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PODCAST

Political Frenemies

Political Frenemies

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, unpredictable, and proudly independent. Chris Newton is a PhD military historian and defence analyst. Mathew

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All Episodes

00:47:58

Morgan McSweeney RESIGNS As Keir Starmer's Chief of...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/02/08

In a dramatic bonus edition of Political Frenemies, hosts Chris Newton and Mathew Hulbert return to a Westminster story that just won’t stop accelerating. In the wake of the Mandelson–Epstein scandal, the political shockwaves intensify with the stunning departure of Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister’s powerful Chief of Staff, as pressure mounts inside the Labour Party and the Starmer operation begins to visibly wobble. Chris and Mathew dig into what McSweeney’s exit really signals—panic,

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01:03:09

Will the Mandelson Scandal Bring Down Keir Starmer? |...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/02/06

Political Frenemies dives headfirst into Westminster meltdown mode as former Tory adviser Chris Newton, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, and academic and ex–Labour adviser Matt Lloyd unpack the explosive fallout from the Mandelson–Epstein scandal. From Mandelson’s association with Epstein to KeirStarmer’s jaw-dropping admission that he knew about it when appointing Mandelson as ambassador, the trio tear into a week of high political drama that culminated in one of the most bruising PMQs in recent

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00:51:33

Starmer Visits China and Braverman Defects w/ Tom...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/01/30

Political Frenemies returns with Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton joined by Tom Willerton-Gartside, Head of Press at Looking for Growth, for a fast-paced scrap over the week’s biggest political stories. The trio dig into Keir Starmer’s contentious China visit, Suella Braverman’s dramatic defection to Reform UK, the opening skirmishes of the Gorton and Denton by-election, and Labour’s proposed police reforms—serving up sharp analysis, partisan tension, and just

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00:27:49

Labour NEC Blocks Andy Burnham's MP Bid | Political...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/01/25

In this EMERGENCY episode, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert dive headfirst into the shock decision that’s rocked Labour HQ: Andy Burnham’s bid to return to Parliament—blocked by the Labour NEC. What does this mean for Burnham’s future, and why did the party machine slam the door? From furious fallout to whispered leadership consequences, Chris and Mathew chew over Keir Starmer’s authority, Labour’s internal power struggles, and whether this moment exposes a party

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01:21:59

Starmer and Trump Fall Out w/ Andy Chandler |...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/01/24

Old rivalries, new rows, and plenty of political mischief: Political Frenemies is back with former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, joined once again by Yellow Rebel host Andy Chandler, to tear into another week of chaotic politics. From Keir Starmer’s increasingly spiky clashes with Donald Trump over Greenland, Chagos, and Afghanistan, to the fallout from Andrew Gwynne’s resignation and the tantalising question of whether Andy Burnham would fancy a by-election

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01:09:51

Robert Jenrick Defection Reaction w/ Cllr Matthew...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/01/16

Political Frenemies is back with sparks flying as Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton welcome once again Tory councillor and campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman for a fast-paced dive into Westminster chaos and local fallout. The trio react to Robert Jenrick’s jaw-dropping defection to Reform UK, spar over Labour’s abrupt U-turn on digital ID, and unpack reports of delayed local council elections that could reshape the political map. Add in the Liberal Democrats’

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01:08:09

Should Starmer Stand Up to Trump? w/ Cllr Zak Wagman...

Political Frenemies ·

2026/01/09

Political Frenemies kicks off 2026 with a bang as former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert welcome their first guest of the year, Tory councillor Zak Wagman, for a no-holds-barred take on a week of political shockwaves. From Britain’s jittery response to Donald Trump’s intervention in Venezuela and his threats over Greenland, to Keir Starmer’s decision to commit UK troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, the trio spar over what it all means for Britain’s role in

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01:12:12

End of Year Political Review - Christmas Snowflake...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/12/20

It’s baubles at dawn on Political Frenemies as Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton host the Christmas Snowflake Party special —a gloriously chaotic festive roundup joined by fan favourites Tory councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, Lib Dem YouTuber Andy Chandler, and Green activist Daniel Laycock. The gang kick off by unwrapping the week’s political news, including the latest resident doctors’ strike, before settling in for a sharp, funny, and occasionally spiky review

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01:04:40

Should Britain Rejoin the EU Customs Union? w/ Daniel...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/12/12

In this week’s episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are reunited with their occasional Green firebrand Daniel Laycock for a lively end-of-year round-up. The trio catch up with Daniel on the latest twists inside the Greens before diving into Westminster’s big stories: the Commons vote on a UK–EU customs union, a fresh batch of political peers, and Reform UK becoming the country’s largest party by membership. Mathew caps things off with

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01:04:39

Mathew Questions Wes Streeting w/ Andy Chandler |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/12/05

This week on Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and Yellow Rebel host Andy Chandler unpack Mathew’s latest campaigning adventures — including his chance encounter with Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The trio also explore whether Labour’s proposals to slash jury trials and postpone mayoral elections hint at a drift toward illiberalism, before turning to Nigel Farage’s alleged comments about a possible pact with the Tories, and Daisy Cooper’s

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00:46:10

Budget 2025 Fallout w/ Russell Quirk | Political...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/11/29

In this week’s episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by political commentator – and freshly elected Reform UK councillor – Russell Quirk. The trio dig into the Russell’s election as councillor, trade sharp insights on the fallout from this week’s Budget, and unpack what it all means for Rachel Reeves and the Labour government. Expect banter, bold takes, and a spirited clash of perspectives you won’t hear anywhere

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00:47:38

Will Mahmood Solve the Asylum Crisis? w/ Matthew...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/11/21

Political Frenemies is back with Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert and former Tory adviser Chris Newton—this time joined once again by Conservative councillor and campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman—for a lively, cross-party clash of ideas. In this episode, the trio dive into Shabana Mahmood’s headline-grabbing immigration and asylum reforms, unpack the explosive findings of the new Covid-19 inquiry report, debate fresh worries about the UK’s military preparedness, and react to the sentencing of Nathan

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01:46:58

Labour, BBC, and NHS Chaos w/ Dr George Aylett |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/11/14

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

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00:59:23

Calamity Lammy and Reeves’ Pre-Budget Speech w/ Tom...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/11/07

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

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01:30:41

Andrew Out, Reeves in Trouble, and Polanski Up |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/10/31

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

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01:24:55

Prince Andrew Controversy and the Caerphilly...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/10/24

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

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00:48:46

China Spy Case Collapse w/ Matthew Goodwin-Freeman |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/10/17

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

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01:04:25

Tory Conference, Lib Dem Strategy, and Spy Case...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/10/10

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

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02:10:48

Synagogue Terror Attack and Labour & Green...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/10/04

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

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01:28:58

Tory Challenges, Lib Dem Conference Review, and...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/09/26

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

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