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.

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. ...

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, and as a Peer.

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. 

Cathy Newman

Cathy co-presents Channel 4’s evening news bulletin having formerly covered politics for the programme. She’s also led the broadcaster’s FactCheck Blog separating the truth from the spin in Westminster. She’s guested on Have I Got News, argued that most MPs deserve more pay, and demonstrated Gangnam Style live on the news. After dinner Cathy considers everything from fake news to Nigel Farage and recounts close encounters with Bill Clinton and keeping a straight face whilst reading the headlines.

Tim Shipman

Now leading political coverage at the influential right-leaning magazine, previously Tim covered Westminster for The Sunday Times as Chief Political Commentator and as Political Editor. He's also reported from Washington covering four elections and interviewing Donald Trump. He delivers insights from a career covering the personalities, scandals and plots, as well as from his position as the leading chronicler of Brexit and its long-term effects for the UK, the world, and politics.

Jon Snow

After thirty years in the newsroom Jon continues to front special projects for Channel 4 – and serve as President of the Cyclists’ Touring Club.

Jeremy Vine

The stalwart of Radio 2 and of election night broadcasts has covered everything from events at Westminster to developments in the Big Brother House in his varied career. He marked his first 25 years at the BBC with his autobiography It’s All News To Me. After dinner Jeremy tells audiences how news gets to the screen, reveals the phrase he’s too terrified to utter on air, and recalls run-ins with the high and mighty.

Justin Webb

Before he joined the Today programme, Justin spent almost a decade in the US as the BBC’s Chief Washington Correspondent. He also co-hosts the BBC podcast Americast, and writes about the US for The Times. He explores the key differences and misunderstandings when it comes to Trump and US-UK-Europe relations, and considers leadership and leaders on all sides, with stories from behind the scenes in broadcasting and in the corridors of power.

Sir Peter Westmacott

One of Britain’s most distinguished diplomats, with over four decades experience representing the UK at the highest levels, Sir Peter has served across Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Having worked closely with world leaders and navigated complex negotiations, Sir Peter offers insightful reflections on diplomacy, geopolitics, and the evolving nature of global power.

Gyles Brandreth

The diarist, novelist, and panellist is a reporter for The One Show, a regular on This Morning and brings his extraordinary wordplay to Radio 4 comedy. After dinner he reveals the part he played in the biggest cheque in British history, the 7 secrets of happiness and how Westminster and Whitehall really work.

Rory Bremner

Britain’s most celebrated impressionist continues to parody the foibles, cock-ups, excesses and excuses of the Great and Good. After making his acting debut in the West End and working in opera, he is back on I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. In cabaret Rory offers his own tribute to the famous and infamous of British and international politics.

Fiona Bruce

One of the BBC’s best-known presenters, alongside Question Time and Ten O’Clock News duties Fiona also fronts Antiques Roadshow and Fake or Fortune? Her career has also taken in quiz shows, state occasions and documentaries.

Rt Hon Sir James Cleverly

In a career spanning the military, business, and local and national politics, James is one of a handful of politicians in history to have served as both Foreign and Home Secretary. Serving through some of the most tumultuous times domestically and internationally, James has a unique insight into the workings of politics and diplomacy, strategy and decision-making. He explores what good and bad leadership looks like, the risks of success, and what the future holds for UK, European and global politics.

Lord (Kim) Darroch

With a diplomatic career spanning over forty years, primarily focusing on national security issues and European policy, Kim has now retired from frontline diplomacy but maintains a keen view of relations with the US and the geopolitical uncertainty affecting everything from trade to military conflict to democracy.

Gavin Esler

Gavin presented Newsnight before moving to The Film Review, Dateline London and HARDtalk and was Chief North America Correspondent at the time of the Lewinsky hearings. He has also written about leadership in Lessons From The Top, and an analysis of English Nationalism in How Britain Ends.

Lewis Goodall

Lewis was the Policy Editor for Newsnight and played a significant role in the corporation’s election coverage. He also has experience working as a Sky News political correspondent, writing questions for University Challenge, and working in the United States Congress as an intern for Representative Diana DeGette of Colorado.