Political Frenemies

Political Frenemies
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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 Hulbert is a former journalist, councillor, and charity chair. Both appear on TV and radio.

  1. 4D AGO

    Inside No 10, Andrew Arrested, and Another Labour U-Turn w/ James Nation | Political Frenemies #47

    On this week’s Political Frenemies, former Tory adviser Chris Newton and Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert are joined by James Nation, former Deputy Head of the Number 10 Policy Unit under Rishi Sunak, for a candid, behind-the-scenes tour of life at the heart of government. Nation lifts the lid on how policy is really made in Downing Street — and what it’s like navigating crises from inside No.10. The trio then dive into the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, another bruising week for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party — from Labour Together allegations to a local election u-turn and blistering criticism of the Chagos deal from Donald Trump — and ask whether the pressure is finally starting to bite. Plus, what do Reform UK’s first four “Shadow Cabinet” appointments tell us about Nigel Farage’s endgame? Sharp, punchy and unfiltered — politics as you’ve never heard it before.Thumbnail Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10

    1h 9m

  2. FEB 13

    Starmer Fights Back w/ Oliver Dean | Political Frenemies #46

    In this explosive episode of Political Frenemies, Lib Dem activist Mathew Hulbert, former Tory adviser Chris Newton, and political commentator Oliver Dean dive headfirst into Keir Starmer’s most dramatic week yet — from shock senior government resignations and mounting calls for him to quit, to a last-minute Cabinet rally that pulled him back from the brink. The trio unpack what it all means for Labour’s authority and the wider political landscape, before turning to Starmer’s fiery spat with Jim Ratcliffe — co-owner of Manchester United — over immigration, a clash that blends politics, business, and culture-war flashpoints. The episode wraps up with a sharp look at the Liberal Democrats’ latest pitch on economic growth — and whether it’s bold enough to cut through in an increasingly volatile political climate. Thumbnail Image: Simon Dawson / Number 10 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_visits_China_on_30_January_2026_-_16.jpg

    1 hr

  3. FEB 8 · BONUS

    Morgan McSweeney RESIGNS As Keir Starmer's Chief of Staff | Political Frenemies Bonus Episode

    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, recalibration, or the start of a wider unravelling—while dissecting the internal blame game, factional manoeuvring, and brutal questions now being asked of Keir Starmer’s judgement and authority. Sharp, forensic, and unflinchingly political, this bonus episode asks whether this moment marks the clearest sign yet that Starmer’s grip on power is slipping.

    48 min

  4. FEB 6

    Will the Mandelson Scandal Bring Down Keir Starmer? | Political Frenemies #45

    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 memory. Sharp, partisan, and occasionally brutal, the episode closes with the question now hanging over British politics: are we finally watching the beginning of the end for Starmer? Thumbnail Image: Number 10 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_hosts_a_business_roundtable_(54354501680).jpg

    1h 3m

  5. JAN 30

    Starmer Visits China and Braverman Defects w/ Tom Willerton-Gartside | Political Frenemies #44

    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 enough common ground to keep things interesting. Thumbnail Image: Number 10 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prime_Minister_Keir_Starmer_visits_China_(55066780794).jpg

    52 min

  6. JAN 25 · BONUS

    Labour NEC Blocks Andy Burnham's MP Bid | Political Frenemies Bonus Episode

    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 still at war with itself. Sharp takes, insider perspective, and zero chill—don’t miss it.

    28 min

  7. JAN 24

    Starmer and Trump Fall Out w/ Andy Chandler | Political Frenemies #43

    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 comeback, nothing is off limits. Throw in postponed local elections and fresh right-wing turbulence as Robert Jenrick stirs controversy from his new home in Reform UK, and you’ve got an episode packed with sharp takes, ideological sparring, and the kind of uncomfortable agreements only true frenemies can deliver.

    1h 22m

  8. JAN 16

    Robert Jenrick Defection Reaction w/ Cllr Matthew Goodwin-Freeman | Political Frenemies #42

    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’ latest announcement on A&E, and you’ve got a sharp, combative, and often funny clash of perspectives that cuts through the spin and gets to the political fault lines of the week.

    1h 10m
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About

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 Hulbert is a former journalist, councillor, and charity chair. Both appear on TV and radio.

Information

  • Creator
    Political Frenemies
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Political Frenemies
  • Show Website
    Political Frenemies