Where Politics Meets History

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith record their longest ever podcast to compensate their dear listeners for the loss of the Wednesday podcast! This week they cover the latest developments in the decoration of Boris Johnson’s Downing Street flat, the resignation of Arlene Foster, the anniversary of Tony Blair’s election victory in 1997, next Friday’s live podcast, Tony Blair’s hair, next week’s local elections, the opportunities for micro local businesses post Covid, Noel Clarke, John Snow leaving Channel 4 News and Iain’s latest travails on the A11. Smut quota: Low. Graham will be pleased.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith have a lot to discuss after Jacqui’s caravan break last week. They get straight into the latest political developments on Greensill and James Dyson’s lobbying of the government. What’s Dominic Cummings up to? They discuss Covid in India, the end of the Number Ten Briefing Room, the Derek Chauvin verdict, the Post Office fraud scandal, the collapse of the European Super League, Johnny Mercer leaving the government, St George’s Day, will Jacqui apply to be the new HS2, Iran chairing the UN Committee on Women, who is mostly likely to be the Mayor of the West Midlands, Jeremy Corbyn’s appearance on LBC, Line of Duty, Tom Swarbrick’s golf swing, Southwark LibDems and having a baby at 73. And a very happy birthday to Aaron Barrie. Smut Quota: Middling

With Jacqui Smith away, Iain Dale and Caroline Flint discuss the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral, the Greensill scandal, Ukraine, Shirley Williams, Astra Zeneca, Caroline’s work as a vaccine volunteer, local elections and Labour’s poll ratings, the joys or otherwise of photoshoots, and Iain describes the trauma he experienced when his Jack Russell went missing. Smut quota: Very low.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh and the deaths of three politicians, but don’t worry, it gets a bit more cheerful after that. They also talk about the riots in Northern Ireland, the worrying border conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Alan Duncan’s diaries, the Astra Zeneca decision, Ursula Von der Leyen’s seating issues, David Cameron and Rishi Sunak and Iain’s new obsession with Spotify. And who should replace Jacqui when she’s at her caravan next weekend. Smut quota: Appropriately low. But not quite non existent. They tried their best…

BONUS EPISODE: A compilation of drag names by listener Oliver Turner | Prime Ministers, The Cabinet, The Shadow Cabinet, Lib Dems & World Leaders

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss religion and Easter (what could possibly go wrong?), whether they’ve won Euromillions (they haven’t), 300 years of Prime Ministers (Jacqui’s lack of knowledge is shocking), Keir Starmer’s first year (6 out of 10, says Iain) and the best Drag Queen corpsing session yet (thanks Oliver Turner!). Smut quota: Very low.

In the last Wednesday podcast for the time being (Saturdays continue as normal!) Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale discuss the lifting of lockdown, the Commission on race, why vaccine take up among some ethnic minorities is so low, David Cameron’s lobbying activities and Joe Biden’s dog. Smut quota: Disappointing middling for the final Wednesday podcast. We’ve let ourselves down, the podcast down, but thank you for all you do.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Alex Salmond’s new party, the EU vaccine blockade, Lockdown powers, Chinese sanctions, Mondeos, Batley Grammar, flags and musicals. Smut quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Bristol protests, the vaccine latest, a year of Covid, Boris Johnson’s greed comments, Prince Harry’s new job title, the death of Barbara Hosking and Lord Tony Greaves and a few other things too. Smut quota: Low to middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Nicola Sturgeon’s woes, the vaccine rollout and the EU’s position, the Hartlepool by election, the BBC moving to the regions, Iain winning a Parliamentary Book Award, World Happiness and Joe Bidens stumble(s). Smut quota: Low to middling

Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith announce the end of the Wednesday podcast after Easter, discuss the Astrazeneca suspension by 17 EU countries, David Davis’s speech on the Salmond?Sturgeon crisis, the Policing Bill and the aftermath of the Women’s vigil, the Number Ten 10 TV room, the Integrated Review and the Hartlepool by election. Smut quota: Middling. NOTE: Iain's audio quality is slightly distorted due to some technical difficulties.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss violence towards women, their failure to win the Podcast of the Year award, Margaret Beckett’s insult to Laura Pidcock, British exports to the EU, a new Covid wave on the continent, the naked protest at the French Oscars and they ask, what next for Nigel Farage? Smut Quota: Too high for a Saturday

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith reveal they’ve missed out on yet another podcast award, they discuss the consequences of the Harry and Meghan interview, Piers Morgan’s departure from Good Morning Britain, Joe Biden’s senior moment, the PAC report on track & Trace, Charles Michel’s untruth about Britain banning vaccine exports and much else besides. Smut quota: Higher than usual.

Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale review the budget, the proposed NHS pay rise, levelling up, Priti Patel’s bullying payoff, Schools reopening, Downing Street spending money on refurbishment, the royal interview and much else besides. Smut quota: A little higher than a normal Saturday. We’re very sorry.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss someone impersonatin Iain on Instagram, Rishi Sunak’s coke addiction, the budget, the latest Salmond/Sturgeon shenanigans, Pontins’ anti-Irish discrimination, cutting famine aid to Yemen, the jailing of Nicolas Sarkozy, Trump at CPAC, the success of Zoom and why they won’t be doing a charity sky dive. Smut quota: Lowish

Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale discuss Alex Salmond’s evidence yesterday, vaccine priorities, JVT’s message, Labour’s new defence policy, the CIA report into the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, the Shamima Begum ruling, next week’s budget, Lady Gaga’s dogknapping, narcissism and, er, Yorkshire puddings. Oh, and they’ve been nominated for another award. Smut quota: Lowish

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, they discuss Matt Hancock’s comments on PPE, Alex Salmond’s accusations, Tiger Woods’ crash and the increasing number of women on company boards. This episode contains a nun joke. You have been warned. Smut quota: Middling.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith celebrate their 250th episode of the For the Money podcast by recording for more than 2 hours 10 minutes. Plenty of incentives to stick with it to the end, though! As well as covering all the political news of the week – Covid, Keir Starmer’s big speech, comings and goings in Number 10, Matt Hancock’s court case, Uber, IR35, Harry and Meghan, the Duke of Edinburgh and coming out of lockdown – we also learn about the dangers of wearing a bra holster and Jacqui’s tidying habits. Or lack of them. Smut quota: Low to middling.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review the latest Covid and vaccine developments, they discuss Princess Latifa’s plight in Dubai, free speech in universities, the Munich Security conference, the hunt for a British astronaut and a new book about Jeremy Heywood. Smut quota: Low

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith set the world to rights by discussing if we’ll have to learn to live with Covid, quarantine, holidays, whether the Home Office is fit for purpose, the NHS white paper, Donald Trump’s impeachment, Iain’s talk to Swindon Labour Party, Boris Johnson’s hair, the Number 10 Photographer, whether letters should remain private, the joys or otherwise of outdoor sex and Iain reveals why he spent the morning in tears. Happy Valentine’s Day! Smut Quota: Lowish

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith recount their experience of going viral and then discuss border closures, the latest Covid figures, apprenticeships, trade union membership, cladding, Alex Salmond and much else besides. Smut quota: Middling.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss vaccines, the prospects for economic recovery, the goings on at Hanforth Parish Council, Keir Starmer’s woes, Kemi Badenoch’s tweets, why they hate doing their VAT returns, local elections, West Ham’s victory over Aston Villa and, er, Celebrity Sumo. Smut quota: A little too high for a Saturday.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith pay tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore, discuss the leaked Labour strategy paper, the sacking of SNP MP Joanna Cherry, racism in football, Myanmar and Russia. Iain asks for advice on buying an electric car, and Jacqui reveals a shameful episode in her ministerial past. Smut quota: Low

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith host their first ever live edition of the podcast on Zoom, with an audience of 1500 listeners watching on the night the EU had to backtrack on plans to create a hard border in Northern Ireland. They discuss the EU Vaccine dispute, Macron’s comments on the AZ vaccine, Sir Desmond Swayne, Boris in Scotland, the withdrawal of the government’s “sexist advert” and much else. Smut Quota: Low to middling. You can watch this episode on Iain Dale’s Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/iaindale/videos

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith are in reflective mood on the day after it was announced 100,000 people in the UK have died with Covid. They discuss the EU vaccine rollout, or lack of it, cutting the size of juries, Holocaust Memorial Day, unemployment and the Channel 4 series ‘It’s a Sin’. Smut quota: Middling in the second half.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the vaccine rollout, why members of the BAME community seem reluctant to have the vaccine, Joe Biden’s first few days in power, the prospect of a new coalmine, new railway lines, the Chips Channon Diaries and much more besides. Smut quota: Middling to low.

Iain Dale announces a live For the Many podcast on Friday 29 January at 7.30pm. Register for your Zoom ticket at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/for-the-many-podcast-live-zoom-event-free-tickets-137645909621?aff=ebdssbeac&keep_tld=1

Iain Dale and Jacqui discuss Joe Biden’s inauguration, presidential pardons, the latest Covid developments, Opposition Day motions and he joys of power naps. Smut quota: Medium to low.

Iain and Jacqui review the week’s news with sections on vaccines, travel bans, fish, workers’ rights, Angela Merkel and much else besides. Smut quota: Lowish

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Priti Patel, enforcing Covid guidelines, the vaccine rollout, Donald Trump, Marcus Rashford and free school meals, the abolition of the Brexit select committee and their joint liking for Toad in the Hole. Smut Quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith give us the benefits of their thoughts on Donald Trump and the events on Capitol Hill this week, and Iain reveals the true story of how high neighbours snitched on him enjoying a bit of Trance music. They also talk about lockdown and the vaccine rollout as well as Alex Salmond’s accusations against Nicola Sturgeon. And Page 3 Boy treats us to two jokes. Smut Quota: Non existent. Sorry.

Iain and Jacqui are back with a New Year’s bang with a bumper length edition. They discuss lockdown, vaccines, closing borders, exams, Brexit, Trump, parliamentary boundaries, local elections, what they read and watched over Christmas and much else. Smut quota: Low until the last three minutes.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith dole out their much coveted awards for 2020, with their characteristic wit and humour. Well, that’s what it says here. Find out who their sexiest politician of the year is, who wins the award for Best interview, Moment of the year, and much much more. A cracking way to start 2021.

Iain and Jacqui's best bits of 2020

Iain & Jacqui interview Rory Bremner, David Miliband, Keir Starmer & Ann Widdecombe to discuss the people of 2020

On the eve of Christmas Eve Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale start loading your Christmas stocking with 90 minutes of festive banter, frivolity and the odd bit of political commentary. They discuss the state of the Brexit free trade talks, the likelihood of another national lockdown, Vaccinations, Nigella’s Christmas recipe, the appointments to the House of Lords and the prison system. Smut Quota: Middling.

A new theme tune for the new year?

Jacqui Smith is away on Strictly duties so Caroline Flint deputises again. She and Iain Dale discuss the latest Covid developments and speculate on the likelihood of a last minute Brexit deal. They talk about drug deaths in Scotland, what they’re getting up to for Christmas and answer a lot of questions from listeners. Smut Quota: Virtually non existent. Graham will be pleased.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith give their views on Christmas restrictions, the tier system and veer off into some Ronnie Corbett style stories, before getting back on track to discuss the progress on a Brexit free trade deal. It’s a more or less smut free podcast, until the last twenty minutes. Graham should then switch off, as they both disgrace themselves. Smut Quota: Very High

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith evaluate the prospect of no deal with the EU, look at the latest Covid developments, look at the year since the December 2019 general election, discuss Donald Trump’s loss in the Supreme Court, Jacqui’s re-entry into Strictly, the death of Dame Barbara Windsor, Iain’s skip delivery, Jacqui’s dream about body air, her panting lurcher and manicured eyebrows. Smut quota: Very low.

Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith discuss vaccinations, Brexit, the unthinkable thought that journalists might break Tier 3 rules (the very thought) and they answer your questions. Smut Quota: Middling getting higher towards the end.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the progress, or lack of it, in the EU free trade talks, before moving on to more on vaccines and Covid. They both have a rant at Lloyds Bank and discuss deportations to Jamaica and the death of Valery Giscard D’Estaing. Smut quota: Medium

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the House of Commons vote on Covid restrictions, vaccination passports, the Welsh alcohol ban, the collapse of Arcadia and Debenhams and Scottish independence. And as it’s Wednesday there are even more laughs than usual.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith talk about the new tier system, Christmas arrangements, the Autumn Statement, the (lack of a) Free Trade Agreement, the possible collapse of Arcadia, Nicola Sturgeon, Diego Maradona and they ask their listeners for nominations for a Best of For the Many 2020. Smut quota: A bit too much for a Saturday.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith talk Christmas, Rishi Sunak’s autumn statement, Shamima Begum and the Covid vaccines. And there’s a special message from Page Three Boy. Smut content: High.

In a bumper two hour edition, Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith chew over the week’s political news and spend a lot of time dissecting the Priti Patel bullying scandal, as well as discussing what happens when lockdown ends in England, what the government might announce about Christmas arrangements, Defence spending, Public sector pay, International Men’s Day, bad book reviews, Amazon delivery times, Iain’s interview with Chris Bryant, The Crown and episode two of Naked attraction. And there are some brilliant questions including one about how Iain and Jacqui caused a car crash in Thailand. Smut quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Jeremy Corbyn’s readmission to the Labour Party, COVID vaccines, Brexit, road pricing, electric cars... and Iain’s back problems. And they play agony aunt and uncle to their listeners. Smut quota: Quite unacceptably high.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review another momentous week in politics. They concentrate on the departures of Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings from Number Ten, the presidential transition, the death of Peter Sutcliffe, the Brexit free trade talks and the publication of Iain’s new book, THE PRIME MINISTERS. Smut content: For a Saturday, high. They’ve let themselves down. Again.

Hi For The Many fans LBC have a new podcast we think you’ll enjoy - Hosted by legendary reporter John Sweeney, Hunting Ghislaine is a 6 part series about Ghislaine Maxwell, the daughter of a disgraced billionaire and the former partner of a super-rich paedophile who killed himself while awaiting trial for sex trafficking. After hiding for almost a year, she now finds herself facing multiple charges for helping Jeffrey Epstein sexually exploit and abuse under-age women which could lead to her spending the rest of her life in jail. In this new podcast series, Hunting Ghislaine, reporter John Sweeney investigates a fairy story which happens the wrong way round, of how a princess ends up accused of being the monster and no-one at all ends up happily ever after. First Episode available 19th November. Listen on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts

Due to no public demand whatsoever, Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale have decided to record a second podcast each week on a Wednesday, ostensibly to help their bereft listeners survive the second lockdown. Frankly it’s because they have got bugger all else to do. They do discuss Biden and Trump, Covid and the resignation of the FA Chairman Greg Clarke (not that one). And then it all gets a bit silly. Smut Quota: Middling to High. It’s Wednesday. Deal with it, Graham. (Not that one).