After Dinner SpeakersMichael Gove served in Cabinet across five government departments for over a decade, from the 2010 Coalition government onwards.
He led the Vote Leave campaign, which confounded expectations by winning the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Noted as an adept strategist, media performer, and a particularly effective policy implementer, Michael Gove took on some of the most complex, high-profile, and sensitive briefs in government.
After being elected MP for Surrey Heath in 2005, Michael was swiftly elevated to the shadow frontbench before joining David Cameron’s Cabinet in the first Conservative-led government in 13 years.
Serving as Secretary of State for Education, he undertook a widespread reorganisation of all aspects of education and schooling. Balancing ambitious policy demands with a relentless focus on delivery, he steered through some of the most significant educational changes in half a century.
Michael served in the cabinets of three subsequent Prime Ministers, including as Chief Whip, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Secretary of State for Justice, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
Michael’s ministerial responsibilities have stretched from preparing for Brexit to housing reforms and environmental policy to overseeing the government’s Covid-19 response.
He has had one of the most diverse and significant political careers of recent times. He has won a reputation across the political spectrum as the minister who “gets things done.”
During the 2016 referendum, Michael undertook a leading role in the campaign for the UK to leave the EU. A long-standing critic of many aspects of the European project, he was influential in perhaps the most consequential event in recent British history.
Before entering frontline politics, Michael was a journalist, author, and commentator.
Working at The Telegraph, newspapers and TV in his native Scotland, he moved to the BBC and then to The Times as a columnist, leader writer, and Assistant Editor.
He is the author of acclaimed books, including a biography of Michael Portillo and analyses of the Northern Ireland peace process and Islamist terrorism.
Rt Hon. Michael Gove – Guest Speaker
As a political guest speaker, Michael explores the nature of government and how it works and sometimes doesn’t.
As a first-hand witness to and significant participant in the most prominent domestic political events in recent years, Michael reflects on dealing with change and crises, building exceptional teams, and how politics has dramatically changed since the turn of the century.
He examines how policymakers tackle complicated, interdependent issues like the environment, access to housing, and inequality.
Considering the broader political landscape, he looks at the big trends and shifts at home and worldwide and what they say about voters, the media, and politicians.
After his vast and varied experience in government, he also examines the different strategies and approaches required when change needs to be implemented quickly versus when trust and consensus need to be built to achieve lasting success.
His diverse experience and vision for a fairer, more connected society make him a significant voice on regional development and social cohesion issues.
