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. 

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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 

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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.

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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.  

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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.  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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! 

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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.

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