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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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’

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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01:10:59

Labour Reset, Rise of Reform UK, Football Rainbow...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/12/07

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.

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01:15:25

Assisted Dying Vote, Haigh Resignation, Immigration...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/12/01

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.

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01:25:10

Farmers’ Protest, WW3 Fears, Assisted Dying Bill,...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/11/24

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.

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01:05:59

Welby Resignation, NHS League Tables, Non-Crime Hate...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/11/17

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’.

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01:10:28

Trump Victory, Badenoch's First Week, Centrist...

Political Frenemies ·

2024/11/09

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

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00:22:11

Episode 0 - Political Frenemies Teaser

Political Frenemies ·

2024/11/03

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.

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38 results

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