Iain Dale All Talk

Iain Dale interviews former Conservative MP and Father of the House of Commons Sir Peter Bottomley. They discuss his many years of service as an MP, doing battle with journalists and how politics has changed - and much more.

Iain Dale interviews political adviser Tom Skinner about his work on James Cleverly's leadership campaign and what went wrong, working in government under Liz Truss - and what the Conservative Party should do next.

Matthew Stadlen sits in and interviews podcaster and former Scottish Tory leader Baroness Ruth Davidson live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about the future of the Conservative Party, whether she’ll make a return to frontline politics, why she thinks Labour is wrong, imposter syndrome and more!

Matthew Stadlen sits in at the Edinburgh Fringe and is joined by the former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond. This was recorded in August - and we're releasing it now after Alex died at the age of 69.

Matthew Stadlen sits in for Iain and interviews three top analysts, pollster Sir John Curtice, Scottish political journalist Brian Taylor and seasoned Westminster-watcher Michael Crick - they look back on the election and consider the big issues facing the new government.

Matthew Stadlen sits in and interviews broadcasters Chris Kamara and Ben Shephard, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss that 'I don't know Jeff' moment, their years presenting Goals on Sunday together, Kammy's experience living with apraxia and more.

Iain Dale interviews Robert Harris about his new novel Precipice, a thrilling account of a love affair between Prime Minister H.H. Asquith and reckless 26-year old aristocrat Venetia Stanley - in a country on the brink of war.

Iain Dale interviews former Tory cabinet minister Dame Andrea Leadsom in an episode recorded shortly after the election. They discuss what the Tories need to do to change their fate, Andrea's commitment to early years and whether parents need to take responsibility for their kids' teeth, what's wrong with the civil service and whether she'd work with the new Labour government - plus much more besides!

Iain Dale interviews former Tory MP Anna Firth, in an episode recorded shortly after the general election. They talk about the election result and how it feels to lose, the influence of Reform UK, her campaigning against pet theft, and the legacy of Sir David Amess, who preceded her in her seat.

Matthew Stadlen sits in for Iain and interviews safeguarding minister Jess Phillips, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about the work she wants to do to tackle violence against women and girls, how to push back against Andrew Tate and whether social media is any fun anymore.

Matthew Stadlen sits in and interviews former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss how his premiership as first minister ended, his reaction to the riots, whether independence is doomed - and loads more.

Matthew Stadlen sits in for Iain and interviews actor Miriam Margolyes, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss her years on the stage, the magic of Charles Dickens and the appeal of the bottom! (Not for the faint-hearted!)

Matthew Stadlen sits in and interviews health secretary Wes Streeting, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss what it's like in such a big job at 41, whether the Labour government can truly deliver change - and how his own health issues have informed his work.

Matthew Stadlen sits in and interviews former prime minister Liz Truss, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss what it's like being prime minister, what went wrong for her premiership, what's next for the Conservative Party and the disorder we're seeing in the UK at the moment - and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews journalist Eleanor Mills about her career in journalism, sexism in the media and her new book MUCH MORE TO COME: LESSONS ON THE MAYHEM AND MAGNIFICENCE OF MIDLIFE.

Iain chats to the journalist Tim Shipman, who is the Sunday Times' chief political commentator, as well as the author of a series of books detailing the UK's departure from the European Union and the political difficulties faced since Brexit. The latest book is called 'No Way Out: Brexit: From the Backstop to Boris'.

Iain talks to the military historian Dr Peter Caddick-Adams, who has written a new biography or Sir Winston Churchill. After writing an essay on Britain's wartime Prime Minister for the book 'The Prime Ministers', edited by Iain, Peter has expanded his research into how Churchill led the nation through the Second World War and how his experiences during the previous conflict shaped his decision-making.

Iain speaks to former Conservative Cabinet Minister Sir Brandon Lewis about his decision to stand down from Parliament at the 2024 General Election, his experiences as a Cabinet Minister in the governments of Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, and how the Conservatives can rebuild from their bruising defeat in that 2024 election.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to former Labour leader Lord Kinnock. They discuss the election campaign, whether Keir Starmer is ready, the betting scandal, the future of the Labour Party and his own experience fighting elections. Neil also takes calls from LBC listeners.

Iain Dale interviews former Conservative MP and minister Robert Halfon about leaving politics and what might come next, the challenges of articulating a case for Israel, whether he'd offer his services to a Labour government - and much else besides!

Iain Dale interviews author and biographer Linda McDougall about her life of political journalism, marriage with late Labour MP Austin Mitchell and her latest book about Harold Wilson's trusted adviser and confidante MARCIA WILLIAMS: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BARONESS FALKENDER.

Iain Dale interviews fellow LBC presenter Ian Payne about how he discovered his love of sport, whether he enjoyed his stint on telly and the magic of early morning radio.

In an interview from Iain's radio programme in 2011, he interviews the late broadcaster Peter Sissons. They speak about Peter's childhood going to school with the Beatles, his extraordinary life in broadcasting and his memoirs.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby about his new book ENDGAME 1944: HOW STALIN WON THE WAR, which details the year which sealed the fate of the Nazis. Jonathan also speaks about his time at the BBC, and how the media landscape is changing.

This episode was recorded before the prime minister called the general election.

Iain Dale interviews one of his best friends, Deborah Slattery, who became a Conservative Party agent and was Iain’s campaign manager in North Norfolk. She was director of the Norfolk Deaf Association, and moved to Spain nine years ago. They also discuss child bereavement after Deborah and her husband Mike lost their six year old daughter Georgina to a terminal brain tumour.

Iain Dale interviews veteran broadcaster Fred Dinenage about his sixty years in broadcasting, the challenges and fun of working local news and kids TV - and his relationship with the Kray twins!

Iain Dale interviews comedian and writer Helen Lederer about getting through rejection in her career, being honest on stage and the changing comedy landscape, as well as plenty of stories from her memoir NOT THAT I'M BITTER.

Due to a technical issue, there is a very short period in the middle in which the sound quality changes. The discussion is such fun, we've left that bit in.

Iain Dale interviews author and commentator Matthew Syed about his former life as a professional table tennis player, the UK's economic trouble, whether he still has political ambitions and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews author, social entrepreneur and Baptist minister Reverend Steve Chalke about optimism, religion, making a positive difference and much more.

Iain Dale interviews former Prime Minister Liz Truss about her time in office, what conservatives are getting wrong, Biden vs Trump, net zero, defence spending 'activism' in the civil service, bugging Boris Johnson in hospital and much more besides, as well as Liz's new book TEN YEARS TO SAVE THE WEST.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to comedian Matt Forde. They discuss his life-changing cancer diagnosis and recovery, the state of the political parties... and he gives us some of his best impressions! Matt also takes calls from LBC listeners.

Iain Dale interviews Labour peer and former MP Lord Hain about his time helping negotiate peace in Northern Ireland, the art of writing a good biography, and his latest thriller novel THE LION CONSPIRACY, which focuses on the real life corruption surrounding lion poaching in South Africa.

Iain Dale interviews author and comedy scriptwriter John O'Farrell about whether family should matter more than politics, standing against Theresa May in Maidenhead, his comedy writing (including the Mrs Doubtfire Musical!) and much else besides, including his new satirical novel about our divided times, FAMILY POLITICS.

Iain Dale interviews former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett about her views on how the economy should be reformed (debate ensues!), her time leading her party, how she got her peerage and whether she likes dealing with the media. They also talk about her new book CHANGE EVERYTHING: HOW WE CAN RETHINK, REPAIR AND REBUILD SOCIETY.

Iain Dale interviews LBC presenter Tom Swarbrick about his time as a reporter (during which he once tried to take a horse on a bus), working in Number 10 with Theresa May, taking over the drivetime slot on LBC and dealing with breaking news.

Iain Dale interviews journalist and author Peter Hitchens about his changing political views, the death of his mother, rediscovering religious faith, whether our prisons work and why he thinks he should be doing more TV work!

Iain Dale interviews former leader of the Conservative Party Lord Howard about his journey through politics, his experiences of the 2005 election, thatinterview with Jeremy Paxman and Ann Widdecombe saying there was 'something of the night about him' - and much more besides.

On this special edition to mark 250 episodes, Iain Dale is the interviewee. Carolyn Quinn speaks to him about his childhood growing up on a farm, his career in and around politics and getting into radio.

Iain Dale interviews businessman Lord Bilimoria about why he founded Cobra Beer, his time as president of the CBI during the pandemic, his British Asian identity and whether Brexit is going very well.

Iain Dale interviews former cabinet minister Baroness Chalker about her remarkable life in frontline politics, losing her mum when she was only a teenager, working with Margaret Thatcher - and being pegged by Iain as the next prime minister!

Iain Dale interviews journalist and co-host of the podcast The News Agents about the US election, his career at the BBC, his biggest interviews, hopes and regrets - and much more.

To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to Dov Forman, social media creator and great-grandchild of Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert.

Iain Dale interviews Lord Pickles ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day. They discuss his role as Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust issues, how important it is to remember the Holocaust and his desire for a permanent memorial in Westminster.

Iain Dale interviews Liberal Democrat Chief Whip Wendy Chamberlain about keeping her MPs in check, her former work in the police and being in a relationship with someone from a different political party.

Iain Dale interviews Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans about the challenges of being largely neutral in his role, his relationship with former speaker John Bercow, being accused and acquitted of sexual abuse and coming out as gay

In this extra edition of All Talk, we look back to 2018 when psychotherapist and former political advisor and lobbyist Derek Draper joined Iain on his radio show to talk about his book CREATE SPACE. They discuss Derek's insights into how to live a happier, more fulfilling life and how to get the most out of your career. We remember Derek Draper, who died today at the age of 56.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to the Guardian's John Crace. They discuss the state of our political system, the art of satire and his struggles with addiction, as well as his book DEPRAVED NEW WORLD.

Some of the best bits from Iain's All Talk interviews of 2023 - featuring LBC presenter Lewis Goodall, diplomat Lord Renwick, LGBT campaigner Peter Tatchell, British Ambassador to the U.S. Dame Karen Pierce, broadcaster and psychologist Dr Sian Williams, comedian and impressionist Steve Nallon, TV producer Rob Burley, economist Linda Yueh, The Sun's political editor Harry Cole, Radio X presenter Johnny Vaughan, anti conversion therapy campaigner Jayne Ozanne, journalist Carolyn Quinn, former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger and the one and only Cliff Richard.

A festive treat. Iain Dale interviews Cliff Richard live at the Hammersmith Apollo in London about his childhood, all the stars he's met over the years, who he'd like to collaborate with next and so much more.

For Iain's full story about interviewing Cliff, go to iaindale.com!

Iain Dale interviews comedian, writer and podcaster Kevin Day. They discuss tribalism in football, Kevin getting thrown out of university and starting out in comedy as a working class lad… and the ego all comedians need in order to be successful.

Iain Dale interviews Prospect Magazine editor, and former Guardian editor, Alan Rusbridger about his love for journalism, making changes at the Guardian, the shifting sands in broadcasting and his relationship with Julian Assange.

In this bonus edition of All Talk, we look back to 2011 when former Chancellor Alistair Darling joined Iain on his radio show to talk about his book BACK FROM THE BRINK. They also discuss his relationship with Gordon Brown, the financial crash and the fate of the Eurozone. We remember Alistair Darling, who died today at the age of 70.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Carolyn Quinn about starting out in radio, her career at the BBC, impartiality, diversity on the radio and the gender pay gap.

Iain Dale interviews evangelical Christian and Chair of the Ban Conversion Therapy Coalition about whether the UK is going in the right direction on LGBT rights, Jayne's experiences with the Church and coming out and whether Justin Welby is still the right man to be the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Due to a technical issue, there are very short periods in which the sound quality changes. The discussion is so insightful, we've left those bits in.

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show to retired High Court judge Sir Nicholas Mostyn. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020 and speaks about his experiences, as well as engaging with callers about their lives too.

Iain Dale interviews writer, broadcaster and networker Julia Hobsbawm about the importance of confidence, public speaking, mixing with all sorts of people, growing up with a well-known father and much more.

Iain Dale interviews the Mayor of the North of Tyne area Jamie Driscoll. They talk about how Labour blocked him from standing again under their banner, breaking into politics, how to lead on a local level and now raising his young boys to argue well.

Iain Dale speaks to Health Secretary Steve Barclay for the Policy Exchange - live from the Conservative Party Conference.

Iain Dale interviews political historian Nigel Fletcher about British opposition leaders over time - those who missed out on being Prime Minister, as well as Nigel's own experience of being an opposition leader in a council. What are the challenges of opposition? What's the boundary between opposition and protest? It's all through the lens of Nigel's new book THE NOT QUITE PRIME MINISTERS.

Iain Dale interviews political journalist and broadcaster Steve Richards. They discuss the huge political moments which changed the course of history over the last eighty years - detailed in his new book TURNING POINTS: CRISIS AND CHANGE IN MODERN BRITAIN FROM 1945 TO TRUSS.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Ros Atkins about his career in news, his skill in explaining complex ideas and events in simple terms and his new book 'THE ART OF EXPLANATION: HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE'.

Iain Dale interviews broadcaster Johnny Vaughan about his unique show on Radio X, whether he misses telly, what it takes to be an LBC presenter, his tastes in music and literature, and the tricky subject of listener complaints!

Iain Dale interviews former Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and former General Secretary of Unite Len McCluskey, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk contemporary politics and Jeremy's next steps, but they also discuss their new poetry book 'Poetry for the Many: An Anthology'.

Iain Dale interviews legendary polling expert Sir John Curtice and Scottish political broadcaster Brian Taylor. They talk all things politics - the current state of play, how things might shift before the next election and what the hot button issues are for the British public. There's even a bit of singing too.

Iain Dale interviews First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss the SNP's turmoil, filling Nicola Sturgeon's shoes, the racial prejudice he's faced throughout his career... and there are four interruptions!

Iain Dale interviews Labour MP and Shadow Domestic Violence and Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss what issues matter to the public, Keir Starmer vs Rishi Sunak, whether she'll keep her brief in a reshuffle, the Barbie Movie and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews columnists Polly Toynbee and Peter Hitchens, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. It gets heated as they discuss the downfall of marriage in the UK, whether Brexit is going well, how to write a column and much more.

Iain Dale interviews former Leader of the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They discuss what went wrong in the coalition, privatising Royal Mail, the challenges of leading a smaller party and whether he's an 'apologist' for the Chinese government - as well as loads more!

Iain Dale interviews Labour MP Harriet Harman about the privileges committee investigation into Boris Johnson, the death of her husband Jack Dromey and the challenges overcome by women in Westminster.

Iain Dale interviews Alba Party Leader Alex Salmond and former Brexit Secretary David Davis, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk Scottish politics, whether Brexit could have gone better... and their unusual political friendship.

Iain Dale interviews former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. No topics are off-limits and they talk all things SNP; the current turmoil, the record of her government, how Humza Yousaf is getting on... and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews Shadow Health Secretary and Labour MP Wes Streeting, live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about Wes's spat with the SNP's Stephen Flynn, whether Wes is 'right wing', and his book ONE BOY, TWO BILLS AND A FRY UP: A MEMOIR OF GROWING UP AND GETTING ON.

See this as a tasting menu for the delights to come, in thirteen All Talk interviews recorded in front of a live audience at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Featuring Mick Lynch, Jess Phillips, Alex Salmond and David Davis, Nicola Sturgeon, Chris Mullin and Sasha Swire, Wes Streeting, Harriet Harman, Polly Toynbee and Peter Hitchens, Penny Mordaunt, Jeremy Corbyn and Len McCluskey, Sir John Curtice and Brian Taylor - finishing with Humza Yousaf. Enjoy!

The full episodes will all be released over the next few weeks.

Iain Dale interviews writer and former MP Chris Mullin alongside acclaimed author Sasha Swire about their passion for political diarism. It's a conversation bursting with great anecdotes culled from the corridors of Westminster, as well as plenty of takes on the current state of politics too.

Iain Dale interviews Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt, live from the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about her unique role in the Coronation, whether the Tories can win the next election, connecting with the public and how to argue well in the House of Commons, and much else!

Iain Dale interviews General Secretary of the RMT union Mick Lynch, live at the Edinburgh Fringe. They talk about Mick's youth growing up in multicultural West London, becoming active in trade unionism, Keir Starmer's missions, the RMT's ongoing dispute over pay and plans to shut train ticket offices, class conflict and much more besides.

Iain Dale interviews political journalist and author Harry Cole about his work as political editor of The Sun, dealing with the different Downing Street administrations over recent years, how to deal with slow news days and what's coming next in British politics.

Iain Dale interviews economist and author Dr Linda Yueh about growing up in Taiwan and the United States, how to manage a country's economy, the overlap between political and financial crises and her book THE GREAT CRASHES: LESSONS FROM GLOBAL MELTDOWNS AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM.

Iain Dale interviews academic and podcaster Kieran Maguire about his career making football finance make sense, whether there's too much money in the beautiful game... and a surprise phone call from a certain former prime minister. His podcast is THE PRICE OF FOOTBALL. [Recorded in a spacious living room.]

Iain Dale interviews journalist and comedian Viv Groskop about the importance of confidence to success in various careers, the thrills and challenges of being on stage and being proud of your roots. It's all part of her new book HAPPY HIGH STATUS: HOW TO BE EFFORTLESSLY CONFIDENT.

Iain Dale interviews The Guardian’s Ireland correspondent about his career in journalism as a foreign correspondent. They also talk his new book KILLING THATCHER, which Iain describes as his Book of the Year. Its focus is the IRA bombing of The Grand Hotel in Brighton in 1984, but it’s about so much more than that too.

Iain Dale interviews television producer Rob Burley about the rise of political TV, whether a 'tough' interviewing style is always right, the relationship between producers and presenters and some fascinating stories from his new book WHY IS THIS LYING BASTARD LYING TO ME?

Iain Dale interviews inequality academic and author Faiza Shaheen about social mobility, running to be an MP, diversity in politics and her new book KNOW YOUR PLACE: HOW SOCIETY SETS US UP TO FAIL AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

Iain Dale interviews diarist and former Labour MP Chris Mullin about the newly released fourth volume DIDN'T YOU USE TO BE CHRIS MULLIN?, which covers political events between 2010 and 2022. They discuss the sheer volume of changes during that period - including the highs and lows of the Conservative Party with its four leaders and the tumult in the Labour Party under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.

Iain Dale interviews Ben Kentish about how to be a lobby journalist, building and maintaining relationships with politicians and advisers... and being a 'pain in the arse' at school.

Iain Dale interviews Baroness Helena Kennedy about her life as a lawyer tackling violence against women and girls, the difficulty of balancing political views with legal work... and her unique role in the Coronation of King Charles III.

Iain Dale interviews impressionist and writer Steve Nallon about the tricks of his trade as a voice artist, the easiest public figures to impersonate and how he's adapted his repertoire over time. They also discuss Steve's new novel for young people THE TIME THAT NEVER WAS.

Iain Dale interviews American author and historian Alvin Felzenberg about getting to know numerous US presidents, including Ronald Reagan and the Bushes, working on the 9/11 Commission and how he would rank American leaders throughout history.

Brexit, Covid, Partygate, lockdowns, leaks, the war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis and the scandals that plagued our politics. Guto Harri was in the room when the big decisions were made. In this podcast, expect unprecedented access behind the shiny black door of Number 10 Downing Street, during one of the most chaotic periods in British political history.  

Guto was Boris Johnson’s Communications Chief. When he first walked over the Number 10 threshold, things weren’t normal. A set of circumstances, scandals and chaos that will never be repeated. It was unprecedented. 

Episode one out now on Global Player.

Iain Dale interviews comedian and actor Njambi McGrath about her career in comedy, the damage done by the British Empire and her book THROUGH THE LEOPARD'S GAZE, which details her harrowing but inspiring childhood in Kenya.

Iain Dale interviews foreign affairs journalist and author Tim Marshall about his time as a TV correspondent, the personalities and characters he's met throughout his career covering major international events, as well as his new book THE FUTURE OF GEOGRAPHY: HOW POWER AND POLITICS IN SPACE WILL CHANGE OUR WORLD.

Iain Dale interviews veteran journalist and writer Julia Langdon. They discuss the challenges of breaking into journalism, forming relationships with politicians and the wide variety of people Julia has interviewed. She's gone toe-to-toe with then Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie, Chinese revolutionary leader Deng Xiaoping and the poet Ogden Nash, among many others. Also, she once caught out Jeffrey Archer doing a fake American accent...

Iain Dale interviews trade unionist and campaigner Len McCluskey. They discuss his childhood in Liverpool, taking on Margaret Thatcher's government and how unions have changed over the years, as well as the challenges from his time as General Secretary of Unite. Len's book is ALWAYS RED.

Iain Dale interviews political academic Professor Tim Bale about whether being impartial helps or hinders his work, the influence of 'celebrity' Brexiteers, the highs and lows of the Conservative leadership contest and his book THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY AFTER BREXIT: TURMOIL AND TRANSFORMATION.

Iain Dale interviews NHS psychologist and broadcaster Dr Sian Williams about moving from news presenting to counselling, how to handle anxiety, stress and trauma, as well as her book RISE: A FIRST-AID KIT FOR GETTING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES.

Iain Dale interviews singer-songwriter Alistair Griffin. They discuss the start of his musical career as a busker in York, how he was mentored by Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees, as well as the inspiration behind some of the songs on his latest album FOREVER TODAY: A TRIBUTE TO ROBIN GIBB.

Iain Dale interviews Conservative MP and Schools Minister Nick Gibb. They discuss how he got into politics, whether he's afraid to have a row with headteachers and whether he'll achieve what he wants to achieve before the next election.

Iain Dale interviews Guardian columnist and author Zoe Williams. They discuss her upbringing, whether Oxbridge is what it's cracked up to be, how to write a column and the kind of people she dreads to interview.

Iain Dale is in Washington and interviews Dame Karen Pierce, British Ambassador to the United States. They discuss a day in the life of a diplomat, as well as the importance of the 'special relationship', the Northern Ireland protocol and how the American people responded to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.