Ministers Reflect
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
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Hannah Blythyn
Hannah Blythyn talks about developing legislation on social partnership, the LGBTQ+ Action Plan, and working with UK ministers.
Alister Jack
Alister Jack discusses using his business experience, raising the UK government’s profile in Scotland, and disagreements with the Scottish government.
Robert Halfon
Robert Halfon talks about championing apprenticeships, ministerial visits, and taking a different approach to the role his second time in government.
Lee Waters
Lee Waters talks about junior–senior ministerial relationships, a lack of understanding of devolution in Whitehall, and the 20mph policy.
Mark Drakeford
Mark Drakeford reflects on his leadership style as first minister, leading Wales through the pandemic, and working with four different UK PMs.
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.
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.