Where Politics Meets History

Iain and guest co-host Thangam Debbonaire discuss her defeat to the Green Party in the general election - and the need to accept that defeat gracefully - along with the job Wes Streeting has ahead of him in tackling the problems within the NHS, the toxic culture of politics and the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, plus Thangam's new tattoo and what she's learnt about football during Euro 2024.

Shelagh Fogarty joins Iain for the first PJ-era episode of 'For the Many'. They discuss all the fall-out from Labour's first week in power, whether Joe Biden should drop out of the US Presidential race, the NATO Summit in Washington... and whether it's coming home this week.The next episode will feature former Labour MP Thangam Debonnaire as Iain's guest co-host.

Over the weekend, For the Many's own Jacqui Smith was granted a peerage and appointed as Universities Minister in Sir Keir Starmer's government. Hours after beginning her new role at the Department for Education, Jacqui popped by to see Iain and record her farewell epsidoe of the podcast.

Iain and Jacqui delve into the election results - Labour get a landslide, the Tory Party's decimated, but what does it all mean? Why did it turn out this way? What happens next? Our duo provides the best analysis, as ever.

In the last episode before polling day, Iain and Jacqui discuss the 'part-time PM' attack on Starmer, The Sun giving their support to Labour, wheeling out Boris Johnson, how polling day works, how the candidates will be feeling and much more too... including a few awards!

Iain and Jacqui discuss the Guardian reporting Jacqui might be the next NHS boss, warnings about a Labour supermajority, Iain stirring up trouble about Peter Mandelson, the French elections, Biden's debate performance and much else besides!

Iain and Jacqui discuss the final leaders' debate, further betting developments and whether the Tories are being further damaged, Trump set to face Biden on CNN, Starmer in hot water for 'singling out' Bangladeshi asylum seekers, Ed Davey wanting to ban smoking but legalise cannabis, video doorbells, non-doms/condoms, David Tennant and much much more!

Iain and Jacqui discuss the latest in betting scandals, Iain's hour with Neil Kinnock, Farage's comments about the Ukraine war, Julian Assange leaving the UK, banning conversion therapy, the England team's performance and loads more besides.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Starmer's position on Jeremy Corbyn, the youth hustings on Iain's LBC show, campaign donations, betting, poster wars, Walter Mittys, the Titanic and much more besides!

Iain and Jacqui host For the Many Live! in Cambridge with fantastic historian and author Mary Beard.

Iain and Jacqui discuss a controversial poster, Sunak's performance with Nick Ferrari, John Caudwell, the meaning of 'working people', Ian McKellen's fall, the SNP manifesto and more.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Reform UK's 'contract' launch, the licence fee, net zero, Jacqui losing her phone, Rosie Duffield and Lord Cashman, and the police ramming a cow - and more!

Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's manifesto, Sunak vs Starmer on Sky, politicians pretending to be poor, Andrea Jenkyns stepping out of line, Jacqui's trousers and loads more besides.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the Conservative manifesto, more drama in Tunbridge Wells, Farage attacked again, Jacqui's experiences on the #LabourDoorstep, Hunter Biden and energy drinks!

Iain and Jacqui discuss the release of the Liberal Democrat manifesto, Rishi Sunak’s return from two days away from the campaign trail, the problem of prison places, Labour’s new childcare policy and the resignation of Douglas Ross as Conservative leader in Scotland.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Iain's complicated couple of weeks, Rishi Sunak's D-Day blunder, TV debates, Conservatives giving child benefit to richer people, whether Labour will recognise a Palestinian state, who's winning so far on policy and loads more.

Jacqui and Grant discuss Nigel Farage being 'milkshaked', the TV debates, a defence triple lock, Trump convicted, a migration cap and what the polls are saying - plus loads more.

Jacqui and Grant discuss the Labour Party and Diane Abbott, taxes, votes at 16, the differences and similarities between the main parties, the influence of the smaller parties and much more!

Iain and Jacqui talk Starmer the 'socialist', Ed Davey falling into a lake, Diane Abbott's relationship with the Labour Party and much more. Plus, Iain makes a big announcement...

In this election update, Iain and Jacqui discuss the first few days of the campaign, national service, Rishi Sunak taking a day off, Starmer's speech re-introducing himself, the PM on TikTok, MPs announcing they're stepping down, Nigel Farage's comments and plenty more.

Iain and Jacqui host For the Many Live! at the Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature with Conservative Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer.This was recorded on Saturday the 18th of May, before Rishi Sunak called the general election.

Iain and Jacqui discuss all things general election. What happens now? What will be the deciding themes, the biggest policies, the key moments to look out for? Why did Sunak call it now? Will there be TV debates and do they matter? Everything you need to know and more! Smut quota: Largely sensible, I promise.From next week, For The Many will bring you an election update on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays - and you'll get your full weekly episode as normal!

Jacqui and Grant (Iain still on holiday) explain how party conferences work, who benefits from them and what the point of them is.Plus questions on nationalising public services, ignoring Welsh issues and car crashes.

Jacqui and Grant reunite as Iain holidays in Aberdeen with Fiona Bruce. They discuss Keir Starmer's 'first steps', Rishi Sunak's warning of a dangerous world, suspension from the Commons at arrest rather than charge, the fallout from Natalie Elphicke's defection, Baroness Hazarika getting a cheeky message from Gordon Brown and loads more besides. Smut quota: Middling in the main!

Iain and Jacqui explain their involvement in, and the importance of, student politics - as well as a few of the current controversies.Plus questions on memories of the death of John Smith, campaign financing, initiation ceremonies and much more!

Iain and Jacqui discuss the fallout of the Mayoral elections, John Swinney becoming SNP leader, the Garrick Club opening up, Natalie Elphicke's defection, Monty Panesar's long week, Labour's small boats policy and Eurovision controversy - plus loads more! Smut quota: Fair to Middling.

Iain and Jacqui explains what happens when the government and the media hear about a terror attack.Plus questions on whether the Tories should fear Reform UK, why council elections are split up and the secret to long-lasting relationships.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the local election results (so far!), what they might mean for a general election, whether Susan Hall is in with a chance, Jacqui getting teary over Redditch and loads more - dive in! Smut quota: Low-to-Middling

Iain and Jacqui explain the wide range of local elections coming up on Thursday.Also, questions on self-sabotage, whether the east of England is being ignored and whether party political broadcasts work.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Humza Yousaf’s problems, the Rwanda Bill becoming an Act, defence spending, rail renationalization, the US Ukraine vote, the departure of Huw Edwards from the BBC, the death of Frank Field and calls for the Met Commissioner’s resignation. Smut quota: Low... with the odd exception.

Iain and Jacqui explain the benefits and challenges of having friends from a different political party!Also, questions on how to find out your MP's views, why there are so many ministers, proscribing the IRGC, whether five year parliaments are too long and loads else.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Iain's interview with Liz Truss, the Iranian attack on Israel, Angela Rayner, freedom of movement, the smoking ban policy, Mark Menzies and loads more! Smut quota: Graham needn't worry too much.

Iain and Jacqui explain the process of calling an election - and what happens next!Also, questions on new parliamentary candidates, banning smartphones for children, Owen Jones leaving the Labour Party and more.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour going after tax dodgers, William Wragg, Cameron paying Trump a visit, protesters outside Starmer's house, whether Angela Rayner's in danger, Harold Wilson's affair and loads more. Smut quota: Middling.

Iain and Jacqui discuss aid workers killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza, calls for arms sales to cease, a new MRP poll looking bad for the Tories, Iain's new job, a change to the format, 25 years of the minimum wage, ID cards, a naughty Cross Question moment, the Michael Jackson musical and lots more besides. Smut quota: Largely decent.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith rejoice in the afterglow of their Dublin show as they discuss the week’s news, including the possibility of Johnny Mercer being jailed, the failures of Michael Gove as Housing Secretary, the pensions triple lock. The England football shirt and the NHS British Social Attitudes Survey. Smut quota: Zero

Iain and Jacqui enjoyed a lovely weekend in Ireland’s capital, which culminated in a near sellout ‘For the Many Live! At the Laughter Lounge comedy club. The resignation of Leo Varadkar as Taoiseach provided the ideal background to the show and they were delighted that the Minister for Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe, and mentioned as a possible successor to Varadkar, joined them as their special guest. Iain tested Jacqui on her knowledge about Ireland, its history and politics and they talked woth Paschal about the latest trends in Irish politics, the EU and his interest in UK politics. All in all, a fabulous evening in front of a brilliantly engaged audience. Jacqui and Iain are already planning another event in Dublin in 2026! Smut quota: Zero.Get your tickets for future For the Many Live shows in Fowey, Cambridge and Brighton at www.forthemany.live

Iain and Jacqui discuss plots against the PM, Rachel Reeves's pitch to businesses and whether everybody loves Thatcher, Putin's electoral 'victory', Ed Balls vs Quentin Letts, Vaughan Gething becoming the new Welsh first minister, whether all-male clubs are wrong - and loads more besides. Smut quota: Reasonable.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the racism row around Tory donor Frank Hester, redefining extremism, MPs getting a pay rise, the Princess of Wales's photoshopping, Theresa May stepping away, the Red Lion reopening and loads more besides. Smut quota: Wild in parts.

Iain and Jacqui discuss when the next election will be (could it be May?!), the Budget, Jacqui's travels, Carolyn and Caroline, Super Tuesday, Michelle Donelan's libel case, Mandelson fat-shaming Starmer, Celebrity Big Brother, the end of TalkTV and Sunak reorganising the dishwasher. Smut quota: Middling.

Caroline Flint sits in whilst Jacqui continues her sojourn. Iain and Caroline discuss Islamophobia in the Conservative Party, whether Speaker Hoyle is in trouble, the Rochdale by-election, Angela Rayner's housing, Bruce Springsteen, Lee Anderson, prisons, election presenters and much more besides. Smut quota: Outrageous from the start. Those of a sensitive disposition should skip to 9 minutes in.

Carolyn Quinn sits in whilst Jacqui wanders around India. Iain and Carolyn discuss the bedeviled Mr Speaker, Prince William speaking out on Gaza, the formidable Yulia Navalnaya, photo shoots, Cuba, Tom Baldwin's book on Starmer and loads else. Smut quota: Mucha diversión.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's tricky week, the recession, Trump sounding off about NATO, Piers Morgan moving to YouTube, the sad death of Steve Wright, Republicans vs Lord Cameron, protests outside MPs' homes, Valentine's Day and chocolate appendages. And our pair get interviewed by Radio Ulster live on the podcast! Smut quota: Ample.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's u-turn on green investment, Sunak getting into hot water at PMQs, Liz Truss and the PopCons, the dental crisis, Jacqui's row with a broadcaster, another political podcast on the scene, Biden's gaffes and loads more besides. Smut quota: Off the scale!SPOILER WARNING: The movie Saltburn is discussed in graphic detail.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Labour's position on banker bonuses, Iceland's Richard Walker abandoning the Tories, the Northern Ireland deal, Biden's foreign policy, safety of MPs after Mike Freer steps back, Paul Waugh, the UNRWA and sweary politicians. Smut quota: F****** s**********.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Sir Simon Clarke sniping at the PM, what happens in Westminster if Trump returns, Jacqui's spat with Carol Vorderman, measles on the rise, conscription and Sarah Champion's campaign to free the lemurs. Smut quota: Like a sunny afternoon at Chester Zoo.

Iain and Jacqui discuss Rishi Sunak's victory over Rwanda (but will it be short-lived?), the resignation of 30p Lee, Trump winning in Iowa, Iain's eyes, Davos, taxes vs borrowing, Rishi Sunak's style, banning Hizb ut-Tahrir and lots more. Smut quota: California Dreamin'.

Iain and Jacqui discuss the Post Office scandal and the exoneration of the victims, Jacqui's glucose levels, upcoming elections, dog whistle politics, the very young French PM, Joey Barton's comments online, Iain getting certain signals on a train and loads more. Smut quota: Middling.

Even more brilliant bits from For The Many in 2023. Lots of fun, lots of politics, lots of innuendo. All the stuff you need to start your year with a bang... so to speak!

Iain and Jacqui run through their picks for the famed For The Many Awards for 2023. Sit down, get the popcorn out and strap in!