Two Mates, No Mates Episode #7 - Rt Hon Steve Baker

Former Conservative MP Steve Baker joins Duncan Baker and Charlie Walden as only the second ever guest on the podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation.A central figure in the Brexit years, Steve rose from the backbenches to become one of the most influential MPs in Westminster, helping to organise and lead the European Research Group and playing a key role in shaping the direction of Brexit. At times, governments could not move forward without the support of him and his allies, giving him real leverage over major national decisions. He later served in government, offering a rare perspective from both outside and inside the system.In this episode, they break down the Mandelson saga and what it reveals about how power really operates at the top of government, before diving into a lively clash between Charlie and Steve on Brexit and its legacy. Duncan and Steve also reminisce about their time in government, offering insight into life behind the scenes in Westminster.From leading a rebellious bloc of MPs to navigating the realities of being inside government, Steve reflects on his time in politics with honesty and depth. It’s a revealing look at power, principle, and the tensions between ideology and compromise in modern British politics.