FORMER Somerset reporter – and friend of your Leveller – Matt Chorley will launch his new politics show on BBC Radio 5 Live next week.

The award-winning presenter, who went to school in Huish Episcopi and started his journalistic career in Taunton, hosts his first show between 2pm and 4pm on September 2.

The BBC said the programme, which will run each weekday, “will bring a different perspective to the current national political commentary and coverage”.

It means a change to 5 Live schedules, with mid-morning shows hosted by Naga Munchetty on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Adrian Chiles on Thursdays, extended to three hours, broadcasting from 11am to 2pm.

The popular ‘Must Watch’ feature, previously part of Nihal Arthanayake’s show, will now be heard in Naga’s programme at 1pm on Mondays, while Martin Lewis will join Adrian to offer money saving advice at 1pm on his Thursday show.

“This new politics show is for those eager to delve deep into the heart of UK politics, by getting straight to the point without any fuss or favour,” the spokesperson went on.

“From housing and healthcare to education and environment and everything in between, this new show aims to set the national agenda for political commentary.”

READ MORE: Matt Chorley Exclusive column: ‘I may not be standing, but elections still matter in Somerset’

A diverse range of guests will include MPs, elected mayors, and Cabinet Ministers, they said.

When the announcement of Matt’s new show was made earlier this year, he said: “I can’t quite believe it. It’s exactly 20 years since this Somerset boy arrived in London with his three A Levels, 100 words per minute shorthand, a vast collection of Elton John records and a dream.

“But I could never have dreamt that one day I’d make it to the actual BBC, and in a huge general election year too.

“Over the years I’ve been able to interview at least six of the people who’ve spent varying amounts of time as prime minister, and plenty more who have tried.

“Now I can’t wait to also hear from the people with better stories, ideas and jokes – the 5 Live audience. Bringing them into the heart of Westminster, and getting out across the whole country, to tell the story of what Britain wants, and how it might get it.

“So please, when you come to make the big decision this autumn, Vote 5 Live. My name’s Matt Chorley, and I approve this message.”

* The Matt Chorley show runs on BBC 5 Live Monday to Friday, between 2pm and 4pm, from Monday, September 2.