Political Outreach

Alexandre Holroyd was the candidate of La République En Marche! at the 2017 legislative elections for the third constituency for French residents overseas. He won the second round against former Hollande minister Axelle Lemaire on 18 June 2017. His constituency of Northern Europe covers all French citizens living in ten countries in Northern Europe - specifically, Iceland, Norway, Denmark (including the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Sweden, Finland (including Åland), Ireland, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It contains roughly 140,731 registered French voters. By far the greatest number of these (113,655) are living in the United Kingdom, the country with the third greatest number of registered French residents in the world. Alexandre himself is French-British and was brought up in London and attended a French school. Having attended University in both UK and France, he began a career in consultancy in London. When Emmanuel Macron founded En Marche, Alexandre quit his job to found the overseas arm and campaigned vigorously for a Macron victory. In this episode we discuss French politics, French identity, the rise of Rassemblement National and the future of En Marche.

You need to check this episode out! Joe Walsh is a former US Member of Congress for Illinois, a staunch free market Republican he's been on a real political journey since 2016. A member of the Tea Party movement, he's been horrified by the dangerous elements that have taken over the GOP since Trump came aboard. Born and raised in the Chicago metropolitan area, Walsh was elected to the U.S. House in 2010, defeating three-term incumbent Melissa Bean. Though he received little Republican Party support in his bid against Bean, he was popular with the Tea Party movement. In the 1990s, he identified as a moderate Republican, but he later became a conservative and a Tea Party activist. Later, during his presidential campaign running against Trump for the Republican nomination in 2020, Walsh expressed regret for some of the comments and stances he made during his time in Congress. We go in depth into the current challenges facing America, how two party politics is deepening divide and is not working for most Americans. Joe has his own great podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f-ck-silence-with-joe-walsh/id681477236

Sir Martin Sorrell is Founder and Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc, which is building a purely digital advertising and marketing services business for global, multinational, regional, local clients and millennial-driven influencer brands. Sir Martin was CEO of WPP for 33 years, building it from a £1 million “shell” company in 1985 into the world's largest advertising and marketing services company. When Sir Martin left in April 2018, WPP had a market capitalisation of over £16 billion, revenues of over £15 billion, profits of approximately £2 billion and over 200,000 people in 113 countries. Prior to that, Sir Martin was Group Financial Director of Saatchi & Saatchi plc for 9 years and worked for James Gulliver, Mark McCormack and Glendinning Associates before that. S4 Capital plc merged with MediaMonks, its content practice, in July 2018 and MightyHive, its programmatic practice, in December 2018 and has added eight further content programmatic and data companies to both practices in 2019 and six in 2020. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange under SFOR.L and after a little over two years, S4 Capital plc has over 2870 people in 30 countries, with a market capitalization of over $2.7 billion. Sir Martin supports a number of leading business schools and universities, including his alma maters, Harvard Business School and Cambridge University and a number of charities, including his family foundation.

Martin Bell, is a British UNICEF Ambassador, a former broadcast war reporter and former independent politician who became the Member of Parliament for Tatton from 1997 to 2001. He is known throughout the UK as "the man in the white suit". Martin is someone I've wished to interview for a number years, someone who unbeknownst to him has influenced my own political thinking. Martin is the true example of an Independent politician, we discuss his own journey. From working for the BBC in some of the worlds worst conflicts and his learnings from those days, to his dramatic entry into British politics and taking the safe Conservative seat of Tatton in dramatic fashion. Hear the background of how 24 days before the 1997 Election both the Liberal Democrats and Labour stood aside for Martin. Hear reflections of how he was received and his own personal achievements. We also discuss how Journalism in the UK now does a disservice to reporting, especially on the plight of many in places such as sub-Saharan Africa. Martin now uses his platform as a UNICEF Ambassador and raises funds to tackle the victims of War and Conflict around the world. A truly remarkable man!

Siobhan Benita is a former civil servant. She was an independent candidate in the 2012 London mayoral election. She was then the Liberal Democrat candidate in the London mayoral election originally planned for 2020, but after the election was delayed to 2021, she withdrew as the candidate. Hear amazing stories from Siobhan's time as a Civil Servant under the New Labour Government, what it was like when the Coalition came to power and how she decided to leave and run for Mayor of London. Siobhan gives us insight into how Coronavirus affected her run for London Mayor this time around, why she decided to drop out and leave the Liberal Democrats. She also has her own Political Podcast 'Political Takeaway' check it out!

Emma Foody was appointed as Nottinghamshire's Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner in June 2020. As Deputy PCC, Emma assists in the delivery of the PCC's wider responsibilities to ensure Nottinghamshire Police is effective and efficient, with specific leadership responsibilities in helping and supporting victims, protecting and safeguarding vulnerable people, strengthening links with the regional criminal justice board and community engagement. A University of Nottingham History and Politics graduate, Emma was formerly External Affairs Manager at the National Housing Federation and previously worked as Quality and Performance Officer for the North East Ambulance Service, with responsibility for auditing 999 calls and ensuring they were handled safely and professionally. Prior to this, she worked as a 999 Emergency Call Handler for the North East Ambulance Service. Since 2017, Emma has served as Regional Director of The Labour Party and until recently was a sitting magistrate. Emma and I have known one another since 2011, she's an intelligent and engaging person and highly equipped to take on such a role. Hear how she's travelled the world from America to Australia electioneering and what she hopes to achieve in her new role.

Michael Mullaney is a rising star in the Liberal Democrats and a well know Councillor in Hinckley. Michael and I have been friends for a good while now, having brought me into the Liberal Democrats. Michael was the PPC for Bosworth in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019 and has put the party on a good footing for 2nd place in the seat. Hear how Michael became interested in politics, his brief flirtation with the Labour party and how he was just shy of becoming an MEP. Michael is one of the strongest voices for local devolution, fighting the unitary authority proposals from the Conservative Government.

Marshall is a dairy farmer in the agrifood sector and was president of the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) from 2014 to 2016. Marshall was elected to the 25th Seanad on 27 April 2018 in a by-election for the Agricultural Panel. The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Denis Landy. He was approached to stand by Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader; his candidacy was also supported by Sinn Féin. He has never been a member of a political party and sat as an independent. He was the first unionist member elected to the Oireachtas since the 1930s. He lost his seat at the 2020 Seanad election. In this episode we talk through Northern Irish politics and cross border relations with the Republic of Ireland. Ian was fantastic to interview as he believes respect even for those he disagrees with is fundamental to moving Northern Ireland forward, his willingness to work with republicans has gained him respect across the political aisle.

David Zuckerman is an American businessman, farmer, and Vermont Progressive Party politician currently serving as the 81st Lieutenant Governor of Vermont, since 2017. He previously served in the Vermont House of Representatives for seven terms (1997–2011), and the Vermont Senate for two (2013–2017). He is the Democratic Nominee for Governor of Vermont in the 2020 election. In 2016 Zuckerman ran for lieutenant governor as a Progressive, and also received the nomination of the Democratic Party by defeating Speaker of the Vermont House of Representatives Shap Smith and Representative Kesha Ram in the Democratic primary. He defeated Republican State Senator Randy Brock in the 2016 general election. Zuckerman was re-elected in 2018. Zuckerman is the first Progressive Party candidate to win statewide office in Vermont. Zuckerman's win reinforced Vermont as a state with the presence of a major party other than the Democratic and Republican parties. On January 13, 2020, Zuckerman announced his intention to run for Governor of Vermont in the 2020 election.

Well it's come to this! You requested it and now I've delivered an interview with my Dad and former Labour MP for Inverclyde. My Dad will always be my political hero, now you can hear a personal political story about his early days as an apprentice mechanic and what prompted him to become politically active in the 1980's. Having served as a Councillor in Inverclyde and Council Leader in 2011 he was elected in a By-election to Parliament.

John Heese is a Canadian living in Japan who now serves as a city councillor in Tsukuba. John is one of a small number of foreign born politicians now cropping up in Japan, he's been mighty successful too. Winning election three times in Japan. Hear how John ended up in Japan, why he chose to get involved in the world of Japanese politics and how he was received when he did. He's also extremely proud of Tsukuba and has big plans to help his city expand and succeed.

Jane Smith is the Deputy Leader of the Animal Welfare Party. She is also the first directly elected representative for animals in UK history, serving as a councillor on Alsager Town Council. Today we talk to Jane about her introduction to animal advocacy, her original involvement with the Green Party and how she decided her more natural home was with the AWP. We also discuss the wider European animal rights movement, with both Holland and Portugal now having animal rights MP's in national chambers. Jane gives details into what work she has achieved for animals from a local perspective and how more councils can help.

Thant Myint-U is a Burmese historian, writer, grandson of former United Nations Secretary-General U Thant, former UN official, and former special adviser to the president for the peace process. He has authored five books, including The River of Lost Footsteps: A Personal History of Burma and Where China Meets India: Burma and the New Crossroads of Asia. In 2012, he founded Yangon Heritage Trust to preserve colonial buildings in the Burmese capital Yangon. In this episode we discuss Thant's career in the UN from 1992 to 2006, it's influence today in the modern world and his frustrations and achievements while working there. We touch on the legacy of his grandfather U Thant the 3rd General Secretary of the UN. We also discuss the future of Myanmar, the current issues around Human Rights abuses and Britain's colonial past and reluctance to come to terms with it's legacy.

Jacek Rostowski served as Minister of Finance in 2007 in the first cabinet of Donald Tusk until 2013, and became Deputy Prime Minister in 2013. In the parliamentary elections in 2011 he was elected to the Sejm as Deputy for Warsaw. He is the longest serving Minister of Finance in Poland. He was voted European Finance Minister of the year in 2009 by Banker Magazine, for his handling of the Global Economic Crisis. Emerging Markets chose him the best minister of finance of the European emerging markets in 2009 and 2012. In 2015 he became Chief Political Adviser to Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz. In the years 1995 – 2000 and 2005 – 2006 he was Head of the Economics Department at Central European University in Budapest. During 1992 – 1995 he worked at the Centre for Economic Performance, London School of Economics and Political Science. From 1988 to 1995 he was lecturer at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, University College London. From 1989 to 1991 Economic Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Finance Leszek Balcerowicz. From 1997 to 2001 he chaired the Macroeconomic Policy Council at the Ministry of Finance and from 2002 to 2004 he was Adviser to the Chairman of the National Bank of Poland. Jacek also worked as an Adviser to the Government of the Russian Federation for the macroeconomic policy. He is a Founder Member of CASE - Centre for Social and Economic Research. Jacek Rostowski, has a wealth of knowledge from a long and successful career in both Economics and Politics. We discuss that transition from Policy proposals to decision making by taking a front line position in Politics. His background having been born in the UK after his father was forced into exile during WW2. Also we touch on the pandemic and the outlook economically.

Patrick Brazeau is a Canadian senator from Quebec. At the age of 34, he was the youngest member of the Senate. From February 2006 until January 2009 he held the position of National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. in 2009 then Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, nominated Patrick to join the Senate. He sat as a Conservative member, however, he now sits within the Independent Senators Group. Patrick is probably unfairly remembered for his loss to current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a charity boxing match. in 2013 he was suspended from the Senate following allegations of expenses misconduct, a charge he was later acquitted of and has now retaken his seat in the Senate. We talk about that dark period and how it led him to a thankfully unsuccessful suicide attempt. This has now given him the vision to champion suicide prevention in the Senate, plus get back to advocating for Indigenous peoples across Canada. Patrick doesn't shy away from any questions because ultimately he's right, we have to be more open and talk about issues such as male suicide and it's causes if we are to tackle the route of the problem.

Birgitta Jónsdóttir is an Icelandic politician, poet, and activist. She was a Member of the Althing (MP) for the Southwest Constituency from 2013 to 2017, representing the Pirate Party, having been elected at the 2013 election. She was previously an MP for Reykjavík Constituency South from 2009 to 2013. In November 2017, she has announced to retire from politics "for now". She was first elected as an MP representing the Citizens' Movement in the 2009 election. Later in 2009, she left the Citizens' Movement and joined The Movement. She became involved with WikiLeaks during Julian Assange's visit to Iceland in 2010, and also helped to produce the Collateral Murder video. Following her time with WikiLeaks, she created the International Modern Media Institute, of which she became executive director in 2011. We discuss the current Political climate across the globe, her work in the Althing and with Wikileaks. What she thinks of Julian Assange now and also the future ahead for her activism.

Tomohiko Taniguchi, PhD, is a Professor at Keio University and Special Adviser to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet. In 2005 he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Deputy Press Secretary. He spent the next three years writing speeches for then Foreign Minister Taro Aso. Since January 2013, he has been Prime Minister Abe's primary foreign policy speech writer. Previously he was a journalist for 20 years, during which he spent a stint in London, 1997-2000. In 1999 the Foreign Press Association in London elected him President, the first from Asia. Hear Tomohiko and I discuss the world of Japanese Politics, including the enduring popularity of the Liberal Democratic Party. The Rise and Rise again of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, how he has worked with other foreign leaders including Obama and Trump equally. We also discuss Japanese Whisky!

Jane Morrice is a former Deputy Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, former Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and former reporter for BBC Belfast. Jane was Vice President of the European Economic and Social Committee from 2013-2015 and also served two terms as Deputy Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Equality Commission. Jane and I have a wide ranging discussion on the Politics of Northern Ireland. Including touch on the troubles, it's affect on Jane and how she worked with the NI Women's Coalition to give a voice to women in the Peace Process. Hear Jane and I discuss the big figures elected in the first sitting of the NI Assembly. Her work in the EESC and what the future lies for Jane now the country has left the European Union.

Alan Sked is a distinguished Historian and Professor Emeritus at LSE in the department of International History. However, what he will most likely be remembered for in political circles is founding the UK Independence Party. Hear the story of Alan's original involvement with the then Liberal Party, standing as a candidate in Paisley in 1970. He came to believe that the EC were corrupt and anti-democratic, and a liability to the British economy. His founding of the Anti-Federalist League which became renamed UKIP, his scathing thoughts on Nigel Farage and his view he had zero to do with the leave campaign win. His dismay seeing what he founded as a Liberal Eurosceptic party being tainted by far right elements and his personal mission to be a thorn in Nigel's side. Alan and I have a wide ranging chat, however, mostly centred on Brexit. What I found is we agree on so much more than we disagree on.

Billy Lawless until earlier this year was a serving Irish Senator for the Diaspora, nominated by the Taoiseach. Billy has an absolutely astounding life story and career, not only as a successful businessman but in his advocacy and representation of immigrants abroad. Based in Chicago since 1998, hear how he has used his platform to advocate for the rights of the immigrant population. Meeting Barack Obama as a young man running for Senate. As a Senator, Billy not only advocated for the Diaspora globally but also for those returning home and facing challenges in doing so. This interview had a profound effect on me, I believe we could all be doing more to be welcoming and supportive of those coming to build a better life for themselves.

John Tamihere is Co-leader of the Māori Party and a former Labour MP in New Zealand. John discusses politics in New Zealand, his family ties to the Labour movement and Māori politics in a wider context. John is a 'Big Personality' in New Zealand, a former Cabinet Minister and someone who was once touted as a potential future Prime Minister. In 2019 he departed the Labour Party, ran for Mayor of Auckland and is now hoping to make his way back to Parliament. He also slips in a story about Sean Connery!

I speak to MMA Legend, Jeff Monson about how an American ended up living in Russia and serving as a Deputy Councilman on the Krasnogorsk Duma. Jeff takes us through how travelling the world as a fighter led him to Anarchism. His journey through the Russian Communist Party which led him to the conclusion - 'there are no Communists in the Communist Party!'. His relationship with Vladimir Putin and the United Russia Party. Also how he intends to use his platform to help the poorest in society, especially children to break the cycle of poverty. I have a lot of respect for Jeff, he's willing to put ideology which he is very passionate about to one side to be pragmatic to solve problems. Great interview, a couple of slight audio fades.

Join me in discussing America's largest third party The Libertarian Party, with 2020 candidate Sam Robb. We discuss the shifting dynamics in America politics, how the Libertarian movement in America differs to other regions. Hear about Sam's involvement in Politics from an early stage, his policies and platforms now. I challenge Sam on some of his views. I'm also surprised to hear some policies I regard as Progressive. Despite some ideological differences it's great to see a challenger to a Two Party system coming through.

Join me as I discuss all things Australian Politics with Political consultant Glenn Druery. Glenn is most famous in Australia for his Minor Party Alliance, we touch on his interest in politics and influences. Alongside a chat around the political dynamics in Australia. Pauline Hanson, Bob Katter and Nick Xenophon all feature in Glenn's insightful anecdotes. After sucessfully getting Ricky Muir elected to the Australian Senate, I also find out what's next for Glenn.