Satirist Matt Forde is writing his first book. Politically Homeless will be published on 8th October 2020.
Part memoir, part behind-the-scenes insider view, Politically Homeless is both a book for anyone who feels annoyed by the current state of politics.
Matt Forde has been obsessed with politics ever since he was 9 years old. Raised by a single mum on benefits in inner city Nottingham, he joined the Socialist Workers Party as soon as he could, foisted issues of Marxism Today on innocent bystanders and attended his first political party conference. From then on, despite some career suicide moments such as chatting to the Prime Minister at Number 10 while badly drunk, Matt's whole future looked wedded to the Labour Party as he started working for MPs in dingy back rooms in Nottinghamshire.
But then Labour started to fall apart, and so did Matt's sense of purpose. With the rise of Corbyn, Brexit and Trump, his love for politics that had been so profound began to quickly crumble.
Exploring themes such as tribalism, the curse of complacency and why some politicians refuse to speak normally, Politically Homeless is a hugely entertaining book of (often hilarious) personal stories and thought-provoking insights into this complicated world. And despite everything, Matt’s passion is still there. Through hosting his award-winning weekly podcast, ‘The Political Party’ (over 5 million downloads) involving interviews with some of politics’ most powerful and notorious figures including Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Sadiq Khan, Michael Heseltine, Nigel Farage and Jacob Rees-Mogg and performing critically acclaimed stand-up comedy shows, Matt has been able to keep enough faith that politics will get better. Maybe.
Matt Forde says: ‘When I worked in politics, I was barely allowed to write a leaflet so you can imagine my surprise at having written a whole book. I’ve always loved politics, but for moderates like me, the last few years have been hell. If you’ve found the last few years unbearable, this book is for you. I hope it helps you find some peace in this world. That said, if you are a populist demagogue, give it a go, you might like it.’
Katy Follain says: ‘Matt Forde has a brilliant gift for poking fun at politics and politicians, while also showing huge respect for this complex industry. His passion comes from caring deeply for those who are less fortunate, and from knowing that a government can make or break a country and its people. He’s got some fantastic and funny stories where more often than not nobody – including Matt – comes out of it looking good. I know so many people who are feeling disillusioned, and for whom this book will speak volumes while making them laugh at the same time.’
Forde is a former advisor to the Labour Party, Matt has hosted four series of Unspun with Matt Forde on Dave, receiving several Broadcast Digital Award nominations, and has numerous other broadcast credits including: Have I Got News For You (BBC One), The Royal Variety Performance (ITV), Channel 4’s Alternative Election Coverage, Mock The Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats (Channel 4), Hypothetical (Dave) Rory Bremner’s Coalition Report and Rory Bremner’s Election Report (BBC Two), Question Time (BBC One), This Week (BBC One), Newsnight (BBC Two) and Daily Politics (BBC Two). Matt currently presents Absolute Radio’s weekly Rock ‘n’ Roll Football Show.
Pre-order Politically Homeless here.
