Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your funny campaign stories to [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for advance news on Political Party guest announcements plus other almost cool stuff: www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gloria de Piero has been the Labour MP for Ashfield since 2010 but is standing down at this election. In this electric interview Gloria talks frankly and hilariously about the political challenges she faced locally and nationally and reflects honestly about her time in politics. This is a classic from the outset, enjoy! Follow Gloria on Twitter: @GloriaDePiero Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Email your tales of canvassing and campaigning mishaps to: [email protected] Sign up to Matt's mailing list for advance news on Political Party guest announcements plus other almost cool stuff: www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Greg Cook was Labour's Head of Political Strategy and the party's polling guru. Known to Labour Party staff as 'Mystic Greg', his insights and expertise have helped shape numerous Labour election campaigns. In this fascinating interview he analyses this campaign. How is each party trying to plot a course to victory? Can either of the two major parties win an outright majority? Are the rules of politics changing? Are there any? Follow Greg on Twitter: @GregCook10 Follow Matt: @mattforde Email the show: [email protected] Sign up to the mailing list: www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Boris Johnson's former adviser and Chief Exec of iNHouse Communications, Jo Tanner, shares her assessment of the Prime Minister. Jo worked closely with Johnson on his 2008 Mayoral campaign with her colleague Katie Perrior. Johnson said of them “They are the Fortnum and Mason of Communications. They deliver, and they deliver quality. Without them, I simply would not have been made Mayor.” As well as insights into his personality, working style and character, Jo also tells us what advice she'd give to other political leaders... Follow Jo on Twitter: @StraightTie Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattforde Sign up to the mailing list for advance information about guests, tour shows and other partially cool stuff: https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list Email the show: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.