x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

news news commentary

All Episodes

01:25:31

Rayner Resignation and Labour Reshuffle w/ Daniel...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/09/05

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

en-gb

01:29:59

Summer of Discontent? | Political Frenemies #24

Political Frenemies ·

2025/07/25

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.

en-gb

00:53:18

Afghan Data Breach and Votes at 16: What Now for...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/07/18

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

en-gb

01:24:58

Can the Tories Win Again? w/ Matthew Goodwin-Freeman...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/07/11

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

en-gb

01:36:50

One Year of Labour w/ Chris Carter | Political...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/07/05

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

en-gb

01:11:47

Welfare U-Turn: Is this the Beginning of the End for...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/06/27

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

en-gb

01:12:01

Peter Cardwell on Keir Starmer, Special Advisers,...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/06/22

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,

en-gb

00:52:12

Spending Review 2025 Reaction | Political Frenemies #18

Political Frenemies ·

2025/06/13

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

en-gb

01:33:29

Iain Dale on Margaret Thatcher, Kemi Badenoch, and...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/06/08

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

en-gb

01:04:29

Farage Swings Left, Starmer Wobbles, and Jenrick...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/05/30

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.

en-gb

00:56:25

Deal or No Deal? Starmer’s Gambles with Brexit,...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/05/23

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.

en-gb

00:55:43

Can Starmer’s Immigration Pivot Stop the Farage...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/05/16

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’

en-gb

00:53:16

Local Election Fallout | Political Frenemies #13

Political Frenemies ·

2025/05/09

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!

en-gb

01:14:50

Local Elections 2025 Special | Political Frenemies #12

Political Frenemies ·

2025/05/02

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.

en-gb

00:53:16

Whose Flag is it Anyway? | Political Frenemies #11

Political Frenemies ·

2025/04/25

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.

en-gb

00:50:20

British Steel: Is Nationalisation the Answer? |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/04/13

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.

en-gb

00:48:04

How Should Britain Respond to Trump’s Tariffs? |...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/04/05

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.

en-gb

00:51:52

Spring Statement: Who Will Pay for the Cost of...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/03/30

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!

en-gb

01:52:30

The State of the Political Parties - Christmas...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/12/22

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.

en-gb

01:16:24

Dictators, Houses, and Sandwiches | Political...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/12/15

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?

en-gb

46 results

Similar Podcasts

Expres Ráno

Expres FM

PBS News Hour - Full Show

PBS News

CD Voice

China Daily

Israel Today: Ongoing War Report

Noa Levi

Jeffrey Epstein: The Coverup Chronicles

Bobby Capucci