Ministers Reflect
Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.
Ministers Reflect: What is it really like leading a government department?
10:00 — 18:00Explore all interviews
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
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.
Helen Liddell
Baroness Liddell discusses entering government in 1997, the challenges of running the Scotland Office and transitioning from government to diplomacy.
George Eustice
George Eustice reflects on his time in the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Matt Warman
Matt Warman discusses being an expert minister, how to navigate ‘caretaker’ government and receiving an apology for being sacked by Boris Johnson.
Jim Murphy
Jim Murphy reflects on his time as secretary of state for Scotland and as a junior minister