After Dinner SpeakersThe Rt Hon Michael Gove is a former Cabinet Minister and political commentator, sharing insights on leadership, government, British politics and current affairs.
Michael 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 front bench before joining David Cameron’s Cabinet in the first Conservative-led government in 13 years.
As Secretary of State for Education, he oversaw a wide-ranging reorganisation 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 played a leading role in the campaign to leave the EU. A long-standing critic of many aspects of the European project, he helped shape 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, how it works, and when it doesn’t.
As a first-hand witness to, and significant participant in, the most prominent domestic political events in recent years, Michael reflects on navigating change and crises, building exceptional teams, and how politics has changed dramatically since the turn of the century.
He examines how policymakers tackle complex, interdependent issues like the environment, housing access, and inequality.
Looking at the broader political landscape, he examines major trends and shifts at home and worldwide, and what they suggest about voters, the media, and politicians.
After his vast and varied experience in government, he also examines the different strategies and approaches needed when change must be implemented quickly versus when trust and consensus must 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.
