Veterans In Politics Podcast
Veterans In Politics is a set of interviews that 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 podcast's mission is to inspire, enable and empower the Armed Forces community to stand up and serve again!
Danny Kinahan- The FORMER Veterans' Commissioner for Northern Ireland
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Note- this was recorded prior to Danny's resignation.
Danny Kinahan, is the first Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland and was appointed to this role by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in September 2020, as a result of the New Decade New Approach political agreement.
He's a former Army officer, MLA and Member of Parliament.
In this episode, our host Jonny Ball quizzes him about his military, civilian and political career as well as the role of Veterans' Commissioner.
Danny's Key priorities:<...
Col (Retd) James Phillips- The Veterans' Commissioner for Wales
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Colonel (Retd) James Phillips is the first veterans commissioner for Wales.
James, who lives in Pembrokeshire, left the Army after serving 33 years, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and the Balkans.
He believes Wales has a "long tradition of service and sacrifice".
His appointment means Wales joins Northern Ireland and Scotland in having a dedicated commissioner, though at the time of the recording, England is yet to appoint.
This was recorded before the General Election and we thank James for his patience. We h...
Cllr Daniel McBirnie- The Bomb Disposal Officer in local politics
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Daniel McBirnie is a Saffron Walden councillor and resident. He has fought developers and won concessions for local people and is a former Army Lieutenant Colonel who’s provided MoD briefings to the government on Covid and Mental Health.
Daniel began his military career at the Army's 6th Form College, Welbeck, which is sadly no longer open. He went on to a full career in the Royal Logistics Corps' serving as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) which is more colloquially known as 'Bomb Disposal.'
We talk Afghanistan, his jour...
Cllr Rich Potter - the Invictus Games athlete taking on the World's toughest trek
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Hailing from the West of Ireland, Rich’s vibrant childhood was filled with sports and weekend fun with his grandparents. After an ankle injury and subsequent loss of his left leg due to sepsis, Rich found a new path in athletics and indoor rowing. His resilience shone at the 2023 Invictus Games, where he claimed gold in the 100m, silver in table tennis, and bronze in the relay. And this is where our host Jonny Ball met him, on the same team for the UK.
In their side bar conversations over Invictus, th...
The Rt Hon James Cleverly TD VR MP - Conservative Leadership contender exclusive
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We return this week during Season 10 of the podcast to the Conservative Leadership race with former Secretary of State, Rt Hon James Cleverly MP.
Our host Jonny Ball first met James back in the Noughties when they were both active in London Party Politics. Since then, James has gone on to great things, but in this episode, Jonny recalls an early moment from a Party Conference in 2008, to demonstrate perhaps that James hasn't really changed that much!
Alongside a busy political career, James has also served as an Army Re...
The Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP - Exclusive interview with Conservative Leadership contender
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We kick off season 10 of the Veterans In Politics Podcast with Conservative Leadership hopeful, Tom Tugendhat! This is a fantastic start to the season, and you wont be surprised to learn that our host Jonny and Tom (whom share the same cap badge from their time in the army) talk about leadership... a lot!
Tom was Minister of State (Minister for Security) between 6 September 2022 and 5 July 2024 and attended cabinet. He previously served as the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from 2017 to 2022 and was first elected the MP for Tonbridge a...
Cllr Gareth Staples-Jones- the Army Reservist on why young people should be in politics
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Jim Shannon MP - Parliament's most prolific debater
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Jim 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 elected to Parliament at the General Election of 2010 where he...
Kate Ironside - 'Behind the Politics' with the political journalist turned Uni lecturer
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This 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 writing an award-winning column on the European Union. Today she combines teaching, with regular contributions...
Tom Blenkinsop - The MP who joined the Army Reserves
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Tom 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 and East Cleveland, from 2002 to 2008. He became a campaign ma...
Dr Sebastian Gorka - Inside the White House with Trump National Security Advisor
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About 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 special family background, and growing up u...
Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP- The Minister for Defence People & Families
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The 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 t...
The original doorstep journalist - 'Behind the Politics' with Michael Crick
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This 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 programme in 1992, serving as political editor from 2007 until his d...
Andrew Selous MP- Former Army Reservist on a day in the life of an MP
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Veterans 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 kn...
Cllr Paul Watson- The independent veteran councillor on a Union for the Forces
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James 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 become disillusioned with society's relationship with the veteran community - specifically how our injured veterans are dependent on charities for...
Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP on grief, loss and Afghanistan
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Tobias 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 Foreign and Commonwealth Office with special responsibility for the Middle East and Africa fro...
Royston Smith GM MP- RAF veteran, former council leader and George Medal recipient
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Royston 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 Southampton most effectively. His career spans four decades – starti...
James Gray MP- HAC veteran on Operation Christmas Box
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This 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 of their shipbrokers on th...
Richard Drax MP- Former Guards Officer on Northern Ireland and the Defence Select Committee
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Veterans 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 mark the Queen's birthday, to parachuting with the Guards' freefall...
Rt Hon Mark Francois MP- TA Officer veteran and former Defence Minister on the Armed Forces Covenant
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Veterans 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
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Jonny 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 Special Advisor!
<...
Hs2 plan shelved at Conservative Party Conference- 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
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Jonny 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 the f...
The 'C' word and the Lib Dem Party Conference - 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
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Jonny 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 field of politics, from...
Flick Drummond MP- Int Corps' TA veteran on political resilience
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We 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 episode that we recorded over Summer Recess.
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Jason McCartney MP- RAF Officer veteran on winning and losing in politics
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In 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...
Sir Mike Penning MP- from Guardsman to Minister to Knight of the Realm
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Veterans 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 operations, becoming a...
Cllr Louise Jones, Veteran Intelligence Corps' Officer, local councillor and parliamentary candidate
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Veterans 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 Councillor. She is also on their Parliamentary Candidates' List and hopes to be...
Stephen James- Political activist, Intelligence Corps' Veteran and former teacher
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This 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 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StephenJamesGBR/
Joi...
Honourable Artillery Company Business Network Event, London with Ed McGuinness and James Clark
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Veterans 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 host Jonny even s...
'Mark Francois and the rabbit on the roundabout - 'Behind the Politics' with Lydia and Jonny Ball
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We'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 you news of the up...
Cllr Will Stone- Rifles Soldier, businessman, councillor and Parliamentary Candidate
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Veterans 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 doorman on...
Cllr Chris Mitchell from REME Officer to Council Leader
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Veterans 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 party political ding dong, which is ju...
Jonny Singh - Former Chinook pilot on what purpose means and international development
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Veterans 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 and NGOs in developing nations. It's clear fro...
Mike Crofts- army veteran, approved Labour candidate and criminal justice charity founder
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Veterans 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 were not surprised to see this extension of his service. Fr...
Richard Foord MP- the newest veteran in Parliament
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Veterans 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 drove him to s...
Cllr Bayo Alaba- Former Para, local councillor, community activist
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Veterans 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 and from the heart. He rec...
Best of Veterans In Politics 2022 Special with top segments from 24 episodes
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Veterans 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 managed to record episodes on both The House of Commons and The Ho...
Councillor Hannah Jarvis- Iraq veteran, Ukraine aid worker and mum in politics
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Veterans 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 elections, and th...
Councillor Michael Kurn- The sports journalist who answered the call to serve to lead
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Veterans 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!
We delve deep into the 'why' Michael holds around service, what dr...
Rachel Hopkins MP - Shadow Veterans' Minister and her first podcast interview
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Veterans 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 efforts engaging with t...
