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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

00:46:10

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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01:02:09

Political Animals, Starmer's Woes, and Trump's UK...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/09/19

In this episode of Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by returning guest Peter Cardwell, former Tory Special Adviser and Talk presenter, to delve into the turbulent world of British politics. Cardwell discusses his new book Political Animals, before the trio turn to Donald Trump’s state visit, Keir Starmer’s mounting troubles, the latest defections to Reform UK, and the growing row within Your Party. With sharp insights and lively

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01:25:50

Mandelson Sacking and UK Charlie Kirk Reaction w/...

Political Frenemies ·

2025/09/12

Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and returning guest Tory campaigner Matthew Goodwin-Freeman trade perspectives on the week’s biggest stories. In this episode, they dissect the shock resignation of Peter Mandelson, weigh up the contenders in Labour’s deputy leadership race, and unpack the British reaction to the assassination of US conservative figure Charlie Kirk. With sharp disagreements, surprising points of consensus, and a good dose of humour, the trio offers

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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