Tim Durrant
Programme Director
Tim's recent work
David Lammy has high ambitions for the Foreign Office
The shadow foreign secretary has set out his stall for how he will run the FCDO if Labour get elected.
The parties should focus on substance as well as sales ahead of the election
Election fever is hotting up in the aftermath of the local elections.
Andrew Mitchell’s new job title doesn’t resolve how to best scrutinise Lords ministers like David Cameron
Current arrangements to scrutinise ministers in the House of Lords may not be sustainable.
All work
Damian Hinds
Damian Hinds talks about his experience of different ministerial ranks and getting his dream job in government.
Government ministers still don’t get enough support when starting out in difficult jobs
New ministers receive little real support when starting their difficult jobs.
Becoming secretary of state
MPs with ambitions of being put in charge of a department must prepare, plan and set priorities now if they want to make an impact.
The Prime Minister cannot build a legacy after resigning
Theresa May is trying to secure a legacy beyond Brexit but she will only be remembered for what she did before announcing the date of her departure.
The Conservative leadership contest is becoming a no deal arms race
By upping their rhetoric to appeal to the hardcore party membership, Hunt and Johnson are steadily moving away from reality.
The new Prime Minister needs to be ready to shift gear from campaigning to governing
Winning a campaign is a very different challenge to running the country – both prime ministerial contenders need to start planning for office now.
Lord O’Shaughnessy
Lord O’Shaughnessy discusses working in policy before becoming a minister, being a Lords minister and the impact of Brexit on the work of DHSC.
Richard Harrington
Richard Harrington reflects on his time as a joint minister across three departments and working with businesses to prepare for a no deal Brexit.
Rearranging government departments isn’t risk-free for Tory leadership contenders
Any Conservative leadership contenders who pledged significant changes to Whitehall departments must ensure their plans are properly thought through.