Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP

Ken Clarke followed Michael Howard as President of the Cambridge Union, and began his career as a barrister before being elected MP for Rushcliffe.

When Margaret Thatcher came to power, Clarke was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary for Transport. He went on to serve as Paymaster General, Employment and Trade Minister before promotion to the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Health. Then, after a year as Home Secretary, he became John Major's Chancellor of the Exchequer. In 2009 Ken was appointed Shadow Business Secretary.

Throughout Labour's years in government, despite three failed attempts to win the party leadership, Ken Clarke has remained an active backbencher. He has vigorously opposed war in Iraq, championed full participation in the European Union and led David Cameron's think tank on Democracy and Lords' reform. He has also served as Deputy Chairman of BAT and non-executive Chairman of Alliance Unichem, before the merger with Boots.

Ken's passions include modern jazz, Nottingham Forest, cricket and Formula One. He is a thought-provoking, immensely authoritative and delightfully engaging speaker.