How can democratic countries get better political leaders?

With rising populism, low levels of trust in governments and a sense that democratic politics cannot deliver solutions for the problems of the 21st century, the need for political leaders who can get things done in government has perhaps never been greater. These issues are not limited to the UK – cynicism and anti-politics sentiment is growing across the democratic world.

So how can democratic societies attract talented people into politics and support them to do the job well? What do people want from their political leaders and what skills do these leaders need? And how what can be done to create a pipeline of leaders – from different backgrounds and with different experiences – who make a career in politics?

To discuss these questions and more, this event will bring together an expert panel, including:

• Dr Susan Close, CEO of the McKinnon Institute and Professor of Practice
• Jorrit de Jong, Director of the Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University and the Emma Bloomberg Senior Lecturer in Public Policy and Management
• Jay Weatherill AO, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

The event will be chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government.