Salma Shah is back!

The Tory strategist gives her entertaining assessment of Kemi Badenoch and how the Tories are doing.

This is such a great chat in which I have my centre-left prejudices thoroughly checked. 

Talking about the Opposition has never been more fun.

FOLLOW Salma on X: @Ommasalma

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seth Harris - US Election Special

Well, it happened. 

This is a comprehensive and entertaining analysis of why and how Trump won the election with friend of the show, Seth Harris.

Seth served in Obama's Cabinet and worked closely with both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. 

If you're looking for answers, you'll find them here. 

FOLLOW Seth on X: @MrSethHarris

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Darren Jones - Budget Special

This is a cracker.

A full Budget briefing from the Chief Secretary to the Treasury which includes some excellent breakfast chat.

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of our most gifted political writers reflects on the death of Alex Salmond and the current state of Scottish politics.

This is engrossing from the very first second. 

SUBSCRIBE to the Ponsonby and Massie podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-ponsonby-and-massie-podcast/id1749779794

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

2 February: Salford, Lowry

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Graham Brady

What's it like telling a Prime Minister their time is up?

Sir Graham chaired the 1922 Committee throughout the tenure of five Conservative Prime Ministers. 

In this entertaining interview he tells us what those private moments with them were like and how each of them used their power differently.

This is the thrilling inside account of the most tumultuous political time in living memory. 

BUY Sir Graham's book 'Kingmaker' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingmaker-Secrets-Truth-about-Ministers/dp/1804188263

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thangam Debbonaire

Thangam is one of the brightest stars of the Labour movement. As Shadow Culture Secretary she was all set to command the brief in government. 

But things didn't go to plan. On 4 July, Thangam lost Bristol Central to the Green Party. 

A classically trained cellist. Thangam has a range of life experience. 

She's one of the most charismatic and engaging politicians in the country and her reflections on her career so far are thoughtful and hopeful. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2025

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pam Duncan-Glancy 

Pam is the Shadow Education and Skills Secretary in Scotland. 

She's only been an MSP for four years but has already made a huge impact. 

Her life story is fascinating, as is her route into politics. As the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood, she has to overcome daily challenges in order to do her job. 

Pam is an optimist and this is an amazing story about the power of politics and how to get the most out of life.  

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 

2024 

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt 

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre 

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre 

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre 

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket 

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre 

20 November: York, The Crescent 

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre 

22 November: Salford, The Lowry 

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre 

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre 

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry 

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre 

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

2025 

29 January: Norwich, Playhouse - EXTRA DATE 

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties 

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill 

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre 

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre 

12 February: Bath, Komedia 

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre 

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction 

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts 

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa 

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club 

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal 

28 February: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE 

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory 

4 March: Colchester Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE 

6 March: Birmingham, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 

7 March: Maidenhead, Norden Farm - EXTRA DATE 

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree 

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club 

27 March: Oxford, Glee Club - EXTRA DATE 

28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iain McNicol 

This. Is. Class.  

Iain was General Secretary of the Labour Party from 2011 to 2018.  

He tells us what it was like having to run the party during the most tumultuous time in its history. 

You'll be hanging on his every word.  

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his 2 extra dates at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 

2024 

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance 

2 October: Norwich Playhouse 

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm 

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt 

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre 

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre 

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix 

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre 

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket 

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre 

20 November: York, The Crescent 

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre 

22 November: Salford, The Lowry 

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre 

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre 

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry 

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre 

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre 

14 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre 

2025 

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties 

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill 

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre 

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre 

12 February: Bath, Komedia 

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre 

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction 

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts 

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa 

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club 

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal 

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory 

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree 

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Siobhan Baillie

What's it like to lose your seat after one term, when your political career was really starting to flourish?

Siobhan was the MP for Stroud and had worked hard to do the job properly. But that experience was cut short in July. 

As well as opening up about the emotional impact of losing the seat, Siobhan has clear ideas about what improvements she'd make to politics and the role of different politicians. 

Despite the heartache of defeat, this is engrossing hour with a positive, optimistic and upbeat politician who still has lots more to achieve. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025, including his extra date at The Bloomsbury Theatre: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

6 December: London, Bloomsbury Theatre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Revell 

What does a Thatcherite think tank do when the Tories are out of office?

Emma Revell from the Centre for Policy Studies briefs us on what's next for one of Britain's most influential organisations. 

Plus... why being a Lib Dem first is becoming a right of passage...

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murdo Fraser - Scottish Conservative Leadership Special

What's next for the Conservatives in the UK and in Scotland?

 Murdo Fraser wants to lead the party into the Holyrood election in 2026.

 But what's a realistic ambition for them and how do they make a case for conservative values and policies at such a challenging time?

 PLUS... a brilliant story about the time Donald Trump gave evidence to Murdo's committee in person at Holyrood. 

SEE Matt at on tour until March 2025: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows

2024 

31 July - 25 August: Edinburgh, The Pleasance

2 October: Norwich Playhouse

3 October: Maidenhead, Norden Farm

9 October: Middlesbrough, The Crypt

10 October: London, Leicester Square Theatre

24 October: Hull, Truck Theatre

6 November: Exeter, Phoenix

8 November: Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre

14 November: Basingstoke, The Haymarket

15 November: Colchester Arts Centre

20 November: York, The Crescent

21 November: Chorley, Little Theatre

22 November: Salford, The Lowry

27 November: Chipping Norton Theatre

28 November: Leicester, Y Theatre

29 November: Eastleigh, The Berry

31 November: Faversham, The Alexander Centre

2025

4 February: Leeds, City Varieties

5 February: Sheffield, The Leadmill

6 February: Chelmsford Theatre

7 February: Bedford, The Quarry Theatre

12 February: Bath, Komedia

13 February: Southend, Palace Theatre

16 February: Cambridge, The Junction

20 February: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts

23 February: Brighton, Komedoa

25 February: Cardiff, Glee Club

26 February: Bury St Edmunds, Theatre Royal

2 March: Bristol, Tobacco Factory

11 March: Aberdeen, Lemon Tree

12 March: Glasgow, Glee Club

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.