Ministers Reflect
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
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Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith talks about serving as constitution minister under three different PMs, her time in the Truss government, and ministerial maternity cover.
Anne Milton
Anne Milton discusses pastoral support for MPs, whipping during the coalition years and working with opposition whips.
Hilary Armstrong
Baroness Armstrong discusses handling contentious legislation, the welfare of MPs and influencing reshuffles.
Patrick McLoughlin
Lord McLoughlin reflects on his long experience of government, how the whips manage parliament and dealing with crises as transport secretary.
Sir Brandon Lewis
Sir Brandon Lewis discusses the benefit of local government experience, the challenges of the Home Office and his time as Northern Ireland secretary.
Lord Bethell
Lord Bethell discusses being in DHSC during Covid, the importance of experts in government and 'hating' leaving office
Sir Robert Buckland
Robert Buckland discusses Brexit’s impact on the law officer role, the end of the Truss government, and managing the courts system in Covid.
Douglas Alexander
Douglas Alexander discusses becoming a minister, dealing with crises, and running DfID.
Hilary Benn
Hilary Benn talks about international development and moving into opposition.
Helen Liddell
Baroness Liddell discusses entering government in 1997, the challenges of running the Scotland Office and transitioning from government to diplomacy.