"MPs are all the same" "Politicians are only in it for themselves." Are these things true? In some cases they might be, but what if in reality, they are not? The Crossbench podcast wants to do political interviewing differently, aiming to learn about the person behind the politician. With a
Josh Babarinde is the Liberal Democrat MP for Eastbourne. Despite only being elected in 2024, Josh has enjoyed early success in his parliamentary career, gaining cross party support for his Domestic Abuse Bill that will for the first time, legislate for a statutory definition of domestic abuse. A survivor himself, Josh hopes to prevent others from going through what he and his mother endured as a child. In this episode, Josh discusses his upbringing and his work to help those at risk of going down the wrong path in life. He talks about representation in parliament and within the Liberal…
Martin Rhodes is the Labour MP for Glasgow North. A vocal critic of the government's approach to welfare, Martin argues that the term "welfare state" is not the scary label that it is often portrayed as in the media. Speaking as oil prices rise and farmers warn of food shortages due to the Iran war, Martin expresses his relief that the UK resisted US encouragement to participate in offensive strikes against Tehran, although is muted when asked if the decision makes Sir Keir Starmer "look stronger". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Patrick Hurley was elected to represent Southport in 2024 - The first Labour candidate to win in the coastal town. His eleation quickly turned to tragedy as just weeks into his new role, he received a phone call to tell him about an attack at a Taylor Swift Dance Class that left three girls murdered and many more injured. Patrick discusses the attack, the wave of misinformation that followed it and the national unrest seen in towns across the country. He talks, through his socialist lense, about the need to address poverty in town's such as Southport and others that feel victim to disorder…
Dame Caroline Dineage is an entrepreneur and the Conservative MP for Gosport. Dame Caroline has served in a a variety of departments since being elected in 2010 including the DWP, Department of Justice, Department of Health and Social Care and Deptarment of Education. She currently is the chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and last year, found herself at the centre of the row between US President Donald Trump and the BBC over an edited clip of Trump from 2021. As chair, Dame Caroline was tasked with scrutinising the actions of the BBC and delivering the committee's…
Calvin Bailey MBE is the Labour Member of Parliament for Leyton and Wanstead, first elected in July 2024. Born in Zambia and raised in London, he served 24 years in the Royal Air Force, reaching the rank of Wing Commander and received an MBE for distinguished service. His mixed heritage meant that racism was prevalent in his formative years and he discusses the effect of seeing his Mum confront far-right thugs and the impact of the death of Steven Lawrence. Despite the racism of his early year, Bailey stands as the embodiment of what hard work and dedication to serving others can achieve,…
"Persistent knobheadery" is a term few people had heard of until Labour's welfare rebellion led to an embarrassing climbdown. Today's guest, Brian Leishman, was one of four MPs suspended for so-called "persistent knobheadery" over his role in fighting against his government's planned reforms. Inspired into politics by Jeremy Corbyn's leadership of the Labour Party, Conor discusses the Chancellor's budget, the removal of the two-child benefit cap, how a wealth tax would work in reality and why he chose to challenge the government's attempts to reform the welfare system earlier this year.…
Tonia Antoniazzi is the Labour MP for Gower, first elected in 2017 and the constituency’s first female representative. A former teacher and international rugby player for Wales, she has served as the Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland and currently chairs the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. Tonia discusses her sporting career and pride at the growth of the women's game and her views on controversial legislation being proposed by Labour in regards to the legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She also speaks candidly on Labour press briefings and potential leadership coups as well…
Gideon Amos OBE is the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington and the party’s spokesperson for Housing and Planning. A chartered architect and former chief executive of the Town and Country Planning Association, he has long championed sustainable development and local decision-making. His background makes him well placed to critique the government's performance in house building and planning reform and he shares his views on what is required to ensure that large infrastructure projects are completed an benefit local communities. He is proud of accusations by Conservative Party leader…
Connor James Naismith is a British Labour Party politician who has served as MP for Crewe and Nantwich since July 2024. Before entering Parliament, he was a Cheshire East councillor and worked in police complaints and oversight. Naismith gives his views on how much influence an MP really has, why he believes that the Renter's Rights Bill is an important piece of legislation and why he believes that Blue Labour could play an important role in the party's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Christine Jardine is the Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2019 and 2024 with increasing majorities. A former journalist and academic, she worked for BBC Scotland, The Scotsman , and taught journalism before entering politics. In Parliament, she has served as the Lib Dem spokesperson across portfolios including Home Affairs, Treasury, and Scotland. Jardine is a vocal campaigner on refugee rights, equal pensions, and social justice issues. Earlier this year, she lost her role as the Liberal Democrats Women and Equalities Spokesperson after defying…
Steve Yemm is the Labour MP for Mansfield, elected in July 2024. Yemm is from working class roots, his father was a coal miner and his mother was a dinner lady. That background, combined with his experience of passing his 11+ and being exposed to life at a grammar school, has shaped his world view and ultimately his politics. After graduating university with a degree in applied chemstry, Yemm worked successfully in the corporate world before entering politics, his scientific background providing him with a range of experience unique amongst MPs. Yemm has also faced scrutiny after failing to…
Bob Blackman is the Conservative MP for Harrow East, first elected in 2010. A former Brent council leader and London Assembly member, he is now chair of the powerful 1922 Committee of backbench Tory MPs. Previously a secretary of the committee, Blackman had a front row seat to one of the most tumultuous episodes in British politics, witnessing first hand the rise and fall of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Blackman is best known in policy for steering the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and championing the Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 and was awarded a CBE for his efforts…
About The Crossbench with Conor Wilson
"MPs are all the same" "Politicians are only in it for themselves." Are these things true? In some cases they might be, but what if in reality, they are not? The Crossbench podcast wants to do political interviewing differently, aiming to learn about the person behind the politician. With a
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