Best Ford Dyke Podcasts (2024)

1
Show 336. Kevin Schofield 50:22

16m ago50:22

50:22

This is a fascinating insight into life as a modern political editor, what the pressures are and how different outlets make themselves distinct from one another. Kevin has worked everywhere covering UK and Scottish politics. The Sun, The Herald, The Scotsman and now he's Political Editor of HuffPost UK. Does The Sun lead or follow its readers? What…

1
Show 335. Gloria De Piero 1:05:25

4d ago1:05:25

1:05:25

This is so much fun, you won't want it to end. Gloria De Piero brings politics to life in a way very few people are able to. Totally honest about why she'd never want to be an MP again, what working at GB News is really like and why she's dedicated to Labour even when the party hasn't valued her. It's got everything: Lee Anderson, pina coladas and …

1
Show 334. Kate Fall 42:21

15d ago42:21

42:21

As David Cameron strides the international stage, his former Deputy Chief of Staff reflects on his renaissance and the contrast between him and Rishi Sunak. Well, not just Rishi Sunak, but all of Cameron's successor's as Prime Minister. Kate has experienced politics at the highest level and now sits in the Lords. She's a member of the Joint Committ…

1
Show 333. Jonny Owen 50:41

18d ago50:41

50:41

Jonny Owen is the great storyteller of our age. His superb new series 'Strike' for BBC Sounds examines the impact of the 1984 Miner's Strike on South Wales and Britain more widely. In the making of it Jonny sat with the politicians who'd made the decisions, the people impacted by them and uncovered truths he was previously unaware of. He also has a…

1
Show 332. John O'Farrell 1:02:48

25d ago1:02:48

1:02:48

The author of 'Things Can Only Get Better' gives his take on modern politics, the state of the Labour Party and what it's like making comedy now compared to when he started. John is a successful author, west end playwright and satirist, working on shows like Spitting Image and Have I Got News For You. He also stood for Parliament twice. This is a g…

1
Show 331. Siobhain McDonagh 1:06:45

1M ago1:06:45

1:06:45

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 s…

1
Show 330. Stephen Flynn 53:21

2M ago53:21

53:21

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 …

1
Show 329 - Tom Baldwin 49:42

2M ago49:42

49:42

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 Bi…

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Show 328. Bridget Phillipson 57:38

2M ago57:38

57:38

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 m…

1
Show 327. Lee Anderson 59:44

2M ago59:44

59:44

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. B…

1
Nicola Sturgeon - Replay 1:03:31

2M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

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 fo…

1
The Independent Group - Replay 1:58:14

3M ago1:58:14

1:58:14

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…

1
Ken Clarke - Replay 1:16:48

3M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

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: politicalpartypodcas…

1
Johnny Mercer - Replay 1:12:05

3M ago1:12:05

1:12:05

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…

1
William Hague - Replay 1:11:04

4M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

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 la…

1
Michael Heseltine - Replay 1:09:46

4M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

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…

1
Alastair Campbell and Ed Balls Christmas Special - Replay 1:26:54

4M ago1:26:54

1:26:54

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 late…

1
Anna Soubry - Replay 1:14:52

4M ago1:14:52

1:14:52

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…

1
Paddy Ashdown - Replay 1:18:47

5M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

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/…

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Angela Rayner - Replay 1:17:19

5M ago1:17:19

1:17:19

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://w…

1
Suella Braverman - Replay 1:18:23

5M ago1:18:23

1:18:23

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 Host…

1
Nick Clegg - Replay 1:09:46

5M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

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 …

1
Keir Starmer - Replay 1:18:48

6M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

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 bega…

1
Tony Blair - Replay 1:18:37

6M ago1:18:37

1:18:37

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…

1
Tessa Jowell - Replay 1:16:52

6M ago1:16:52

1:16:52

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. Bu…

1
Show 326 - Michael Dugher 44:10

6M ago44:10

44:10

What's it like to work in Number 10 before an election you're likely to lose? Michael Dugher will tell you. He'll also tell you what it's like to get typecast in politics and what it's like to end up working with your musical heroes. Among the many roles he's had, he worked for Gordon Brown in the run-up to 2010, became a Labour MP, served in the S…

1
Show 325 - Lewis Goodall 39:07

6M ago39:07

39:07

One third of the formidable News Agents, Lewis Goodall is a unique talent. At just 34 he's already one of the most established and exciting broadcasters in the country. Born and raised in Birmingham, he has fascinating insights into class and the effects of it in the media and politics. He's hilarious, engaging and brilliant company. He loves polit…

1
Show 324 - Kate Forbes - LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival 1:04:30

8M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Kate Forbes' leadership campaign caused a stir earlier in the year, when she provided a different vision of what the SNP could be. In this candid and entertaining hour, Kate reflects on that campaign and what it all means. She talks openly about her faith and how to engage with people you disagree with. Why hasn't the SNP been able to convince a ma…

1
Show 323 - Angela Rayner - LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival 1:07:42

8M ago1:07:42

1:07:42

Arguably Britain's most charismatic politician returns to the show in a whirlwind of entertainment, passion and drive. As well as defence of Labour's pragmatism and policies, Angela regales the Edinburgh crowd with stories about clubbing until 5am and her favourite cocktail which always derails her BBQs. She also reflects on how she's grown as a po…

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Show 322 - Humza Yousaf - LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival 1:05:59

8M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

It's been an incredible start to Humza Yousaf's time as First Minister and he reflects on the unique situation he's had to deal with in this candid and light-hearted interview. From the news of Nicola Sturgeon's arrest, to his first awkward chat with Rishi Sunak, he shares the privileges and pressures of being First Minister. Humza talks openly abo…

1
Show 321 - Mhairi Black - LIVE 50:56

9M ago50:56

50:56

Mhairi Black took British politics by storm with her election and maiden speech in 2015. 8 years on and she's now Deputy Leader of the SNP in Westminster... but not for much longer. A few weeks ago Mhairi announced that she won't be standing at the next election. Why has such an impassioned politician, especially one who's now in a leadership role,…

1
Show 320 - Joe Lycett - LIVE 1:27:52

10M ago1:27:52

1:27:52

No-one uses their platform like Joe Lycett. A gifted comedian, he's used his position to raise various injustices and delightfully poke fun at those he disagrees with. He tells the hilarious inside stories of his money-shredding stunt, his challenge to David Beckham and his infamous appearance on Laura Kuenssberg's BBC show (including the after par…

1
Show 319 - Margaret Beckett - LIVE 1:34:09

10M ago1:34:09

1:34:09

There are very few, if any, politicians like Margaret Beckett. Uniquely composed, completely dignified and with a depth of experience unmatched in the House of Commons. This is a transfixing evening in the company of a national treasure. Thoughtful, hilarious and at times emotional, Margaret reflects on the changes she's seen since first becoming a…

1
Show 318 - Philip Hammond - LIVE 1:34:11

11M ago1:34:11

1:34:11

This is Philip Hammond as you've never heard him before. The former Chancellor and Foreign Secretary tells us exactly what he thinks of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Theresa May. He also shares his own approach to politics and what his ambitions were, based on his own assessment of his own skills. This is the inside story of what it was like to be C…

1
Show 317 - Rob Burley 1:03:31

11M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Rob has produced the biggest political shows on TV, Question Time, The Daily Politics, PoliticsLive, The Andrew Marr Show and many more. He is obsessed with long form political interviews and is deeply annoyed by a lack of them on television. This is a great account from someone on the inside about how political interviews are planned for televisio…

1
Show 316 - David Blunkett LIVE 1:25:22

11M ago1:25:22

1:25:22

David Blunkett is an exceptional individual. A titan of modern politics and a rare gift of a communicator, combining warmth and compassion with an impressive directness. A former Home Secretary, he doesn't hold back in his assessment of Suella Braverman and his analysis of the small boats policy is devastating. He'd led a phenomenal life and he sha…

1
Show 315 - Andrea Catherwood 56:50

11M ago56:50

56:50

Just a couple of weeks ago Andrea hosted the 25 year anniversary commemoration of the Good Friday Agreement with Hillary Clinton and George Mitchell. The event was in her native Belfast, so how did it feel to celebrate such a hopeful moment in the place she'd grown up during The Troubles? This is a phenomenal first-hand of account of the reality of…

1
Show 314 - David Aaronovitch 1:14:26

12M ago1:14:26

1:14:26

One of the most exciting writers in the country delivers a fascinating mix of political observations and personal career reflections. From his time at The Guardian during the Iraq War, his documentary series about Tony Blair and his take on where Labour is now, this is quality time in the company of a gifted thinker and communicator. Subscribe to D…

1
Show 313 - Jess Phillips LIVE 1:37:03

1y ago1:37:03

1:37:03

This is gripping and hilarious from start to finish. Jess Phillips continues to be one of the most compelling communicators in British politics, as well as a powerful advocate for women's rights. She is also very funny and in this episode reveals her love of steamy fiction and her husband's detailed plan for a zombie apocalypse. Jess robustly defen…

1
Show 312 - Rosa Prince 59:50

1y ago59:50

59:50

The editor of the greatest morning email on earth explains why we all find it so addictive. Politico's London Playbook is the email you need in your life, an entertaining and punchy briefing first thing in the morning. What started the phenomenon and what are its objectives? Does Rosa have to get up at 3am to get it all done? Rosa has an infectious…

1
Show 311 - Ruth Davidson Live 1:33:32

1y ago1:33:32

1:33:32

The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives is on phenomenal form as she gives her heartfelt, considered and hilarious take on the state of Scottish and British politics. This is gripping from start to finish. Ruth is just as passionate taking on her own side's failings as she is those of her opponents, making this a thrilling listen. It's also…

1
Show 310 - Johanna Baxter 1:12:48

1y ago1:12:48

1:12:48

Johanna is the Chair of Labour's NEC and this is the most exciting chat about internal party machinery that you will ever hear. In fact, it's going to make you want to join a political party and get involved. It's a great inside account of what some of Labour's most infamous NEC meetings have been like, including the recent one that voted to bar Je…

1
Show 309 - Krishnan Guru-Murthy LIVE 1:26:16

1y ago1:26:16

1:26:16

Krishnan Guru-Murthy is one of the true greats of broadcasting and he delivers an exceptional analysis of the state of British news. Not just of the BBC and Channel 4, but the whole thing. At times hilarious, this is a first-hand account of what it's like holding the powerful to account, live on TV. Clearly gifted from a young age, his TV career be…

1
Show 308 - Greg Dyke 54:11

1y ago54:11

54:11

Greg Dyke is so much more than a former Director General of the BBC. He's been at the top of various organisations that have shaped our national life and in this sparkling interview gives his verdict on the Gary Lineker controversy and what the rules should be for non-BBC News employees. Greg also reflects on the Hutton Report and the events surrou…

1
Show 307 - Ash Regan 55:54

1y ago55:54

55:54

In the second SNP Leadership Special, Ash Regan outlines her plan to deliver independence as well as her plans to change the SNP. It's a candid conversation in which Ash also shares her concerns about how the contest is being run. Does her leadership campaign prove that SNP members who were once gradualists are becoming more fundamentalist? Would A…

1
Show 306 - Eddie Izzard - LIVE 1:42:37

1y ago1:42:37

1:42:37

Eddie Izzard is one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, as well as being a gifted actor, marathon runner and campaigner... but there's at least one other major ambition still burning: to get elected to the House of Commons. In this hilarious, emotional and deeply personal interview, Eddie talks about everything from the death of loved o…

1
Show 305 - Kate Forbes 1:12:25

1y ago1:12:25

1:12:25

It's been quite the week for Kate Forbes, who's standing to be the next leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. On maternity leave when Nicola Sturgeon resigned, Kate is now the most talked about politician in the UK. In this frank and open interview, she discusses her vision for the future of Scotland and the SNP. Kate also reflects on h…

1
Show 304 - Keir Starmer - LIVE 1:35:34

1y ago1:35:34

1:35:34

Keir Starmer returns to The Political Party in scintillating form. As well as sharing some hilarious stories, mainly about what his children say to him to keep him grounded, he talks openly about recent events, including his emotional trip to Ukraine to meet Volodmyr Zelensky. Keir is open about his strategy for changing the Labour Party and reflec…

1
Show 303 - Harry Cole 1:13:04

1y ago1:13:04

1:13:04

This is a highly entertaining interview with the Political Editor of The Sun. Harry takes us into the modern world of the tabloid and explores The Sun's relationship with politics. How does it decide who to back at an election and has that decision been taken yet? How much politics does The Sun aim to cover? What is the balance between print and on…

1
Show 302 - Nicola Sturgeon Resignation Bonus Episode with Stewart McDonald MP 42:05

1y ago42:05

42:05

Stewart McDonald is an ally of the First Minister and in this candid interview he reacts to the shock news of her resignation. Nicola Sturgeon bows out of Scottish politics at the very top, enjoying an unprecedented electoral record it is all but impossible to surpass. So why has she resigned now and what does it mean for the SNP, Scotland and the …

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