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
David Davis
David Davis talks about his career in government, including his time as secretary of state for exiting the European Union.
Maria Miller
Maria Miller reflects on her career as a minister, including her time as secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
Caroline Dinenage
Caroline Dinenage discusses the support she received from the civil service and working with three different prime ministers.
Michael Russell
Michael Russell reflects on his role as Scottish cabinet secretary for education, and as the minister responsible for UK-EU relations during Brexit.
Eric Pickles
Lord Pickles considers his five years as secretary of state for communities and local government.
Hazel Blears
Hazel Blears was interviewed on 29 November 2021 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.
Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer discusses his work on veterans’ issues, trying to pass legislation in parliament. He also discusses working with Boris Johnson.
Estelle Morris
Baroness Morris talks about her six years in DfE, including her perspective as a former teacher and the shift to a targets-orientated culture.
Alun Davies
Alun Davies was interviewed on 12 October 2021 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.
Jeane Freeman
Jeane Freeman was interviewed on 5 October 2021 for the Institute for Government’s Ministers Reflect project.