This is a ray of sunshine for the ears. Siobhain isn't just positive, she is inspiringly pragmatic.  A Labour MP since 1 May 1997 and a passionate Blairite, she stayed in the party during its darkest period and is now hopeful of a Labour victory at the next election.  This is about more than politics. It's about life and what it's about.  Siobhain's sister, Margaret, was the General Secretary of the party during its most successful period and is revered across politics. She sadly passed away last year. As well as raising awareness about brain cancer, Siobhain is also raising money for the UCLH Charity.  You can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaretmcdonagh1  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The leader of the SNP in Westminster has been an MP less than 5 years and is barely 35 years old. He's not just risen fast, he's done it despite overcoming physical disability from a young age.  Passionate and driven, this is a timely chat with a politician at the centre of things in the Commons. After you've listened to the show, this YouTube link will make a lot more sense.. Watch Ray McKinnon's hat-trick of free kicks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoOzS9ax07U Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom has been at the centre of many projects, most notably The People's Vote campaign and Ed Miliband's leadership. But it's his solo work which is creating the most headlines.  He's just written a biography of Keir Starmer, but what more is there to know about a politician in the public eye? Well, it turns out... quite a lot Buy Keir Starmer: The Biography here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keir-Starmer-Biography-Tom-Baldwin/dp/0008661022/ref=asc_df_0008661022/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=658764431013&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18067357120828298640&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045958&hvtargid=pla-2209868618155&psc=1&mcid=09e82f73667435999271b0709ba15123&th=1&psc=1 Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That's right, it's another brand new shiny episode! And what an episode it is.  Bridget Phillipson is one of Labour's brightest stars and is increasingly in the limelight. Despite having been an extra in Byker Grove (if you're under 40, Google it), the spotlight isn't what she's about. This is a fascinating hour with a highly driven politician who may be shyer than some of her peers, but is no less animated about changing the world.  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a brand new episode! Woohoo! And what a way to come back... Lee Anderson's rise has been meteoric. Just a few years ago he was a local Labour councillor and now he's one of the most recognisable stars of the Tory Party with his own TV show.  He's led a fascinating life. A coal miner for 10 years, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at 36. Both had a profound effect on him.   This is an in-depth interview with a fascinating politician who's captivated the Tories in a way very few are able to.  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four years ago Nicola Sturgeon was the indomitable leader of Scotland. So much has changed since. This interview was recorded at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival. The former First Minister reveals what really happened behind closed doors with Boris Johnson and discusses the economic case for independence. Plus a lot more! Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In early 2019 an exciting new political force was taking shape... The Independent Group. Centre ground MPs from Labour and the Conservatives were fed up with the state of their parties and set up their own. A Political Party recording was hastily convened and Chukka Ummuna, Heidi Allen, Mike Gapes and Ann Coffey joined Matt to explain what on earth was going on.  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Clarke is a national political treasure and this interview from 2019 shows why. Wise, pragmatic and superb company, it’s the best way to enjoy his warm tones.  Plus… a bit of personal news  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10:  https://www.mattforde.com/live  Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news  Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny Mercer has a way of telling stories that just makes them hilarious. Recorded in 2019 before his elevation to government, he speaks passionately about his time in the army and of his love of the armed forces. It’s a passion that burns as brightly today. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The funniest guest in the history of the show is as brilliant a guest as you’d hope. Recorded in 2017, William was on sparkling form. His insights into Tory leadership woes remain as relevant today as they did in the 90s, or indeed 2017.   Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Heseltine is a politician from a different time who’s still completely relevant now. Recorded in 2017, this is an hour in the company of an era-spanning heavyweight.   Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to reunite the warring factions of new Labour? Recorded in December 2016, this ends with Alastair playing the bagpipes while Strictly’s Ed dances on stage. It’s an electric and raucous night. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anna became the closest thing to a regular for a while and this first appearance on the show in 2017 is why. At the time she was a Conservative MP but you totally understand why she didn’t remain as one for long after this interview. A passionate and funny communicator, she was clearly horrified about what was happening in British politics. She was totally inspirational every time she came on the show. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another titan of British politics, another guest who’s sadly passed away since they were on the show. Paddy Ashdown was a dominant figure in 80s and 90s politics. In this 2016 interview he was on top form, regaling us all with great memories, searing insight and his massive laugh. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OK, this wasn’t that long ago but I couldn’t pick my favourites and not include this. There’s no-one in politics like Angela Rayner, she’s got the charisma of a rock ‘n’ roll star. A different part of this interview went viral every week for about 6 months. It’s a riot from start to finish. Enjoy!  Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This was recorded in 2019 long before Suella became Home Secretary. She’s more informal here than you might expect and shows a side to her personality you don’t see in public. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recorded a year after Nick Clegg left office, this is a fascinating evening with someone who served as Deputy Prime Minister for 5 years. The coalition government may seem like distant history now, but Nick Clegg was a political phenomenon. His performance in the 2010 Election TV Debates helped propel his party into government. This is packed with fascinating and hilarious reflections of a unique time in British politics, long before Mark Zuckerberg signed him up. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just 4 years ago Keir Starmer was Shadow Brexit Secretary. That’s when this episode was recorded. On that night it was clear he was a man going places, he was a total contrast to the leadership not just of his party but his opponents’. Since this interview he has transformed the fortunes of the Labour Party in a profound way. Hear where it all began. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Blair’s first appearance on the podcast was electric. Recorded in 2015, I couldn’t tell the audience who the guest was. No-one there on the night could have imagined that Tony Blair was going to emerge, but he did and what a special interview he gave. Sharp, hilarious, totally on top of his game. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first episode of this special replay season could only start with one person: Tessa Jowell. The most magical guest in the history of the show demonstrated why she was such a unique politician. This is my favourite interview and it’s all because of Tessa. It was recorded back in 2014. Not a week goes by when I don’t wish Tessa was still here. Buy tickets to Matt's tour Inside No. 10: https://www.mattforde.com/live Follow @mattforde on Twitter for the latest news Email the show: politicalpartypodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.