What Were You Thinking?

In this special episode Laura speaks to David Davis, former Brexit Secretary and Conservative Leadership Contender when he campaigned against David Cameron. We talk about his interesting background – raised by a Communist Grandfather and growing up in what he described as a ‘slum’ – his heated moments with Margaret Thatcher and what both leadership contenders could learn from her and President Lincoln when forming the next government. As well as his close to death experience. 

In this special episode Laura speaks to Penny Mordaunt, former Defence Secretary and International Development Secretary who recently came a very close third in the Conservative Party Leadership Contest with close to a third of the MPs’ votes. They talk about her upbringing, the international challenges we are facing, her experiences in the leadership contest and the cost of living crisis.

In this episode Laura speaks to Ayesha Hazarika, who worked in Westminster for many years as Political Adviser to Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband before becoming a stand-up comedian, broadcaster and columnist. They take a trip down memory lane, hearing all about the unusual situation of being shared by two senior politicians, Harriet and Ed, and how Ayesha ended up on the stage. They also talk about the people who inspired her thinking and who had a particular impact on her life and career. As is so often the case, there are some key role models and mentors who spotted talent and encouraged, as well as inspired.  They also chat about some of the more surreal experiences she encountered in Westminster.

In this episode Laura speaks to Jeremy Hunt, former Foreign Secretary, Health Secretary and runner up in the last Conservative Party Leadership Election. He currently chairs the Health Select Committee in the House of Commons. They discuss a wide range of issues, including the COVID-19 situation we find ourselves in and what lessons we should takeaway, the debate around face masks, and maternity health, an issue Jeremy was particularly passionate about whilst Secretary of State for Health, and still is. They also discuss the situation in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the drop in the aid budget, as well as the direction the Conservative Party is and should be going. Jeremy shares a number of funny anecdotes. You'll finally know that NHS Chief Simon Stevens gave Jeremy Hunt a bone of a Hadrosaur, and why... This episode is supported by WaterAid who are working to bring clean water, good hygiene and decent sanitation (WASH) to everyone everywhere by 2030. *This conversation was recorded a few weeks ago and therefore the grave and horrific situation in Afghanistan is not mentioned.

Laura is joined by Gillian Keegan, Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills in the Department for Education and MP for Chichester. It was through a chance encounter that Gillian embarked on the route of becoming a Member of Parliament and she talks about the very special person who was pivotal in that change in career – and of many other female Conservative MPs for that matter! They also discuss the importance of skills and lifelong learning. Gillian is well known for being the first apprentice to become Minister for Apprenticeships, but what most people don’t realise is that she is also a Sloan Fellow from the London Business School. They touch on the influence Liverpool and Madrid have had on her thinking, as well as her grandfather’s miner’s lamp, and the importance of skills in the economic recovery. You can follow Gillian and Laura on Twitter on @GillianKeegan and @LauraRound

Laura Round speaks to Simon Hart, Secretary of State for Wales about the Union, the pressures it is facing and what government is doing to preserve it. They also discuss devolution, his route in to Westminster and what it’s like doing weekly Cabinet Meetings over Zoom! In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Simon and Laura on Twitter on @Simonhartmp and @LauraRound

Laura Round speaks to Tobias Ellwood MP, Chair of the Defence Select Committee and former Defence and Foreign Office Minister. They talk about the security threats facing the UK and the West and what foreign policy for Global Britain could look like. He pulls no punches. They also discuss the people, places and experiences that have impacted his thinking, in particular former US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis. You can follow Tobias Ellwood on Twitter on @Tobias_Ellwood and Laura Round on @LauraRound

Laura Round speaks to Alastair Campbell. Alastair rose to prominence as Tony Blair’s Director of Communications in Number 10 and has remained a household name till this day! He is widely believed to be the inspiration for Malcom Tucker in the Thick Of It and has published countless book. Most recently Volume Eight (!) of his famous diaries. They cover a wide range of topics, including what makes a good leader, his thoughts on Keir Starmer, and some of his most memorable experiences whilst in Downing Street. And of course which people, places and objects have impacted his thinking! In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Alastair Campbell on Twitter on @campbellclaret and Laura Round on @LauraRound

In this episode, Laura speaks to Baroness Sugg, former Minister for Sustainable Development and Head of Operations and Campaigns in Number 10 for David Cameron. Liz talks about working in Downing Street, the challenges faced whilst being on the road with a Prime Minister (including an extraordinary anecdote involving President Putin), how she became passionate about international development and explains why she decided to resign as Minister last year. Liz also reveals how Larry the Cat came to Downing Street. In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Liz Sugg on Twitter on @lizz_sugg and Laura Round on @LauraRound

In this episode, Laura speaks to Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. How accurate is Yes, Minister? Mark gives the inside track on the workings of Whitehall and the role of Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor. We also discuss Britain's foreign policy, national security, the relationship between civil servants and Special Advisers and his love for Audrey Hepburn... In What Were You Thinking, former political advisor Laura Round speaks to politicians, opinion formers and business leaders to find out about the experiences, people and places that have inspired them. You can follow Mark Sedwill on Twitter on @MarkSedwill and Laura Round on @LauraRound