Chris Newton and Mathew Hulbert discuss the week's biggest British political stories in this short teaser mini-episode, including the Budget and Kemi Badenoch becoming Conservative Party leader. The podcast will officially begin next weekend with full-length episodes.

Chris Newton and Mathew Hulbert discuss the implications of Trump's election victory, Kemi Badenoch's first PMQs, political developments in Ireland and Germany, and Remembrance weekend. #trump #election2024 #kemibadenoch #germanpolitics #irishpolitics #remembranceday #remembrancesunday

In this Christmas special episode, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert discuss the current state of Labour, the Conservatives, Reform UK, and the Lib Dems.

Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory defence adviser Chris Newton discuss the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Labour’s plans on housing, and new statistics showing that the UK economy had shrunk in October. They also discuss, following from comments made by Kemi Badenoch: is lunch for wimps?

In this episode, former Conservative defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert discuss Keir Starmer’s relaunch speech, Reform UK overtaking Labour in an opinion poll, and whether footballers should wear or be allowed to object to wearing rainbow armbands. Chris Newton also provides an update on the conflict in Syria.

In this episode, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Conservative defence adviser Chris Newton discuss the Assisted Dying Bill debate and vote, the resignation of Louise Haigh, the latest UK immigration statistics, and the Irish General Election.

Two friends, different politics. Former Conservative defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert discuss the farmers’ protest over Labour’s inheritance tax plans, developments in Ukraine and Putin's latest threats, the Assisted Dying Bill, and the career of John Prescott.

Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Conservative defence adviser Chris Newton discuss the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury and the future of the Church of England, whether NHS league tables will cure the NHS, and whether the police should be investigating ‘Non-Crime Hate Incidents’.

Lib Dem campaigner Mathew Hulbert and ex-Tory adviser Chris Newton go head-to-head over Nigel Farage’s headline-grabbing pledge to scrap the two-child benefit cap—has Farage outflanked Labour on the left? The duo debate whether Keir Starmer is losing his cool as Reform UK surges, and they dissect Robert Jenrick’s viral vigilante moment on the tube. Is it bold leadership or just political theatre? Tune in for sharp takes, unlikely agreements, and classic political sparring.

In this lively episode, former Tory defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert clash and converge over Keir Starmer’s headline-grabbing deals with the EU and Mauritius. Has the Labour leader handed away too much, too soon — or is this pragmatic statecraft in action? From sovereignty and strategy to electoral stakes, our guests unpack what these moves mean for Britain’s standing and whether the opposition parties smell opportunity or are simply left on the sidelines.

This week on the podcast, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton debate whether Keir Starmer’s new stance on immigration is a genuine policy shift or a calculated response to Nigel Farage’s rising poll numbers and Reform UK’s growing pressure. As Labour pivots rightward on border control, is Starmer successfully neutralising the Farage factor — or risking alienation of progressive voters in the process? They unpack the political strategy, Starmer’s ‘island of strangers’ phrase, and what this means for the parties.

In this episode, former Tory adviser Chris Newton squares off with Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert in a lively discussion about the aftermath of the local elections, unpacking Reform UK's first week running councils and mayoralties. They also tackle the Labour government’s trade deals with Indiaand the US, as well as the state of the Tories, Lib Dems, and Greens. Expect sharp insights and the kind of cross-party banter you didn’t know you needed!

In this special election episode, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton dive into the seismic shifts of the 2025 English local elections and Runcorn by-election, unpacking Reform UK’s disruptive surge and what it spells for the crumbling Conservative vote. With sharp insights and spirited debate, they also assess what the results mean for Labour, the Lib Dems, and the Greens. It’s a must-listen for anyone trying to make sense of a political landscape in flux.

Former Conservative Party adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert dive into Keir Starmer’s controversial St. George’s Day remarks, unpack what patriotism means in modern Britain, and ask: Is national pride a force for good, or a political minefield? Expect sharp insights, spirited debate, and no easy answers.

Former Tory defence policy adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert discuss the government’s emergency legislation on British Steel, the responses of the opposition parties, and whether the government should nationalise steel and other sectors.

Former Tory defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert discuss President Trump’s tariff announcement, its impact on the US and the UK, and the responses of the British political leaders.

Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton react to the government’s Spring Statement, discuss the political fallout, and debate whether the rich should pay more tax!  

In this feisty episode of Political Frenemies, Ex-Tory defence adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem councillor Mathew Hulbert dive into the week’s most pressing political stories — from the fallout of the Afghan data breach to the ongoing turmoil within the Labour Party, and the contentious debate over lowering the voting age to 16. With their trademark mix of sharp insight and respectful disagreement, the duo explores the tension between transparency and security, and what real accountability should look like in modern politics.

In this explosive episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and ex-Tory adviser ChrisNewton are joined by special guest Matthew Goodwin-Freeman — a Conservative councillor, campaigner, and author of the new book A Blueprint. He shares insider insights into how he’s steered winning Tory campaigns despite a turbulent political climate. The trio also dig into Macron’s state visit and his eyebrow-raising agreement with Starmer on migrant crossings, dissect Kemi Badenoch’s controversial welfare speech, and weigh in on the latest Tory defections to Reform UK — all with their signature mix of sharp disagreement and surprising common ground.

BUY Matthew Goodwin-Freeman's book 'A Blueprint'. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blueprint-bucked-trend-General-Election/dp/B0FFZPHWBP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KABNUS3BMNEP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._t2KyGDhWbO7AZnvniVPHw.PYtd1BjSyX9WKBs9fHHyhthIE-oaXJLkLqkcl3a0ezE&dib_tag=se&keywords=matthew+goodwin-freeman&qid=1752265855&sprefix=matthew+goodwin-freeman%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.95fd378e-6299-4723-b1f1-3952ffba15af

In this lively episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by new occasional contributor and LabourListcolumnist Chris Carter for a spirited roundtable on Labour’s week and turbulent first year in government. From the emotional fallout of Rachel Reeves’ tears at PMQs to the Welfare Bill vote, the trio unpack the drama rocking Westminster. They also debate the shockwaves from Jeremy Corbyn’s, Ben Habib’s, and Rupert Lowe’s new parties and movements. Expect sharp analysis, surprising consensus, and plenty of friendly fire.

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In this punchy episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton go head-to-head over Keir Starmer’s welfare U-turn—was this the right thing to do, and is this a reflection of a totally dysfunctional Labour operation? They weigh the fallout for Starmer’s leadership and ask: are his days as PM numbered? The frenemies also tackle Reform UK's eyebrow-raising Britannia Card proposal, Kemi Badenoch's swipe at Starmer's PMQs absences, and the Lib Dems' response to the US strikes on Iran. It’s fiery, it’s frank—and it’s not to be missed.

Keir Starmer Thumbnail Image Attribution: Number 10. Open Government License (background removed).https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_gives_an_update_following_COBRA_(53906780993).jpg

In this special episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert sit down with Talk presenter and ex-Tory Special Adviser Peter Cardwell for a no-holds-barred chat. They dive into the fallout from Cardwell’s headline-grabbing interview with Keir Starmer, pull back the curtain on his time behind the scenes in government, and tackle the political shockwaves from the US strikes on Iran. Plus, the trio dissect the highs and lows of the week for Labour, the Tories, Reform UK, and the Lib Dems in a fast-paced round-up of Westminster’s wild ride.

BUY Peter Cardwell's book 'The Secret Life of Special Advisers'.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-Special-Advisers/dp/1785907395/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0

His NEW BOOK, 'Political Animals: The Secret Life of the Cats and Dogs of Westminster and Washington' will be published on 16 September 2025. https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/political-animals-peter-cardwell

In this episode, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and formerTory adviser Chris Newton lock horns over the Labour government's first major spending review—do their ambitious plans really add up? The frenemies dig into the political and economic case for boosting health and defence budgets, debate whether Kemi Badenoch is finally finding her feet at PMQs, and tackle the week’s biggest political twists and turns with their trademark mix of sharp disagreement and unexpected common ground.

Thumbnail imagery attribution:Rachel Reeves: Lauren Hurley / No 10 Downing Street. Open Government License 3 (Background removed).https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Rachel+reeves&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=imageKeir Starmer: Prime Minister's Office. Open Government License 3 (Background removed).https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=Keir+starmer&title=Special%3AMediaSearch&type=image

In this special episode, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by LBC presenter and author Iain Dale for a wide-ranging chat that doesn’t pull its punches. From his fiery spat with Tommy Robinson to the inspiration behind his new book on Margaret Thatcher, Iain brings his trademark candour. The conversation turns to Kemi Badenoch’s leadership and his views of Labour’s first year in power—expect sharp debate, unexpected agreement, and more than a few political fireworks.

BUY Iain Dale’s new book, Margaret Thatcher:

https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/margaret-thatcher-a-short-biography-signed-by-iain-dale-coming-5-june-2025

In the fiery season finale of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem campaigner Mathew Hulbert and ex-Tory adviser Chris Newton lock horns over a turbulent week in British politics. From junior doctors on the picket lines to anti-migrant hotel protests in Epping, from Reform UK's hardline crime pitch to Kemi Badenoch’s reshuffle—no topic is off-limits. Is the UK heading for a summer of discontent? Tune in for sharp analysis, unexpected agreement (maybe), and plenty of political sparks.

In this week’s episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, are joined by Green Party campaigner Daniel Laycock. The trio dive into a whirlwind of political drama, unpacking Angela Rayner’s shock resignation and the ripple effects of Labour’s reshuffle, the election of Zack Polanski as the new Green Party leader, and the noise emerging from Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham. With sharp analysis, cross-party banter, and more than a little good-natured sparring, the trio cut through the headlines to offer listeners fresh perspectives on Britain’s fast-shifting political landscape.

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Political Frenemies returns with sparks flying as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert team up once again—this time joined by political scientist and historian Dr George Aylett—to dissect one of the most chaotic weeks in British politics. From the rumours of a Labour coup plot to two senior BBC resignations amid a brewing row with Donald Trump, the trio pull no punches. Add in yet another junior doctors’ strike and the Lib Dems’ VAT announcement, and you’ve got a fast-paced, sharp-tongued episode where frenemies clash, debate, and occasionally agree their way through the madness.

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In this episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and researcher-campaigner Tom Willerton-Gartside dive into a whirlwind week in politics — from David Lammy’s embattled response to the prisoner release fiasco to Rachel Reeves’ and Nigel Farage’s speeches on the economy. The trio tackle the charged atmosphere and protests at Villa Park during the Aston Villa vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv match, ask whether the British left can take inspiration from Zohran Mamdani’s grassroots success, and round things off with thoughtful reflections on Remembrance Sunday. Spirited, sharp, and surprisingly good-natured — it’s politics without the echo chamber.

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In this anniversary episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert mark one year of spirited debate, unexpected agreement, and plenty of laughs. The pair dive into a packed political week — from the stripping of former Prince Andrew’s titles and Rachel Reeves’ rent row to the Greens’ surprise surge and the Lib Dems’ latest trans quota controversy. Plus, a quick apology for the sound quality — a few technical gremlins joined the party — but the conversation is as sharp (and friendly) as ever!

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In this episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and ex-Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by the host of the Yellow Rebel YouTube channel - Andy Chandler. They dive into a whirlwind week in UK politics. From the political reaction to the Prince Andrew allegations and the government’s troubled grooming gang inquiry, to Plaid Cymru’s breakthrough in Caerphilly and a string of Lib Dem local by-election wins, the trio bring sharp analysis, good humour, and the occasional friendly jab. It’s thoughtful, provocative, and lively— politics as only frenemies can do it.CHECK OUT Episode 1 of Mathew and Andy's new podcast, Mathew & Andy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJpo6pnzY44CHECK OUT Andy's channel, The Yellow Rebel:https://www.youtube.com/@TheYellowRebel Thumbnail Image: Northern Ireland Office.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prince_Andrew,_Duke_of_York_in_Northern_Ireland_2018.png

In this week’s Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by returning guest Tory commentator Matthew Goodwin-Freeman for a lively and unfiltered roundtable on the week’s political fireworks. The trio unpack the government’s troubles after the China spy case collapse, ask whether Nigel Farage’s influence has left lasting scars on Britain’s economy, and assess Ed Davey’s big energy speech. The trio also debate the political fallout from the controversial Maccabi Tel Aviv fan ban decision at Aston Villa. Expect sharp takes, surprising agreements, and the kind of cross-party banter only true political frenemies can deliver.BUY

Mathew Goodwin-Freeman's book, 'A Blueprint'.https://www.matthewgoodwinfreeman.uk/book

BUY Iain Dale's NEW book: 'British By-Elections, 1769-2025' (contains a chapter by Mathew Hulbert!) https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/british-by-elections

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In this week’s Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by Scottish Lib Dem Social Security Spokesperson and Lib Dem Voice editor Caron Lindsay for a sharp, witty, and surprisingly good-natured clash of perspectives. The trio unpack the drama of the Tory Party Conference — including Kemi Badenoch’s headline-grabbing speech — debate where the Liberal Democrats should go next, and ask whether the Greens’ surge in membership signals a shifting political landscape. They also delve into the fallout from the collapse of the China spy case and what it means for Keir Starmer’s Labour government. Expect lively disagreement, unexpected common ground, and plenty of political insight.

BUY Iain Dale's NEW book: 'British By-Elections, 1769-2025' (contains a chapter by Mathew Hulbert!) https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/british-by-elections

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In this episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by returning occasional Green contributor Daniel Laycock for a packed and thought-provoking discussion. The trio reflect on the tragic terror attack at a Manchester synagogue, dissect Labour’s rhetoric at its conference, and weigh up the messages coming out of the Green Party gathering. Mathew also takes a moment to unpack the latest Lib Dem reshuffle and also gives an exclusive sneak peek at his chapter in Iain Dale’s new book British By-elections, 1769–2025. The conversation lastly turns to previewing the upcoming Conservative Party conference. It’s a blend of sharp analysis, candid insight, and cross-party banter you won’t want to miss.

BUY Iain Dale's NEW book: 'British By-Elections, 1769-2025' (contains a chapter by Mathew Hulbert!) https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/british-by-elections

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On this episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by special guest Kevin Foster, former Conservative MP and minister, for a lively and candid conversation. From inside stories of ministerial life to frank reflections on the state of today’s Tory Party, the trio pull no punches. They take stock of the Lib Dem conference, pick apart Reform’s controversial immigration plans, and debate Labour’s proposal for a digital ID scheme—all with the trademark mix of insight, humour, and good-natured sparring that makes Political Frenemies essential listening for political junkies.

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In this episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by returning guest Peter Cardwell, former Tory Special Adviser and Talk presenter, to delve into the turbulent world of British politics. Cardwell discusses his new book Political Animals, before the trio turn to Donald Trump’s state visit, Keir Starmer’s mounting troubles, the latest defections to Reform UK, and the growing row within Your Party. With sharp insights and lively exchanges across party lines, the conversation is rounded off with Hulbert’s preview of the upcoming Liberal Democrat conference.BUY Peter Cardwell's NEW book 'Political Animals'.https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/political-animals-peter-cardwellBUY Iain Dale's NEW book: 'British By-Elections, 1769-2025' (contains a chapter by Mathew Hulbert!) https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/british-by-elections Thumbnail Background Image: Number 10.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_meets_US_President_Donald_Trump_(54795831485).jpg

Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and returning guest Tory campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman trade perspectives on the week’s biggest stories. In this episode, they dissect the shock resignation of Peter Mandelson, weigh up the contenders in Labour’s deputy leadership race, and unpack the British reaction to the assassination of US conservative figure Charlie Kirk. With sharp disagreements, surprising points of consensus, and a good dose of humour, the trio offers listeners a candid, cross-party take on politics at its most unpredictable.

BUY Mathew Goodwin-Freeman's book, 'A Blueprint'.

https://www.matthewgoodwinfreeman.uk/book

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