IN CONVERSATION WITH ZAC GOLDSMITH

The latest Tory Radio podcast can now be found at the link below. This weeks show features the first of a two part conversation I had with Zac Goldsmith who is deputy chairman of the Quality of Life Policy Group.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LATEST EDITION OF TORY RADIO

I have to say I really found Zac extremely engaging and his views certainly provide us with some food for thought.

If you have any comment, please feel free to leave them below.

Marathon Man

Fed Up!

Fatigued

But finished.

7 hours 45 - how slow was I!

24 hours to go....

In 24 hours I will be standing on what will seemingly be a wet London park about to set off on 26 and a bit miles of fun (so Ive been told).

While I will be suffering I hope all good Enlish men and women will be celebrating St George's Day. Isn't it about time it was a national holiday?

I am sure I will be one of the few runners who will finish the "race" a year older than when I started - as its my birthday tomorrow. For those wanting to send me a gift how about a nice donation to Asthma UK through the link below:-

www.justgiving.com/jonathansheppard

You never know I may just record a few snippets for a marathon podcast to entertain you. In the meantime you can look forward to the first part of a great interview with Zac Goldsmith coming on Monday.

For whom the Bell tolls...

I nipped into Westminster and who should I see but see procliamed sleaze buster and former Independent MP Martin Bell - complete with trademark white suit.

I wonder what he was up to. Nothing to do with loans for peerages?

Howard tops the poll

The recent results of the poll as to who you would like to see interview by Tory Radio are in and the clear winner (just above the current leader) is Michael Howard:-


Who would you most like to be interviewed on Tory Radio?

Michael Howard 44%

Iain Duncan Smith 10%

Bernard Jenkin 2%

Zac Goldsmith 10%

David Cameron 35%

Not wanting to disappoint, I am hoping to conduct an interview with Michael Howard in two days time! Now hows that for service!

Chris Grayling Interview

The latest edition of Tory Radio is now online and features an interview with the Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling MP.

You can listen to the full interview by clicking here

Chris provides some insights into where the Government is currently failing, along with some insights into the decisions a future Conservative Government will have to take. We touch upon transport and the environment, which is an issue that has certainly been in the new recently, and is an issue that will be discussed in detail in the following two editions of Tory Radio - which will be a two part interview with Zac Goldsmith.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

With the bank holiday season upon us and thosands rushing off on holiday in their cars on trains and even flying abroad, I can think of no better time to hear from Shadow Secretay of State for Transport, Chis Grayling MP. I was lucky enough to interview him a few weeks ago, and we discussed some of the issues which are clearly going to have to be addressed if our transport system isn't going to experience gridlock.

The interview will be published this Tuesday (and we are expecting no unforseen delays due to leaves on the audio tracks). In the meantime if you experience any bank holiday horror travel stories do let us know. My favourite is always the miles of cones with no workmen!

Top Ten spot up for grabs

If you have had chance to listen to an edition of Tory Radio, and you like what you hear, please vote for us at Podcast Alley. There is a real chance that we could come in the top ten political and cultural podcasts worldwide - which would eb something to shout about!

Any suggesting for future shows, just leave a comment below.

And I'd like to thank my mum.....

Tim Montgomerie has launched the inaugural Conservative Movement Awards (mentioned on Tory Radio).

Categories are currently being worked on - with nominations starting next week, and then a vote next month.

Check it out - It's a great initiative!

Talking to Tim

The latest interview is now online on "Tory Radio" I was lucky enough to have a chat with the Editor of the conservativehome website, Tim Montgomerie.

Listen the the interview by clicking here

We spoke about how the internet and sites such as conservativehome are changing politics and the way campaigns are run. Well worth a listen!

Sheppard at the movies

The irascible and irrepressible William Norton has added to my infamy by writing a piece about what I will be doing in two weeks time on conservativehome In his regulat week at the movies column, he writes:-

MARATHON MAN
Jonathan Sheppard (of ToryRadio fame) is running the London Marathon to raise funds for an asthma charity. He will be passing through five target wards for the local Conservatives in the May 4th elections and refuses to deliver a single leaflet to help his colleagues in their hour of need. Talk about narrow focus and missing the bigger picture! Well, if he thinks he'll get a penny out of me he can take another 26 mile running jump. I certainly shan't be clicking here to sponsor him.

All sponsorship gratefully received!

Montgomerie Towers visit

Yesterday I had the pleasure of interviewing a mystery guest for Tory Radio. The only clue I can give is that I was lucky enough to be sitting in a room in Montgomerie Towers.

Make sure you tune in on Tuesday - as there will be some interesting news that Im sure the blogging and podcasting community won't want to miss!

Tory Radio featured in podcast user magazine

Tory Radio was pleased to get a mention in the latest edition of Podcast User Magazine

Our little claim to fame reads as follows:-

Many politcians have taken advantage of podcasting to spread the message, and charities have too. Greenpeace, for example, use podcasting in the hope of raising campaign awareness. Much of this narrowcast podcasting, however is uninspirational stuff: the London Labour party merely broadcasts unchallenging, bland interviews with local MPs, and George Bush's podcast is another way to access his existing weekly state radio address. But some projects such as the newly launched Tory Radio (http://www.toryradio.com run by an activist from the British Conservative party) will aim to be an influential voice from within the party in a way not previously possible. It could end up just being a mouthpiece for the party leadership, but has the potential to be a thorn in the side of spin doctors and give those of a similar political persuasion a clearer idea of what happens in Westminster.

Now who would have put Labour, unchallenging, bland and MPs in the same sentence!

Support Tory Radio

Tory Radio is wholly reliant on contributions from its listeners. If you would like to contribute any amount (big or small) please click the button at the bottom of this website.

Feedback is always appreciated - so feel free to comment on this blog or email: editor@toryradio.com

If you have a spare moment please vote for this podcast by visiting PodcastAlley and clicking the vote now button!

Roger Helmer MEP - Interview online now

Listen to the lastest interview on Tory Radio. In this weeks podcast you can hear from Roger Helmer the East Midlands MEP who has had the Conservative whip withdrawn - which has led to the Reinstate Roger campaign,

Hear his views on what is happening in the EU - and what he thinks the Conservative Party should do with regards its current relationship with the EPP.

Click here to listen to the interview with Roger Helmer MEP

Update - For those who are interested it is well worthwhile visiting the Reinstate Roger Website at:- www.reinstateroger.com

Coming soon to Tory Radio... the Roger Helmer interview!

Andrew Woodman (of the Re-instate Roger Campaign) and Roger Helemer MEP interviewed by Tory Radio.

Coming soon......

They say we need more characters in politics....

... so why don't we have election broadcasts done in the same style as this?