Veterans In Politics by CampaignForce
88 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingVeterans In Politics is a set of interviews brought to you by CampaignForce and sets out to explore how the military community can help make our politics a better place. We sit down with individuals from across the world of politics, sharing secrets, giving tips and advice and inspiring the next generation.Veterans In Politics is brought to you by CampaignForce a campaign to inspire, enable and empower the armed forces community to stand up and serve again by reinvesting their knowledge, skills and values into UK public life.
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Episodes
Jim Shannon MP - Parliament's most prolific debater
April 11, 2024 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBJim was first elected to Ards Borough Council in 1985 and served as Mayor in 1991/92. He was elected as a member of the Northern Ireland Forum for Political Dialogue in 1996 until it completed its work in 1998. He was then subsequently elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly representing Strangford. Within the NI Assembly Jim served on both the Public Accounts Committee and Agriculture Committee. He was re-elected in both 2003 and 2007, stepping down from the NI Assembly in 2010. Jim was...
Kate Ironside - 'Behind the Politics' with the political journalist turned Uni lecturer
April 04, 2024 00:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBThis week we are back with our 'Behind the Politics' segment, speaking to those behind the scenes, turning our attention to the world of journalism. Our guest is from The University of Northampton, Kate Ironside. Kate is a former political journalist, with 26 years experience in industry. She worked for the Reading Evening Post, Central Press, the Daily Express, Western Morning News and BBC Westminster. She spent two years reporting local government, 13 years at Westminster and 17 years wri...
Tom Blenkinsop - The MP who joined the Army Reserves
March 28, 2024 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBTom Blenkinsop was born in Middlesbrough, brought-up in Marton and graduated from Teesside University with a BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics, and the University of Warwick with an MA in Continental philosophy. Tom joined the Army Reserve in 2017 in the Royal Military Police in which he still serves today, and was an MP whilst training to be an RMP, something we explore in this episode. Tom worked as a constituency researcher for Ashok Kumar, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South an...
Dr Sebastian Gorka - Inside the White House with Trump National Security Advisor
March 20, 2024 21:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBAbout this week's guest: Dr. Sebastian Gorka is a Talk Show Host on the Salem Radio Network Platform, and began his show AMERICA FIRST on New Years Day, 2019. With parents who had lived as children under fascism and then escaped Communist Hungary, Sebastian was raised to love freedom. And his love of talk-radio developed early. As a child he would listen late into the night to the shows of the London Broadcasting Company with a small transistor radio under his pillow. It was with this spec...
Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP- The Minister for Defence People & Families
December 21, 2023 01:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBThe Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP is a Minister at the MOD and we were excited to record this episode in the heart of our nation's Defence HQ at MOD Main Building. We talk about the Invictus Games, Ukraine, his service in the Royal Navy as a doctor, both regular and reserve, his family, Defence and the various ministerial roles he has served in. We also share a special message this Christmas time to all those from the Armed Forces serving over the break. Big thanks to the MOD for their h...
The original doorstep journalist - 'Behind the Politics' with Michael Crick
December 06, 2023 01:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBThis week we speak to veteran Channel 4 and BBC investigative journalist, Michael Crick as part of our 'Behind the Politics' feature where we interview experts in the field of politics, from campaign managers to pollsters to journalists like Michael... and maybe even the odd Special Advisor! Michael is a TV legend, broadcaster, journalist and author. He was a founding member of the Channel 4 News team and remained there until joining the BBC in 1990. He started work on the BBC's Newsnight ...
Andrew Selous MP- Former Army Reservist on a day in the life of an MP
November 29, 2023 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBVeterans In Politics- Andrew Selous MP- Former Army Reservist on a day in the life of an MP Our host first met Andrew Selous MP when he himself was brand new to politics. UIt was great to sit down in Parliament all these years later and chat through mucvh about the day in life of an MP. From PMQs to consituency life and casework, this episode is packed full on insight. We also talk about his life in the army reserves, or the TA as it was known back then, through Andrew's service in the H...
Cllr Paul Watson- The independent veteran councillor on a Union for the Forces
November 22, 2023 01:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBJames Paul Watson (known as Paul) joined the Irish Guards straight from school and completed 6 operational tours including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He sustained a spinal injury in Afghanistan, which ultimately led to his medical discharge from the British Army in 2015. He immediately enrolled at Salford University where he graduated in 2018 with a degree in Political Contemporary History before being elected as a local councillor. Whilst at university, Paul began to b...
Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP on grief, loss and Afghanistan
November 15, 2023 01:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBTobias Ellwood has always been in the headlines. This interview covers the reasons why, and comes with a trigger warning as we talk about tricky subjects, including grief and trauma. For details of supportive organisations, see the bottom of these notes. About our guest: Tobias was elected as Member of Parliament for Bournemouth East in May 2005, and subsequently re-elected in 2010, 2015, 2017 and most recently in December 2019. He was Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Fore...
Royston Smith GM MP- RAF veteran, former council leader and George Medal recipient
November 08, 2023 01:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBRoyston Smith GM MP is an RAF veteran, former council leader and George Medal recipient and our latest guest on Veterans In Politics Podcast. He has been the Member of Parliament for Southampton Itchen since 2015 and is the former Leader of Southampton City Council, having served as the Councillor for Harefield Ward – where he was born – from 2000 until 2016. He has worked in both the private and public sectors, which offers useful experience to his approach to the key issues that face Sou...
James Gray MP- HAC veteran on Operation Christmas Box
November 01, 2023 01:00 - 39 minutes - 27.5 MBThis week we sit down with HAC Veteran James Gray MP. James was first elected as MP for North Wiltshire in May 1997. He was educated at Hillhead Primary School and Glasgow High School and later read History at Glasgow University and Christ Church, Oxford. More recently he was a visiting Parliamentary Fellow of St Antony’s College, Oxford and is a graduate of the Royal College of Defence Studies. Before entering Parliament, James’s career was in business. He worked for P&O, latterly as one...
Richard Drax MP- Former Guards Officer on Northern Ireland and the Defence Select Committee
October 25, 2023 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBVeterans In Politics Podcast this week meets Richard Drax MP, a former Guards Officer who served in Northern Ireland and is on the Defence Select Committee Richard was delighted to re-elected the MP for South Dorset in December 2019. He served across the world, including Germany, Cyprus, Kenya, Brunei, Hong Kong, the United States, London and three operational tours in Northern Ireland. Richard enjoyed a variety of activities, ranging from ceremonial duties, such as Trooping the Colour to...
Rt Hon Mark Francois MP- TA Officer veteran and former Defence Minister on the Armed Forces Covenant
October 18, 2023 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBVeterans In Politics this week is with Rt Hon Mark Francois MP, the former TA Officer and past Defence Minister who worked hard to bring the Armed Forces Covenant into being with the then Prime Minister David Cameron. We talk about his beginnings in the Royal Anglian TA, getting into local government and eventually becoming a Member of Parliament. On the way, he even went up in a selection and beat a certain Boris Johnson! About Mark Mark’s political career began in local government, whe...
Was all that glittered gold at Labour Party Conference? - 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
October 12, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBJonny and Lydia wrap up their look at Party Conference season with analysis of the Labour Party Conference. We take a look at the man who wants to be Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer's speech, which began with protester throwing glitter over him! But he handled it well and it actually played into his delivery. 'Behind the Politics' is a new addition to the show where we interview experts in the field of politics, from campaign managers to pollsters to journalists.. and maybe even the odd S...
Hs2 plan shelved at Conservative Party Conference- 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
October 05, 2023 08:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBJonny and Lydia are back to take a look at Conservative Party Conference with more insights 'behind the politics' off of the back of the news Hs2 has been shelved for the North. We unpick Conservative Party Conference including the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's speech which was packed full of stuff! A key moment for the Conservatives and the PM as they look to 'change' in the run up to a General Election! 'Behind the Politics' is a new addition to the show where we interview experts in th...
The 'C' word and the Lib Dem Party Conference - 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
September 28, 2023 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBJonny and Lydia are back with more insights 'behind the politics' as they review the Liberal Democrat Party Confidence and a particular focus on Ed Davey's speech. What was said? What wasn't said? What does this all mean? We unpick this and provide some analysis to better help you understand what's going on during Conference season and UK politics at the moment in the run up to a General Election. 'Behind the Politics' is a new addition to the show where we interview experts in the fi...
Flick Drummond MP- Int Corps' TA veteran on political resilience
September 20, 2023 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBWe return this week with Flick Drummond MP a veteran of the Int Corps' TA and talk to her on political resilience amongst many things. Flick has a background in education and does some extraordinary policy development work in this are cross-party. She also has been through the mill with her political career having experienced failure at the highest level, only to bounce back and get re-elected. It certainly hasnt been all plain sailing for Flick and you'll find this an inspirational episo...
Jason McCartney MP- RAF Officer veteran on winning and losing in politics
September 13, 2023 00:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBIn this episode we meet Jason McCartney MP- a former RAF Officer, journalist and now MP We talk about his RAF family links, his career that took him to Iraq as well as his journey into journalism and latterly politics. Jason knows what it is like to win and lose, and we discuss the disaster of the 2017 General Election and how the Prime Minister of the day called him to apologise due to his electoral defeat. But Jason didnt give up, and came back fighting two years later for a comprehen...
Sir Mike Penning MP- from Guardsman to Minister to Knight of the Realm
September 06, 2023 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBVeterans In Politics- Sir Mike Penning MP- from Guardsman to Minister to Knight of the Realm It was a huge pleasure recording this episode with Sir Mike Penning in his office in the heart of The House of Commons, in Parliament, Westminster. Our host Jonny first met Mike at the MOD, where Mike was serving as Minister for the Armed Forces, essentially Deputy Secretary of State for Defence. Mike talks about his humble background, joining the army as a teenager, serving in Northern Ireland on...
Cllr Louise Jones, Veteran Intelligence Corps' Officer, local councillor and parliamentary candidate
August 30, 2023 00:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBVeterans In Politics with Cllr Louise Jones, Veteran Intelligence Corps' Officer, local councillor and parliamentary candidate Louise and our host Jonny first met at Labour Party Conference and they share a history with the Intelligence Corps. Louise was a commissioned officer in the Corps and tours included time in both Germany and Afghanistan. Now working in the private sector, Louise decided to stand up and serve again in local government and was successfully elected as a Labour Counci...
Stephen James- Political activist, Intelligence Corps' Veteran and former teacher
August 23, 2023 00:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBThis week we talk to Stephen James, a former member of the Intelligence Corps', a teacher and social entrepreneur. Stephen is also Chairman of Folkestone and Hythe Conservatives. In this episode we talk about his military career that took him to Afghanistan and his transition into teaching that benefitted from a veteran mentor. We also discuss leadership in politics, including our host Jonny's disagreement with him over Boris. Stephen explains why he stuck by his man. LINKS: Stephen's F...
Honourable Artillery Company Business Network Event, London with Ed McGuinness and James Clark
August 16, 2023 00:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBVeterans In Politics- Honourable Artillery Company Biz Network Special- with Ed McGuinness and James Clark Recorded in front of a studio audience at the Honourable Artillery Company with their Business Network and our guests Ed McGuinness and James Clark from the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces. This was a fun episode to record and it was great to have Ed and James return to the show as previous podcast guests. Ed served in the Royal Artillery and James in the Infantry, and our h...
'Mark Francois and the rabbit on the roundabout - 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
August 09, 2023 00:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBWe're back with new season kicking off with our host Jonny Ball and his wife Lydia! We launch a new season with a new feature to the podcast called 'Behind the Politics' where we interview experts in the field of politics, from campaign managers to pollsters to journalists.. and maybe even the odd Special Advisor! Sit back and learn how our couple met, their experience of military life and their commentary on British Politics based on years working behind the scenes. We also share with y...
Cllr Will Stone- Rifles Soldier, businessman, councillor and Parliamentary Candidate
April 26, 2023 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 6- Cllr Will Stone - Former Rifles Soldier and now a Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party in Swindon. Cllr Will Stone has broken onto the scene recently as one of our younger veterans in politics. He began his career as an infantry soldier in his local Regiment, The Rifles. After a career that included representing his Regiment and the Army at a high level in sporting activities, Will decided to leave the army. As well as time spent as a do...
Cllr Chris Mitchell from REME Officer to Council Leader
April 12, 2023 00:00 - 47 minutes - 33 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 5- Cllr Chris 'Chalky' Mitchell - Former REME Officer and now a Council Leader in Worcester for the Conservatives. Chalky was introduced to the show by a mutual veteran friend. This is the first time that we have had the privilege of interviewing a leader of a local authority so couldn't resist the opportunity to ask about the transferable leadership skills of veterans into local politics. By his own admission, Chalky doesn't get into the whole par...
Jonny Singh - Former Chinook pilot on what purpose means and international development
April 05, 2023 00:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 4- Jonny Singh - Former chinook pilot on what purpose means and international development. Jonny Singh is super humble a despite having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in Afghanistan for bravery. He describes this incident in detail, and even talks about how 'we' won the award- referencing that the award wasn't just to him but to his crew too. That's what we mean by humble. Since leaving, Jonny has worked overseas for various charities ...
Mike Crofts- army veteran, approved Labour candidate and criminal justice charity founder
March 29, 2023 00:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 3- Mike Crofts- army veteran, approved Labour candidate and criminal justice charity founder. Our host Jonny Ball first met Mike Crofts working together on another podcast 'Veterans Work' where they focussed on veterans' employability issues. He was immediately impressed by Mike's work in the criminal justice system, using things like sport as a way of helping young people in prison. When we saw Mike pop up in a Labour Parliamentary selection, we w...
Richard Foord MP- the newest veteran in Parliament
March 22, 2023 01:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 2- Richard Foord MP- the newest veteran in Parliament having been elected as a Lib Dem MP in the Tiverton & Honiton by-election of 2022. Richard Foord is an army veteran having served for 10 years as an army officer in the Adjutant Generals Corps (ETS Branch). Essentially, he was an army teacher, and served on an operational tour of the Balkans during this time. He talks about his struggle to find a purpose after leaving the army, as well as what dr...
Cllr Bayo Alaba- Former Para, local councillor, community activist
March 15, 2023 01:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 7, Episode 1- Councillor Bayo Alaba- The Parachute Regiment veteran on his work in the community, race, family values as well as his service as a local councillor. Cllr Bayo Alaba is a former member of the Parachute Regiment. Fiercely proud of his Nigerian roots, he does not want to be simply known as just a 'black voice' but for his many other talents too. He's a marketeer, community activist, father, soldier and now a councillor. Bayo speaks passionately an...
Best of Veterans In Politics 2022 Special with top segments from 24 episodes
December 23, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBVeterans In Politics concludes 2022 with a 'Best of' special, featuring snippets from 24 episodes published across the year Join our amazing guests who made 2022 a special year for our podcast. From Felicity Cornelius-Mercer (our most popular episode of the year) to Sir Iain Duncan-Smith MP, to Dan Jarvis MP... we landed some great interviews this year. From guests in Northern Ireland, Australia, Canada and even the Ukraine, we branched out from the comfort of Westminster, where was also ...
Councillor Hannah Jarvis- Iraq veteran, Ukraine aid worker and mum in politics
December 07, 2022 01:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 7- Councillor Hannah Jarvis- The Iraq veteran on her work in Ukraine, being a mum in politics as well as her service as a local councillor. Cllr Hannah Jarvis is a long standing supporter and friend of CampaignForce and the Veterans In Politics Podcast. A veteran of Iraq, she had a unique military career, serving on the frontline attached to the infantry. We talk about this, including her role as a searcher. She has stood as a candidate in many ele...
Councillor Michael Kurn- The sports journalist who answered the call to serve to lead
November 30, 2022 01:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 6- Councillor Michael Kurn- The sports journalist who answered the call to serve to lead by joining the army reserves We met Councillor Michael Kurn at Conservative Conference 2022 to grab a quick interview ahead of his final stages of commissioning into the army reserves. We are pleased to report that since recording, Michael successfully completed the army reserves commissioning course and now holds the King's Commission in the Royal Logistic Corps...
Rachel Hopkins MP - Shadow Veterans' Minister and her first podcast interview
November 23, 2022 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 5- Rachel Hopkins MP- Shadow Veterans' Minister in her first ever podcast interview. We return with yet another Shadow Defence team interview with newly appointed Shadow Minister Rachel Hopkins MP. We have sat down with two of her predecessors and were only too pleased to be able to record this chat with her, in what is her first ever podcast interview! We chat about the term 'veteran' and its application Vs the term 'ex forces' as well as her effor...
Heston Russell- Australian Special Forces veteran on purpose, his sexuality and righting wrongs
November 16, 2022 01:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 4- Heston Russell- Australian Special Forces veteran on purpose, his sexuality and righting wrongs. In our second episode with an Australian veteran (Heston makes a dig about this fact!) we sit down with one of our most fascinating guests yet! We talk veterans, purpose, sexuality and masculinity and much, much more in this must listen! And here's a little about Heston: Following his graduation from the Royal Military College of Duntroon, Heston wa...
Ben Obese-Jecty the infantry officer veteran of Iraq and Afghan on outdated diversity terms
November 09, 2022 01:00 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 3- Ben Obese-Jecty the infantry officer veteran of Iraq and Afghan and former Conservative Parliamentary Candidate. We sat down with Ben at Conservative Party Conference 2022 to discuss his time in the infantry during the most intense period of war fighting for the British Army, having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and we also get an interesting perspective to diversity in politics, as a black man who has fought in elections. We cover all of...
Ben Obese-Jecty the infantry officer veteran of Iraq and Afghan on outdated diversity terms
November 09, 2022 01:00 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 3- Ben Obese-Jecty the infantry officer veteran of Iraq and Afghan and former Conservative Parliamentary Candidate. We sat down with Ben at Conservative Party Conference 2022 to discuss his time in the infantry during the most intense period of war fighting for the British Army, having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, and we also get an interesting perspective to diversity in politics, as a black man who has fought in elections. We cover all of...
Labour Party Conference 2022 Special with Dan Jarvis MP, Salesforce and Labour Friends of the Forces
November 02, 2022 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 2-Labour Party Conference 2022 Special with Dan Jarvis MP, Salesforce and Labour Friends of the Forces We return back to Labour Party Conference where we record a special episode of Veterans In Politics with a panel of veterans in front of a live audience. Our host Jonny Ball welcomes Dan Jarvis MP, one of our most respected veterans in Parliament, a former Parachute Regiment Officer and metro mayor, RAF Veteran Toby Dickinson, Co-Chair of Labour Fri...
Conservative Party Conference 2022 Special with James Sunderland MP, Salesforce and Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces
October 26, 2022 00:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 6, Episode 1- Conservative Party Conference 2022 Special with James Sunderland MP, Salesforce and Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces We return back to Conservative Party Conference where we record a special episode of Veterans In Politics with a panel of veterans in front of a live audience. Our host Jonny Ball welcomes Chair of the Defence Select Committee on the Armed Forces Bill, Bracknell MP and former army Colonel James Sunderland, Founder of the Con...
Former Deputy Council Leader Louise Harbour on the RAF and women in politics
September 22, 2022 00:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 7 with Former Councillor Louise Harbour Louise Harbour served in the RAF Engineering Branch as one of the few women at that time. She grew up in the North West, and has returned home to serve her community. Sadly, since recording this episode, Louise lost her seat on the council in the local elections, and with it, her position as Deputy Leader. But we are certain she will be back! In fact, she was Knowsley Council’s first ever female deputy lead...
Ed McGuinness Conservative candidate and how pets can help win elections
September 21, 2022 00:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 6 with Ed McGuinness Ed McGuinness is a Conservative campaigner and former British Army officer, chairman of Islington Conservatives, President of Conservatives in the City and board member of CF Armed Forces. He was also a Parliamentary candidate in the 2019 General Election. Ed's passions are providing exciting policies for young people, ensuring the economy is secure and the Union. In this episode we ask him about his childhood, his military care...
Cllr Alex Lee on fighting wars and both losing and winning elections
September 07, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 5 with Councillor Alex Lee We sit down this week with Alex Lee, a former soldier of both the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR) and the Royal Signals. Joining the army shortly before 9/11 Alex's career was highly operational. From Kosovo to Iraq to Afghanistan. In this episode, he bravely shares his experience of mental health and PTSD following an incident during a mortar attack. Since leaving the military, Alex has enjoyed a successful ...
Earl Attlee- Grandson of one of our greatest Prime Ministers
August 31, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 4 with Earl Attlee We meet Earl Attlee who first entered the House in 1992 and in 1999 was elected to be one of the remaining hereditary Peers. In opposition he served as a Whip and Spokesperson for various departments and as a Lord in Waiting (Lords Whip) from 2010 to 2014 under the Cameron Government. Earl Attlee served as a Major in the Territorial Army and latterly Army Reserves (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and served in Operation...
Earl Attlee- Grandson of one of our greatest Prime Ministers
August 31, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 4 with Earl Attlee We meet Earl Attlee who first entered the House in 1992 and in 1999 was elected to be one of the remaining hereditary Peers. In opposition he served as a Whip and Spokesperson for various departments and as a Lord in Waiting (Lords Whip) from 2010 to 2014 under the Cameron Government. Earl Attlee served as a Major in the Territorial Army and latterly Army Reserves (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and served in Operation...
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst the soldier surgeon on political failure and resilience
August 24, 2022 00:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 3 with Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst Soldier, surgeon and Conservative campaigner Neil Shastri-Hurst was brought up in a tradition of public service. Neil’s parents both worked for the NHS; his mother a nurse and his father a GP of forty years. They passed that dedication down to Neil and, following in their footsteps, he went on to study medicine. Whilst at medical school, Neil joined the British Army as a Medical Officer — serving our country's national...
Bob Seely MBE MP and his family history in the military and in politics
August 17, 2022 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 2 with Bob Seely MBE MP Bob is MP for the Isle of Wight parliamentary constituency. He is the sixth generation to be involved in community life on the Isle of Wight, including family members who have served as its MP. Our host Jonny explores this history, including that of his Uncle Jack and his famous warhorse 'Warrior' who served in WW1. A fascinating story not to be missed! He first worked as a foreign correspondent in eastern Europe for four y...
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Leader of the DUP and former UDR Soldier
August 10, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 5, Episode 1 with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP We meet Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Member of Parliament for Lagan Valley since 1997. As of 2022, he is Northern Ireland's longest-serving MP. He served in the Ulster Defence Regiment during the Troubles and was also the campaign manager for the UUP MP Enoch Powell's successful re-election campaigns in 1983 and 1986. This is something our host Jonny asks about in this e...
Season 5 Trailer Veterans In Politics- political success and failure
August 03, 2022 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.24 MB'All Political careers end in failure' Enoch Powell MP Said by probably one of our most controversial figures, what is undisputed is the accuracy of this statement. From Neville Chamberlain, to Churchill, to Boris, and even Powell himself, failure is a constant in politics. This season 5 of Veterans In Politics, we explore failure AND success, proving that failure can often make you resilient. We have 8 amazing guests, beginning with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP, Leader of the DUP and coveri...
Jody Mitic- Canadian Master Sniper, former Ottawa City Councillor
April 20, 2022 00:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 9 with Jody Mitic Jody Mitic is a Master Sniper, double amputee and former Ottawa City Councillor. He's also our very first guest from Canada and super cool guy! He starred in The Amazing Race Canada, and is the author of Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper. It's a great read! I was introduced to Jody via a mutual veteran friend on LinkedIn. We soon had a FaceTime and talked for hours! I had to get him on the show. We talk about his...
Ukrainian MP Dmytro Gurin talks from the ground in the Ukraine War
April 18, 2022 00:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 10 with Ukrainian MP Dmytro Gurin In this Ukrainian War special, our host Jonny Ball speaks directly from the streets of Ukraine with Dmytro Gurin MP. This has been produced in conjunction with UK not for profit Bridge to Unity and you can find their details below. Jonny finds out from Dmytro about the nature of the Ukrainian people in a quest to establish why they have been so resistant. He also asks him about the reality of the unity behind Presi...
Councillor Andy Newman
April 13, 2022 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBVeterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 8 with Cllr Andy Newman We first met with Councillor Andy Newman at Labour Party Conference in 2021 and immediately hit it off. We found him inspiring and in politics for all the right reasons. That's why we had to get him on the show! A former member of the Household Division, serving in the Guards on operational and ceremonial duty, Andy returned home to the North East to find things in local government a little less then impressive as he tried...