Where Politics Meets History

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).

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss in detail the ramifications of what is happening in the United States and what Donald Trump will do next, the latest developments in Covid, the new For the Many face coverings (on sale at www.politicos.co.uk), Jacqui’s post Strictly comedown, and while she is recording the podcast Jacqui is papped through her window! And they make an announcement about the future of the podcast. The Wednesday podcast is to return! Smut quota: Low

In a special bonus edition of the podcast Jacqui Smith tells us about the weekend’s events which saw her voted off Strictly Come Dancing. It all gets a little bit “totes emosh” on occasion and Jacqui takes us on her emotional rollercoaster, what the experience has been like, and what it has meant to her. Get your Kleenex ready.

Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith avoid discussing Strictly (mostly) – as there will be a special bonus podcast tomorrow evening. Instead they spend most of this two hour edition talking lockdown and Corbyn, with the odd thought on the US election and the French terror attack thrown in for good measure. And you get to Iain practising his Welsh. What could possibly go wrong? Smut Quota: Low

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith bask in the glory of their victory on ‘Pointless Celebrities’ and Jacqui updates us all on her debut on Strictly Come Dancing. That takes up the first twenty minutes of the podcast before they move on to discussing lockdown in Wales, Free School meals, Angela Rayner’s ‘scum’ comments, test & trace, Emmanuel Macron’s response to the French terror attack, the Pope’s views on civil unions, the US election and devolution. Smut Quota: A little higher than normal. Sorry.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith spend the first twenty minutes of the podcasts discussing Jacqui’s entry into Strictly Come Dancing and then they turn their attention to the three big political issues of the week – the latest developments in the Covid crisis, the diminishing prospects of a free trade agreement with the EU and developments in the US election campaign. They also spend an hour answering listener questions. Smut Quota: Low to middling. Note: For the next few weeks the podcast will be available from Sunday evenings.

Hi For The Many fans LBC have a new podcast we think you’ll enjoy - Hosted by Lionel Barber, the former Editor of the Financial Times, What Next? focuses on life after COVID-19 and sees the multi-award-winning journalist and author discover how the world is adapting to the pandemic, what needs to change and, most importantly, what lessons we have learnt that will shape our lives for the future. Each week, Lionel will be speaking to some of the biggest leading influential figures in the health, politics, business, technology, arts and environment world, such as former Prime Minister Tony Blair; Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation; ITV’s Chief Executive Dame Carolyn McCall and many more. Follow Lionel on Twitter: @lionelbarber. Listen and subscribe now on Global Player or wherever you get your podcasts

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss new Covid new restrictions, Allegra Stratton’s appointment as the PM’s spokeswoman, Nicola Sturgeon’s political troubles, the latest developments in the US election, the government’s careers app, Darren Grimes and MPs’ pay. Smut quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Donald Trump’s coronavirus diagnosis, his debate with Joe Biden, the idiocy of people who break Coronavirus rules (yes you Jeremy Corbyn, Stanley Johnson and Margaret Ferrier!), the latest from Strictly, Jenny Murray’s last Woman’s Hour, Priti Patel’s latest brainwave and National Poetry Day. Smut Quota: High at the start, low elsewhere.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Rishi Sunak’s Winter Economic Plan, Student ‘incarceration’, office romances, Trump and the transferral of power, Ben Wallace’s comments on an ‘illegal war’, the disappearance of Priti Patel, Iain needing a passport to get into Kent, Harry & Meghan’s comments on the US election, Diane Abbott’s book and Jacqui gives us an update on her ‘Strictly’ activities. Smut Quota: Low. Ish.

In this welcome return of the Wednesday podcast Jacqui Smith and Iain Dale turn their beady eye on Boris Johnson’s address to the nation and ask whether the measures taken to limit the spread of Coronavirus really go far enough. They also discuss Sir Keir Starmer’s virtual Labour party conference speech, and they lighten the mood at the end with a conversation about ‘bushiness’. Graham should stop listening at approx. 30 mins. Smut Quota: High at the end.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Internal Markets Bill, ask whether a second spike of coronavirus is about to happen, the death of Ruth Bader-Ginsburg, Jacqui’s wardrobe fitting for Strictly Come Dancing and much more besides. Smut Quota: Non existent. Graham will be pleased.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the latest round of Brexit shenanigans, the Rule of Six, UKIP’s new leader, Rugby, the Proms and the Japan trade deal. Smut Quota: Lowish

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith start of this week’s podcast by discussing the news that Lady Smut will be contestant in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing show. So that’s the first twenty minutes done and dusted. They then move on to their normal fayre of political analysis, gossip and intrigue. This week they discuss Tony Abbott’s appointment as a UK trade adviser, Tim Davie’s first major speech as BBC DG, the XR protests, the rising number of coronavirus cases, and they preview the new James Bond film. Smut quota: Iain: Low, Jacqui: Can’t help herself.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the week’s political news including possible tax rises, the new BBC Director General, developments in Belarus, the return of Parliament and the appointment of a new cabinet secretary. They also get a little emotional when answering a listener’s question. And they break some sad news… Smut Quota: Middling to high. Sorry Graham.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith dole out some well meant advice to the new LibDem leader Sir Ed Davey, scratch their heads about Chris Grayling’s resignation, talk local government reorganisation (don’t worry, not for long) and Jacqui wonders how on earth Iain’s partner John has put up with him for 25 years. Smut quota: Low.

Jacqui Smith returns from her holiday’s full of vim and vigour and tries desperately to convince Iain her services are worth retaining, following the popularity of her three stand-ins. They discuss Face masks, returning to school, Gavin Williamson’s continuing travails, Belarus, the BBC and the Proms and answer a lot of your questions. Smut Quota: Low to middling.

Jacqui Smith is still on her holidays (she’s back next week) so Iain is joined by former Labour MP Caroline Flint to discuss the week’s news events and much else besides. It turns out to be the longest edition of the For the Many podcast ever – two hours and ten minutes of pure, unadulterated joyful political commentary and entertainment! Do listen to the end as you won’t want to miss some very revealing anecdotes from both Caroline and Iain. In the first part of the podcast they discuss Joe Biden, Gavin Williamson’s week, the poisoning of Alexei Navalny, evictions, Floridian genetically modified mosquitos and the possibility of a new news channel to rival Sky. Smut quota: Low

With Jacqui Smith away, Iain Dale invited Labour MP and For the Many podcast Superfan Wes Streeting to sit in the hot seat. They discuss the A Level grading fiasco, Public Health England and the Democrats National Convention, as well as taking on a whole host of listener questions. Smut quota: Disappointingly low for a Wednesday.

Jacqui Smith is on holiday so Denise Headley joins Iain to chew over the week’s events. They discuss the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, the new Quarantine measures, the reaction to the A Level results and what the government should do next. They answer listener questions too. Smut Quota: Non existent (Graham will be pleased).

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the Channel migrants, Kamala Harris, bleak economic figures, Dawn Butler and Ben & Jerries. They also talk about Jacqui’s imminent summer holiday and who will be replacing her on the next three episodes. Stand by for some quality corpsing too. Smut quota: Medium

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith review the news of the last few days and talk about the latest Coronavirus developments, the weird interviews given this week by Trump and Biden, and the likelihood of a Japan-UK trade deal. They answers lots of your questions and reminisce over 1970s television. Smut Quota: Lowish

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the explosion in Beirut, the latest developments on Coronavirus, the death of John Hume, Peerages and whether the Tory MP being questioned over sexual assault should have the party whip withdrawn. Smut quota: Middling to low.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the latest emergency lockdown in the North West, Donald Trump’s election rigging tweet, Charlie Elphicke’s conviction and much else besides. Smut Quota: Low (with one transgression).

Iain Dale & Jacqui Smith turn their attention to Wiley’s antisemitic tweets, the LibDem leadership contest, the Spanish quarantine, the government’s new obesity strategy and BAME representation in the boardroom. And they answer your questions in their own inimitable manner. Smut quota: Middling.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss the government’s new obesity strategy, face coverings, Aston Villa’s chances of avoiding relegation, Wiley’s Twitter shame and how worried the Tories should be about Scotland. And a lot of other nonsense too including the size of Jacqui’s new bed. Listen to the end… Smut quota: Lowish

The now award winning Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss their Civility in Politics Award before discussing the entrails of the ISC report into Russian activity in the UK. They talk about Labour’s decision to reach a settlement with 7 former employees and Panorama journalist John Ware. Jacqui gets emotional over Aston Villa’s hopes of retaining their Premier League status and they answer a shed load of listener questions. Smut quota: Middling to high.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith indulge in some post watershed chat about the week’s political events including the Intelligence & Security Committee shenanigans, Boris’s Back to Work speech, the plight of the Uigher Muslims, Russia and the vaccine, Liam Fox’s bid to be WTO chief, the EU rescue package, the LibDem leadership contest and the death of civil rights campaigner, John Lewis. Smut quota: Middling

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith discuss Huawei, Face Masks, Paedophile hunters, Sir Keir Starmer’s first 100 days and PMQs. Smut quota: Possibly a little too high

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith ask whether the wearing of facemasks should be made mandatory. They ask why Donald Trump would intervene on Roger Stone’s behalf and commute his sentence and bemoan the retail job losses on the UK High Street. They discuss the membership of the Intelligence and Security Committee and the non publication of the Priti Patel report. They then talk about the use of personal pronouns and a few other things besides: Smut quota: Very low, apart from at the end.

Iain Dale and Jacqui Smith analyse Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement and ask the all important question: Can someone who is 5’7” become Prime Minister? They lament that the party conferences have all been cancelled and they discuss the imminent demise of the BBC’s Politics Live programme and ask how the BBC can seriously call itself a public service broadcaster if this happens. And Iain panics when he learns his books have gone out of stock. Smut quota: Middling to high right from the start.