The Political Arena

Ed Balls

Noted as one of the leading economic voices in the Labour governments of the 1990s and 2000s, Ed was a key architect of policies from the independence of the Bank of England to the minimum wage. Having left frontline politics his new life has encompassed academia in the US and UK, presenting documentaries, analysing the big stories alongside George Osborne on Political Currency, and, of course, a celebrated turn on Strictly Come Dancing.

Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett

As Home Secretary David was in charge of security, immigration and policing. He is now Chairman of a multi-Academy Trust and an advisor to easyJet. As well as sharing insights on cyber-crime and crisis management, David considers how leaders can best engage with the public and counter the widespread sense of grievance. He argues for business to take a lead: “You are a part of our communities, not just employers of people with certain skills.” After dinner he takes a lighter look at a life in politics - both highs and lows – from The Queen offering to cut up his meal, to...

Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe

On the track Seb’s talent and commitment earned eleven world records and two Olympic gold medals; he has since led the most successful Games in recent history. After serving as one of many Vice Presidents, Seb is tasked with turning around World Athletics and restoring the reputation of international athletics, in the gaze of the world’s media. In speeches he shares the lessons as an athlete and as a leader delivering a vision, managing crisis and bringing about change.

Lyse Doucet

One of the BBC’s most widely respected journalists, Lyse has covered some of the most tumultuous events around the world, from the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan to the Arab Spring uprisings and the war in Ukraine. Despite the conflict and terror, she’s an unshakeable optimist, seeing the humanity and unity of people in the toughest of circumstances. She analyses the political and social uncertainty the world faces, and considers the nature of risk. She also reveals the lighter side to reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous places.

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Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein

Declared political columnist of the year four times, Daniel has held some of the most senior jobs in journalism and politics. A former Executive Editor of The Times, he has been an advisor to prime ministers and chancellors for over twenty years. He has worked with John Major, David Cameron, Theresa May, George Osborne and Rishi Sunak among many others. His work is respected across the political spectrum and he has recently been the author of an award winning and critically acclaimed best selling book Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad. He is also a Director of Chelsea Football Club. ...

Rt Hon Lord (Michael) Gove

Having served in Cabinet for almost the whole of the previous Conservative government, Michael Gove has been described as 'one of the most consequential ministers of recent times'. Serving variously as the Secretary of State for Education, for Justice, for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and as Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, he has insights that few can rival into the workings of government, leading change and driving strategy. He continues to influence the political debate as Editor of The Spectator.

Rt Hon Lord (William) Hague

William served as Party Leader, Commons Leader and Foreign Secretary – contending with war in Libya, terrorist threats, and relations with Europe. He weighs up the impact of Brexit, China, the invasion of Ukraine, and inflation on government policy, national security and globalisation. How will political leaders respond to the key challenges: from migration and populism to Putin's aggression and Xi Jinping's attitude towards tech and trade battles?

Baroness Ayesha Hazarika

Having moved from the civil service to comedy to Harriet Harman’s Chief of Staff and now back to comedy, Ayesha has gone from writing policy and speeches to writing jokes and commentary pieces. With a combination of humour and insight she looks at politics, the operation of government, what goes on behind the scenes of Westminster and what might happen next.

Andrew Neil

The Daily Mail called Andrew “The titan of broadcasting, famed for his interrogation of the powerful, and The Times said: “The ultimate test for assessing whether a party leader was fit to be Prime Minister is to put them in front of Andrew Neil for forty minutes, the most forensic interviewer in broadcasting.” With wry humour added to genuine insight and an enviable network of business, economic and political connections, the publisher, businessman and broadcaster considers the plots, policies and personalities making the news.