Claire Spencer and Alex Massie on House of Comments - Episode 35

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion blog is now live. The 35th episode which we recorded on Tuesday 20th July is now available to download, raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Failing that you can listen to it right now below:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Claire Spencer of the Labour "Noonday Thoughts" blog and Alex Massie of The Spectator.

We discussed David Cameron's "Big Society" idea and whether it can really make a difference, potential cuts to the BBC license fee and the political furore in the USA regarding the Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi.

From now until the end of August we will be doing these fortnightly instead of the usual weekly recordings so the next 3 episodes will be recorded on August 3rd, August 17th and August 31st (and in each case released shortly afterwards).

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Sara Bedford and Paul Evans on House of Comments - Episode 34

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion blog is now live. The 34th episode which we recorded on Tuesday 13th July is now available to download, raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Failing that you can listen to it right now below:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Sara Bedford of the Lib Dem “Always win when you’re singing” blog and Labour blogger Paul Evans from “Never trust a hippy“.

We discussed the Labour party and how it needs to position itself in relation to the coalition as well as raking over its history in office. We also discussed Paul’s new “Political Innovation” initiative which seeks to bring together political bloggers from all parties under a common purpose.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

David Allen Green and Dave Osler on House of Comments - Episode 33

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion blog is now live. The 33nd episode which we recorded on Tuesday 6th July is available to download raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by David Allen Green, convenor of Westminster Skeptics who also blogs at "Jack of Kent" largely on legal issues and Dave Osler, journalist and Labour blogger who has recently been David's client in a libel case brought against him.

We discussed Dave's libel case and the wider issues around libel reform, the effects of cuts on the economy and politics scene and political developments in general this week.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Richard Angell and James O'Malley on House of Comments - Episode 32

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion blog is now live. The 32nd episode which we recorded on Tuesday 29th June is available to download raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Richard Angell, Deputy Director of Progress, and James O’Malley of the Pod Delusion podcast.

We discussed whether the recent rebellion of two Lib Dem MPs show that the coalition is starting to crack, Diane Abbott's "This Week" meltdown, whether it is cost effective to hold cabinet meetings outside of London and the consequences of the claims that freelance photographer Jules Mattsson was harassed by police last weekend.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Benny Austwick and Arnie Craven on House of Comments - Episode 31

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion blog is now live. The 31st episode which we recorded on Tuesday 22nd June is available to download raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Benny Austwick (Cardiff Blogger) and Arnie Craven of the Ben and Arnie Podcasts.

We discussed the coalition’s first budget, Charles Kennedy's attitude to David Cameron and the coalition, drink driving limits and whether they should be reduced as well as whether England footballers are paid too much.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Tory Rascal and Matt Wardman on House of Comments - Episode 30

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The 30th episode which we recorded on Tuesday 15th June is available to download raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Tory Rascal and Matt Wardman of The Wardman Wire.

We discussed the Saville report into Bloody Sunday and the political reaction, the Labour leadership contest (can Diane Abbott really win it?), how badly are newspapers really faring at the moment (sparked by this post on Left Foot Forward) and also talked a little bit about whether blogs could ever fill the role that the mass and local media have traditionally had.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Kate Maltby and Anthony Painter on House of Comments - Episode 29

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The 29th episode which we recorded on Tuesday 8th June is available to download raw mp3 file here or you can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here.

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Labour blogger Anthony Painter and Conservative blogger Kate Maltby.

We discussed David Cameron's first PMQs, the aftermath of the Cumbrian killings and whether we need a further tightening of the gun control laws and the latest on the Labour leadership contest.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Stephen Tall and Emma Burnell on House of Comments - Episode 28

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the 28th episode which we recorded on Tuesday 1st June is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Stephen Tall, co-editor of Lib Dem Voice and Emma Burnell of the Labour Scarlett Standard blog.

We discussed the David Laws resignation and its ramifcations for public life and the coalition as well as the Labour leadership contest.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

House of Comments recording 26 - Listen Live from 8pm

We have started streaming the recording of the House of Comments podcast in the last few weeks. We will be doing so with the latest one from just after 8pm tonight. You can listen to it via the embedded player below:

Alex Massie and Alex Smith on House of Comments - Episode 20

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the Nineteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 30th March is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Alex Massie who writes and blogs for The Spectator and by Alex Smith, editor of LabourList and Islington council candidate.

We discussed the "Ask the Chancellors" debate, the return of Tony Blair, what Labour would do with a fourth term if they unexpectedly won, whether the Tory lack of campaign experience is telling and the experiences of the two Alexes during the US primaries/election campaign in 2008 and whether we have learned the lessons from those in the UK.

Me and Stu are taking a break next week for Easter but will be back the week after (WB 12th April) with a new episode.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Lynne Featherstone MP and Sara Scarlett on House of Comments - Episode 19

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the Nineteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 23rd March is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green and blogger Lynne Featherstone and Sara Scarlett of the Liberal Vision blog.

We discussed the Channel 4 Dispatches MPs for hire sting and its aftermath, Obama's healthcare bill and whether is it a democratic triumph or unconstitutional and the Conservative #CashGordon campaign that found itself the victim of online hijacking this week.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Mark Pack, Alex Foster and Sara Bedford on House of Comments Podcast - Lib Dem Spring Conference Special #ldconf

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the special episode that we recorded on Saturday 13th Feb from the Lib Dem spring conference in Birmingham is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

In this special edition we were joined by Mark Pack, Alex Foster and Sara Bedford from the LibDemVoice.org team to discuss how the Lib Dem spring conference has been going and what’s been happening. We talked about the Digital Economy Bill, the defection to the Lib Dems of former Conservative MEP Edward MacMillan-Scott, and Lib Dem Voice's new ‘Liberal Vs Authoritarian’ MP ranking system.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Bridget Fox, Jonathan Sheppard and David Weber on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 17

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the seventeenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 9th Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite political bloggers on each week to discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Lib Dem PPC for Islington and South Finsbury Bridget Fox, founder and editor of Tory Radio Jonathan Sheppard and David Weber the editor of the group blog The Daily Soapbox.

We discussed the Digitial Economy Bill and amendments which many Lib Dems including Bridget are seeking to change, hung parliaments and the postal strikes.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Lazy Hyena and The Heresiarch on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 16

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the sixteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 2nd Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Libertarian and feminist blogger Juliet Samuel who blogs as Lazy Hyena and is also Emily Nomates on Guy News and Nelson AKA The Heresiarch from Heresy Corner.

We discussed cuts to BBC services by my namesake, whether the idea of network broadcasting is itself becoming obsolete, the general election leaders debates, Labour resurgence in the polls despite the bullying allegations against Gordon Brown and what the Lord Ashcroft situation says about party funding.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Iain Dale and Tracey Cheetham on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 15

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the fifthteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 23rd Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Labour activist Tracey Cheetham who blogs at "A View from the Public Gallery" and the leading Conservative blogger Iain Dale.

We discussed the accusations about Gordon Brown's alleged bullying, lobby passes for bloggers, the recent Sir Nicholas Winterton episode and whether the Conservative Party has modernised enough.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Jack of Kent and Skipper on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 14

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the fourteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 9th Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Allen Green, convenor of Westminster Skeptics who also blogs at "Jack of Kent" largely on legal issues and Bill Jones, Professor of Politics at Liverpool Hope University who blogs at Skipper.

We discussed the Simon Singh libel case appeal which is scheduled for next week and more widely about the libel reform movement, Joanne Cash and the problem of perceived parachuted in parliamentary candidates, we asked if great campaigning (and the related skills most likely to get you into parliament) is really the best grounding for ministerial office, Gordon Brown's ITV1 interview with Piers Morgan and an assessment of the Twitter "outrages" of the week.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Mark Pack on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 13

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the thirteenth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 9th Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Mark Pack, co-editor of Lib Dem Voice and contributor to more blogs than you can shake a stick at!

We discussed whether political blogging can make a difference, the relationship between blogging and newspapers and whether political alignment is important with respect to blogging. Also, will bloggers be more careful about what they say as the general election hoves into view?

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

I was this week's guest on John Pienaar's podcast

I was this week's guest on John Pienaar's Radio 5 Live political review podcast this week. We covered PMQs and focused on the legacy of Gordon Brown's time as Chancellor with respect to the defence budget, the Lib Dems questions on Trident and what may have caused Gordon's Damascene conversion to being a staunch advocate of the (non-proportional) Alternative Vote system for Westminster and how it might relate to the MPs' expenses scandal.

You can download the podcast from here. You can also subscribe to it on iTunes via this link here.

Mick Fealty on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 12

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here and the twelfth episode which we recorded on Tuesday 2nd Feb is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Mick Fealty, founder and editor of the Slugger O'Toole blog which focuses on Northern Ireland and politics.

We discussed the current political crisis in Northern Ireland and how the various recent events have contributed to it, the problems that David Cameron and his Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson have experienced, Cameron's recent wobble(s) and just what is Gordon Brown up to with his plans for the Alternative Vote system for Westminster?

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail here.

Darrell Goodliffe and Constantly Furious on House of Comments Podcast - Episode 11

The latest "House of Comments" podcast with myself and Stuart Sharpe of the Sharpe's Opinion political blog is now live. The website for the podcasts is here (cast your eyes in awe at the shiny new layout!) and the tenth episode which we recorded on Wednesday 20th Jan is available to download via this page here (raw mp3 file here if you prefer). You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes here. Or you can listen to it right now here:

The format is to invite one or two other political bloggers each week and discuss a few of the stories that are making waves in the blogosphere.

This week we were joined by Darrell Goodliffe, the former Lib Dem and now Labour blogger who blogs at "Moments of Clarity" and Constantly Furious who always seems to be slightly piqued about something.

We discussed Darrell's reasons for jumping ship, the arrest and questioning of Paul Chambers for an ill-advised comment about bombing on Twitter and asked whether the authorities overreacted, Constantly Furious' liver, clearing snow in the context of the nanny state and the takeover of Cadbury's by Kraft. And we resisted the temptation to make a load of chocolate bar based puns even though it might have BOOSTed our ratings. Maybe it's because we're too FLAKEy.

If you are a political blogger and would like to participate in the future, please drop me an e-mail (address in the sidebar near the top of this blog).