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Political Frenemies

Political Frenemies
Labour Party
Keir Starmer
Reform UK
Conservative Party
NHS
Liberal Democrats
Donald Trump
Green Party
Rachel Reeves
China
Kemi Badenoch
Wes Streeting
British Steel
British Politics
Local Elections
United Kingdom
Andy Burnham
UK Politics
Brexit
Peter Mandelson

Rebels with opposite causes. Former Tory defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert don’t see eye to eye — and that’s exactly why it works. Each week they take on the biggest stories in British politics with wit, insight, and the occasional exasperated sigh. With guests from across the spectrum, Political Frenemies is the antidote to establishment podcasts: unfiltered, unpred... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes74Founded2 years ago
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Latest Episodes

Political Frenemies returns with a blockbuster special as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined by Tory commentator Matthew Goodwin-Freeman and former Labour adviser Matt Lloyd to analyse the political ear... more

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Former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Liberal Democrat commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined once again by LBC presenter, publisher and political commentator Iain Dale for a wide-ranging conversation about his candid new autobiography, reflecting on t... more

YouTube

In this episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by Tax Justice UK Policy and Advocacy Manager Joe Wright for a wide-ranging discussion on a dramatic week in British politics. The... more

YouTube

Political chaos is back on the menu in this bonus episode of Political Frenemies! Former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined once again by Lib Dem YouTuber Andy Chandler to dissect Nigel Farage's bombshell announc... more

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Recent Guests

Joe Wright
Policy and Advocacy Manager at Tax Justice UK
Tax Justice UK
Episode: Murder Investigation Launched into Ann Widdecombe's Death w/ Joe Wright | Political Frenemies #65
Robin Hanford
Minister of the Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel, Hinckley
Unitarian Church
Episode: What is Andy Burnham’s Vision for Britain? w/ The Rev’d Robin Hanford | Political Frenemies #64
Matthew Lloyd
Former Labour advisor and academic
Labour / academia
Episode: Andy Burnham Wins the Makerfield By-Election: Will Starmer Quit? | Political Frenemies #61
James Crawford
Mental health and organizational development professional with interest in liberalism, ethics, and European politics
Independent / writer and blogger
Episode: Starmer v. Robbins: Is it Game Over For Starmer? w/ James Crawford | Political Frenemies #54
Matthew Hulbert
Lib Dem activist
Lib Dems
Episode: Mandelson Security Vetting Row w/ Matthew Goodwin-Freeman | Political Frenemies #53
Matt Lloyd
Academic and former Labour advisor
Labour-affiliated academic
Episode: Iran War Latest, Mandelson Files, and More w/ Fan Favourites | Political Frenemies #50 Special
James Nation
Managing director of Forefront and former deputy head of the Number 10 Policy Unit and former Treasury Special Advisor to Rishi Sunak
Forefront
Episode: Inside No 10, Andrew Arrested, and Another Labour U-Turn w/ James Nation | Political Frenemies #47
Oliver Dean
Political Commentator with Young Voices UK
Young Voices UK
Episode: Starmer Fights Back w/ Oliver Dean | Political Frenemies #46
Zak Wagman
Conservative Party councillor and political commentator
Conservative Party
Episode: Should Starmer Stand Up to Trump? w/ Cllr Zak Wagman | Political Frenemies #41

Hosts

Chris Newton
Host of Political Frenemies; Academic and former Conservative Defence Adviser; defence analyst with a PhD in military history
Mathew Hulbert
Co-host and Lib Dem commentator; Lib Dem activist and former councillor

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Talking Points

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Mathew Meets Streeting, Golders Green Attack, & Starmer Vote w/ Matt Lloyd | Political Frenemies #55
Q: How do local election dynamics and party fragmentation (Greens, Lib Dems, Reform) shape Labour's national strategy, and what are the implications for leadership and policy priority?
The hosts and Matthew Lloyd discuss a shifting multi-party landscape where local campaigns emphasize local services and governance, with reform and Greens gaining ground; this feeds into national strategy by urging Labour to balance local governance credibility with broader policy advocacy and leadership signals, especially around health and social care.
Mathew Meets Streeting, Golders Green Attack, & Starmer Vote w/ Matt Lloyd | Political Frenemies #55
Q: What did the meeting with Wes Streeting reveal about NHS funding, privatization, and social care, and how might these messages play out in Labour's leadership contest?
Matthew Lloyd describes Streeting as being pragmatic and politically minded, noting some openness to increasing NHS funding and social care reform, while recognizing the political constraints of a leadership campaign and the broader fiscal situation; he also emphasizes the tension between privatization narratives and patient-centered care.
Mathew Meets Streeting, Golders Green Attack, & Starmer Vote w/ Matt Lloyd | Political Frenemies #55
Q: What is Labour's reaction to the Golders Green incident and the broader rise in anti-Semitism, and how is the party handling safety for Jewish communities?
Matthew Lloyd underscores that the rise in anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim hate is appalling, praises the police response as appropriate given the seriousness, and notes Labour's need to be seen as taking concrete steps to protect Jewish and minority communities, while acknowledging internal party tensions and the challenge of public perception.
Inside No 10, Andrew Arrested, and Another Labour U-Turn w/ James Nation | Political Frenemies #47
Q: What was it like working in Downing Street and how does a senior adviser balance competing priorities during a crisis?
Nation explains the role as highly reactive, with daily briefings, prioritization, and the challenge of aligning with the Prime Minister's views while driving policy; the best moments come when advised policies gain Prime Ministerial buy-in and can be moved through the system.
Inside No 10, Andrew Arrested, and Another Labour U-Turn w/ James Nation | Political Frenemies #47
Q: Is the monarchy in a precarious state off the back of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest, or is this a targeted issue rather than a systemic crisis?
James Nation suggests the monarchy is not in a precarious state overall, but acknowledges the revelations are disgraceful and damaging, and that transparency and coordination across state institutions are needed moving forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Political Frenemies

What is Political Frenemies about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-edged UK political discussion program featuring two hosts from opposite ends of the political spectrum, who dissect the week's biggest stories with wit, candor, and sharp banter. Across episodes, expect breakdowns of leadership dynamics within Labour, Lib Dems, Greens, and the Conservatives, along with debates on NHS policy, international affairs, and devolved politics. Guests range from party insiders and activists to academics and political commentators, providing cross-spectrum analysis and insider perspectives. The tone is brisk, opinionated, and often provocative, making it a go-to for listeners who want skeptical takes, real-time debate, and a candid, non-establishment viewpoint on UK politics. A notable strength is the pairing... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Political Frenemies?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Political Frenemies:

1. Cross Question with Iain Dale
2. Where Politics Meets History
3. The State of It
4. The Daily T
5. The News Agents

How many episodes of Political Frenemies are there?

Political Frenemies launched 2 years ago and published 74 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Political Frenemies?

Recent guests on Political Frenemies include:

1. Joe Wright
2. Robin Hanford
3. Matthew Lloyd
4. James Crawford
5. Matthew Hulbert
6. Matt Lloyd
7. James Nation
8. Oliver Dean

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