Political Frenemies

Is Kemi Badenoch finally turning the Conservatives around, or is the party still heading for trouble? On the latest Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined by Tory councillor and commentator Zak Wagman to dissect Conservative Party conference, Badenoch’s rejection of any coalition with Reform UK, and whether the Tories are genuinely on the road to recovery. They also examine Labour’s victory in the Holborn and St Pancras by-election and what it means for Zack Polanski and the Greens, before turning to turmoil in the Lib Dems following Charlie Maynard’s resignation from the frontbench. Is this the beginning of a coup against Ed Davey?

Labour conference has delivered a major political shake-up — and on Political Frenemies, Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by trade unionist Sean Purcell to dissect Andy Burnham’s big speech and his plans for pensions, social care and electoral reform. Why does Burnham want to change the pensions triple lock, and what does his promise of a new voting system mean for British politics? We also get into the row within the Liberal Democrats over the triple lock, look at the Green and Plaid Cymru conferences, and cast an eye over the Conservatives as their own conference season gets underway.

The Lib Dems have had their conference — but what does it mean for Ed Davey? Former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined once again by Lib Dem YouTuber Andy Chandler to unpack the Lib Dem conference, assess Davey’s leadership and ask where the party goes next. They also dive into the latest MRP polls showing Labour as the largest party, examine Andy Burnham’s trip to the UN, and preview the big issues set to dominate Labour conference. Political Frenemies is back with another round of political arguments, analysis and intrigue.

Reform UK has had another tough week — but can it bounce back? Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined by Reform UK commentator and self-styled ‘local government diva’ Jess Caine to debate Reform’s recent troubles and whether the party can recover. They also examine the new independence pact between the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin, preview the Lib Dem conference, and ask what to make of Piddington’s extraordinary referendum and vote to leave the UK over migrant plans. Politics, parties and plenty of friction — this is Political Frenemies.

On this week’s Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined once again by Tory commentator Matthew Goodwin-Freeman for a lively look at some of the biggest political and security stories of the week. They debate Labour’s decision to sanction Israeli settlers, Andy Burnham’s explosive PMQs claim that national security should not come at the expense of social security, the defeat of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, and, 25 years on, the enduring political and security legacy of 9/11.

Political Frenemies is back for a brand new season! Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton are joined once again by Talk presenter and former Tory Special Adviser Peter Cardwell for a wide-ranging conversation about the latest twists and turns in Westminster. Peter discusses the paperback release of his book Political Animals, while the trio dissect Reform UK’s conference and the explosive donor sting that has engulfed the party this week. They also look at Andy Burnham and Kemi Badenoch’s first exchanges across the Commons despatch box, and ask what Badenoch’s latest reshuffle tells us about the future direction of the Conservative Party. Politics, personalities, plotting and plenty of disagreement — Political Frenemies is back!

BUY SIGNED copies of Peter's book 'Political Animals' here.https://petercardwell.com/books/political-animals

In this episode, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert are joined by ConservativeHome Assistant Editor Oliver Dean. They dissect the “Burnham bounce” in the polls and ask whether the Prime Minister’s announcements on social care and education can sustain his early momentum. The panel also tackles the controversy surrounding Zack Polanski’s Instagram post share about Nigel Farage, before turning to the Lib Dems’ worrying slump to just 8 per cent in a recent Deltapoll survey. Is Burnham reshaping British politics — and where does it leave everyone else?

Andy Burnham has barely had time to unpack the boxes in Number 10, but the political landscape is already shifting. Joining Lib Dem commentator Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton, academic George Aylett dissects the Prime Minister's dramatic first week in office, from his eye-catching Cabinet appointments to his opening policy announcements and the challenges already looming on the horizon. Is Burnham laying the foundations for a lasting political realignment, or is this just the honeymoon before the hard realities of government bite? Expect sharp analysis, lively debate, and plenty of Political Frenemies sparring as they assess what Burnham's premiership means for Labour, the Conservatives, Reform, the Liberal Democrats, and the future of British politics.

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 earthquake that has transformed Westminster. The panel reflects on Keir Starmer's time in office, examines Andy Burnham's first Cabinet picks as Prime Minister, and explores what his leadership could mean for Britain and the future of British politics. With sharp analysis, lively debate, and plenty of disagreement, they ask who stands to gain—and lose—from the biggest political shake-up in years.

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 the highs, lows and lessons from a life spent at the heart of British politics, broadcasting and publishing. Along the way, the trio also react to Andy Burnham's election as Labour leader, debate Reform UK's concerns over political security in the wake of Ann Widdecombe's death, and examine Kemi Badenoch's decision to draw a firm red line over Net Zero and the ECHR. Packed with political insight, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of good-natured sparring, it's another unmissable episode of Political Frenemies.BUY A SIGNED COPY of Iain Dale's autobiography here:https://www.politicos.co.uk/products/shooting-from-the-lip-my-life-in-media-politics-by-iain-dale-coming-sept-2026