Veterans In Politics by CampaignForce: Recent Episodes
Jonny Ball
Veterans 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 not for profit that inspires, trains and coaches the armed forces community to stand up and serve again.
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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 had to delay due to the restrictions placed on appointed persons like James, but as you will hear, it was an amazing chat.
We cover his lengthy military career as well as what a commissioner's role is. Don't forget to listen to our host Jonny's 3 key takeaways at the end!
Huge thanks to Bags at Bare Arms Support to Film & TV for the lend of the studio. For more on their work, see here: Bare Arms – Military Advisers to the Theatrical Industries – Film, TV, Theatre, Games
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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 journey into a demanding and highly pressurised role, as well as his transition into business and local politics.
During the episode we touch on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and Armed Forces Covenant which he advocates. This is administered by MOD's Defence Relationship Management, and you can find out more about them here: Defence Relationship Management - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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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, they soon learnt that they had politics in common too, so it's a delight to be able to share this side of his story. Moreover, it's a chance to talk about Rich's next challenge: The Limbitless Expedition: Conquering the Full Snowman Trek! He is doing this alongside another one of our team mates, Rich 'Dickie' Davies.
To support their exped in support of amazing military charities go to their page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rich-potter-1707920143406
And please share with a friend! Good luck boys!
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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 Reservist in the Royal Artillery.
James Cleverly was Secretary of State for the Home Department between 13 November 2023 and 5 July 2024.
He was previously Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs between 6 September 2022 and 13 November 2023.
He was Secretary of State for Education from July 2022 to September 2022.
Before that, James was Minister of State for Europe and North America in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from February to July 2022. He was also Minister for Middle East, North Africa and North America from September 2020 to February 2022. James was first appointed as a joint Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development on 13 February 2020.
James was Minister without Portfolio from July 2019 to February 2020, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union from April 2019 to July 2019. He was first elected as the Conservative MP for Braintree in May 2015.
To follow James's journey, see here: Homepage | Rt Hon James Cleverly (cleverly4braintree.com)
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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 and Malling in 2015.
Before being elected as an MP, Tom served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked for the Foreign Office, helping to set up the National Security Council of Afghanistan and the government in Helmand Province. On returning to the UK, Tom served as the military assistant and principal adviser to the Chief of the Defence Staff to the British Army, Lord Richards, and we talk about how he has inspired his leadership style in politics.
Tom studied Theology at the University of Bristol, followed by a Master’s degree in Islamic studies at Cambridge University, which included learning Arabic in Yemen.
After graduating, Tom worked in Beirut as a journalist, and soon after established one of Lebanon’s first public relations companies. On his return to the UK, Tom joined the Territorial Army. When the Iraq War broke out in 2003, he was mobilised as an Arabic-speaking intelligence officer to serve with the Royal Marines.
In 2005, Tom was asked by the Foreign Office to travel to Afghanistan to establish the National Security Council. After two years in Afghanistan and a brief return to the UK, Tom was mobilised and served operationally for a further two years with the Royal Marines, for which he received an MBE, coming off his last patrol in July 2009.
Tom went on to work on the Army Strategy Team helping to prepare for the Strategic Defence and Security Review. He later served as the Chief of the Defence Staff’s military assistant and principal adviser. He remains an Army Reserve officer.
For more on Tom, see here: https://www.tomtugendhat.org/aboutom
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Support the Show.
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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 received nearly 15,000 votes, with the next closest unionist receiving just over 9,000. He was again re-elected in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Jim is currently the DUP spokesperson on Health and Human Rights. He is also a member of the Ecclesiastical (Joint) Committee.
In this episode we talk about his faith, his principles, his love of Leicester City FC and his service in the Armed Forces.
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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 to the BBC, commentating on national politics. Kate sits on the executive board of the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, which accredits our journalism courses, and organised the nationwide reporting of the general election results by BJTC students across the UK in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Kate teaches public affairs, law, media regulation and practical reporting. She has won awards for her university teaching. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Kate’s research centres on public affairs and media regulation. She is the author of Reporting Power, the official textbook on public affairs of the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, now on its third edition.
We refer to the amazing work Kate does with students running election counts coverage. You can view the work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzttiNQSq4s&feature=youtu.be
And to follow Kate on X, find her @IronsideKate
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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 manager for the Community Trade Union in 2008 and continued in the role until his election to Parliament in 2010.
Tom was selected as the Labour candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland in April 2010, following Ashok Kumar's unexpected death the previous month. He was elected at the May 2010 general election. In his first Parliamentary term, he was a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee from 2010 to 2012, the Standards and Privileges Committee from 2010 to 2011 and the Treasury Select Committee in 2011. He joined the opposition front bench under the leadership of Ed Miliband, serving as a whip from 2011 to 2015.
He was re-elected at the 2015 general election. During his second Parliamentary term, he was a member of the Energy and Climate Change Committee from 2015 to 2016, the Privileges Committee from 2015 to 2017, the Standards Committee from 2015 to 2017, and the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee from 2016 to 2017.
After the calling of the 2017 general election, Blenkinsop announced that we would not seek re-election as an MP as he could not campaign for Labour whilst Corbyn served as party leader. Again, this is something we discuss at length in the podcast.
Blenkinsop returned to the Community union as a London-based project manager after leaving Parliament, and became a public affairs advisor for the Federation of Small Business in 2020.
We thank Tom for sharing his story with us!
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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 under the influence of Margaret Thatcher, that Sebastian learned how to fight totalitarian ideologies, be they Fascism, Communism, or Global Jihadism.
He would end up serving in the British Army reserve in a Military Intelligence unit, then after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in the first freely-elected Conservative administration in Hungary. The after the 9/11 attacks he became a professor on a Pentagon-funded counter-terrorism program run out of Germany.
In 2008 he moved to America with his family where he continued to work for the Defense Department and become a proud American citizen in 2012. He obtained his doctorate in Political Science from Corvinus University in Budapest and was a fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. In Washington, he served as Associate Dean for Congressional Affairs and Relations to the Special Operations Community at National Defense University and has also taught on the Masters program at Georgetown University.
In 2020, President Donald Trump named Gorka to the National Security Education Board. This board provides strategic consultation and was established by congressional act in 1991.
Dr. Gorka has briefed the CIA, the DIA, the US Navy Seals, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as an expert for the DoJ during the Boston Bombing trial, and testified before Congress on the threat of Global Jihadism. He remains a guest instructor at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, at Fort Bragg, the home of the Green Berets.
Gorka writes for The Hill and has written two books for Regnery Publishing. His first “Defeating Jihad,” was a national best-seller and his latest, released in October, is called “Why We Fight…Defeating America’s Enemies with No Apologies.” Before launching his SALEM show, “AMERICA FIRST with Sebastian Gorka,” he was an advisor to candidate Donald J. Trump and served on the staff of the White House in 2017 as Deputy Assistant to the President for Strategy.
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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 to the MOD for their help in delivery this episode.
About the Minister
Dr Andrew Murrison was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence on 30 October 2022.
He was previously Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development from 9 May 2019 to 13 February 2020.
He was elected Conservative MP for South West Wiltshire in May 2010, and was first elected as the Conservative MP for Westbury in June 2001.
In November 2003 he was appointed to the Conservative front bench as a health spokesman, transferring in July 2007 to defence. In May 2010 Andrew became Parliamentary Private Secretary to Secretary of State for Health and was asked by the Prime Minister to review and make recommendations on health care for members of the services community. The principal recommendations in the subsequent reports, ‘Fighting Fit’ and ‘A Better Deal for Military Amputees’, are being rolled out by the government.
In November 2011 Prime Minister David Cameron appointed him as his special representative for the centenary commemoration of the First World War, a post he was re-appointed to by Theresa May.
Andrew previously served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence and Minister for International Security Strategy from September 2012 until July 2014. He then served as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office from July 2014 to March 2015. He chaired the Northern Ireland Affairs Select Committee from July 2017 to May 2019.
Career outside politics
Andrew served for 18 years as a medical officer in the Royal Navy, leaving in October 2000 as a Surgeon Commander. In 2003 he was recalled to serve in Iraq.
In 2021 was mobilised to lead vaccination teams as part of Operation Rescript. He remains an active reservist.
Personal life
Andrew and his wife live near Warminster. They have 5 daughters, 2 of whom serve in the Armed Forces.
Useful links:
OP Courage: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
Medical assistance for veterans in:
England: NHS 111 service or call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, or contact NHS
Scotland: Scotland’s Health on the Web or call 111
Wales: NHS Direct Wales or call 0845 46 47
Northern Ireland: nidirect government services - telephone contact details are available from the website
Samaritans Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan.
Support the show
✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today... 💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people, by creating the content you love! Every supporter will get a shout out on our show too!
CLICK HERE 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support
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 departure from the BBC in 2011. Crick then returned to Channel 4 News as political correspondent. In 2014 he was chosen as Specialist Journalist of the Year at the Royal Television Society television journalism awards. In that same year, he even doorstepped our podcast host Jonny Ball, when Jonny was working for Grant Shapps MP! Jonny and Michael talk about this rather amusing anecdote as well as Michael's current work unearthing the murky world of political selections via his Twitter/X feed @tomorrowsMPs which you must follow now!
Big thanks to Bare Arms Military Support to Film & TV for lending us their podcast studio. If you'd like to rent it, in the heart of Westminster, London, contacts Bags on:
info@barearms.co.uk
Whatsapp 07410 603080
Web- https://barearms.co.uk/contact-bare-arms/
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Stand Up and Serve Again!
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Veterans In Politics- Andrew Selous MP- Former Army Reservist on a day in the life of an MPOur 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 HAC and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Off the back of this, we chat about work-life-reservist balance and how much of this helped him campaign.
About Andrew
Andrew was born in 1962 and married Harriet in 1993 and they have three girls. They live in the South West Bedfordshire constituency in Studham near to Whipsnade Zoo.
Andrew is Patron of Leighton-Linslade Homeless Service and Patron of Homestart Central Bedfordshire. He was a Territorial Army officer for twelve years and served in Germany, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States of America.
Andrew qualified as a chartered insurer and worked as a reinsurance underwriter before being elected to Parliament. His firm helped many of the world’s poorest communities recover from natural disasters.
Andrew supports local homeless charities by taking part in sponsored sleep-outs. Andrew is Patron of SIFT a development charity working with people in extreme poverty in Nicaragua. Andrew is also Patron of Reclaim Life in Leighton Buzzard.
LINKS:
Join our Facebook Group community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314725475490967/
Engage with us on LinkedIn here:
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Insta/Twitter/Facebook: @CampaignForceUK
or email the host jonny@campaignforce.co.uk
Stand Up and Serve Again!
Support the show
✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today... 💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people, by creating the content you love! Every supporter will get a shout out on our show too!
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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 support post-service.
Paul fundamentally believes that it is the responsibility of local and national government to provide for our veteran's aftercare, as it was the politicians and not the charitable sector that send us to war, hence, the accountability lies solely with them. Paul was diagnosed with complex PTSD in 2017 and uses his platform to promote positive mental health by being honest and open about his own battles with PTSD.
In 2021, Paul released his memoirs where he challenges the MoD's policy regarding the mental health of both serving personnel and veterans, and in 2022 founded the Ex-Forces Union to lobby on behalf of our veterans.
LINKS:
Join our Facebook Group community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314725475490967/
Engage with us on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13628154/
Insta/Twitter/Facebook: @CampaignForceUK
or email the host jonny@campaignforce.co.uk
https://www.exforcesunion.org/
OP Courage: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
Support the show
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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 from July 2014, and was made Parliamentary under-Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in the June 2017 reshuffle.
Shortly after being first elected to Parliament in 2005, he was appointed Opposition Whip. In July 2007, he was promoted to the post of Shadow Minister for Culture Media and Sport where he was responsible for a portfolio including tourism, gambling and licensing. After the May 2010 General Election, Tobias was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Defence Secretary, the Rt. Hon Liam Fox MP. He was appointed to similar positions for the Minister for Europe, the Rt Hon David Lidington MP, in October 2011, and the Health Secretary, the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP, in October 2013. He held this position until he was promoted to the Foreign Office in July 2014, with responsibility for the Middle East and Africa.
Tobias was elected Chair of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee in January 2020 and remained in that position until September 2023.
Tobias was born in New York, USA due to his parents' overseas posting at the time. He grew up in Bonn, Germany and Vienna, Austria, but returned to the UK to complete his first degree at Loughborough University. Whilst at Loughborough, Tobias was elected President of the Students' Union.
He spent six years in the Regular Army with The Royal Green Jackets, head quartered in Winchester, and served in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Kuwait, Germany, Gibraltar and Bosnia. He now has the rank of Lieutenant Colonel as a reservist in the 77th Brigade.
Tobias is married to Hannah and they have two young sons, Alexander and Oscar. He is a patron of a number of local charities, including Caring Canines, Samaritans, and Boscombe’s Crumbs Café.
Outside of politics Tobias is a keen sportsman, an active Army Reservist and a private pilot. He is frequent visitor to the United States and the Middle East. He also enjoys the theatre, military history, and is an Eagle Scout.
OP Courage: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
Medical assistance for veterans in:
England: NHS 111 service or call 111 when you need medical help fast but it’s not a 999 emergency, or contact NHS
Scotland: Scotland’s Health on the Web or call 111
Wales: NHS Direct Wales or call 0845 46 47
Northern Ireland: nidirect government services - telephone contact details are available from the website
Samaritans Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan.
Support the show
✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today... 💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people, by creating the content you love! Every supporter will get a shout out on our show too!
CLICK HERE 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support
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 – starting by serving in the Royal Air Force as an aircraft engineer working with the Nimrod aircraft- and he later spent 16 years as a maintenance engineer at British Airways. He has also run local businesses in the city.
We talk about the circumstances behind the award of the George Medal for bravery, and in doing so, remember Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux GM.
The medal citation reads: "Lt Cdr Molyneux, with complete disregard for his own safety, had deliberately made an effort to tackle the gunman, knowingly putting himself into extreme danger in order to try to safeguard others from personal injury.
"His actions were incalculably brave and were carried out in the highest possible service traditions of courage and selfless commitment, resulting ultimately in providing just enough disruption to the sentry's intent to enable him to be subsequently overwhelmed and disarmed."
We will remember him.
**LINKS:
Spitfire Memorial Campaign-
https://www.roystonsmith.co.uk/2020/10/12/a-national-spitfire-memorial/**
Join our Facebook Group community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2314725475490967/
Engage with us on LinkedIn here:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13628154/
Insta/Twitter/Facebook: @CampaignForceUK
or email the host jonny@campaignforce.co.uk
OP Courage: Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans Call them on 0800 138 1619, text them on 07537 404 719 or email helpline@combatstress.org.uk.
Stand Up and Serve Again!
Support the show
✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today... 💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people, by creating the content you love! Every supporter will get a shout out on our show too!
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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 the Baltic Exchange, when he was also made a Freeman of the City of London. He helped devise the means for trading bulk shipping as a futures commodity, and wrote several books about it. After 15 years in the City, he became Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Michael Howard, and his successor John Gummer.
After his election to Parliament in 1997, James served on the Environment and Transport Select Committees until his shadow ministerial career began with his appointment as a Conservative Whip and then as a Shadow Minister for Defence. He served as Shadow Minister for the Countryside and after the 2005 General Election briefly as Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland. James now serves as a Member of Mr Speaker’s Panel of Chairmen.
James’s military interest includes seven years in the Honourable Artillery Company, the oldest regiment in the Army Reserve, on whose Court of Assistants he also served from 2002 to 2007, and of whose Saddle Club he is life Vice-President. He is a graduate of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and of the Royal College of Defence Studies. In 2010, James founded the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces, which he has chaired since. In 2013, James became founding Chairman of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust, which seconds up to 35 Parliamentarians a year to the three services.
James has a particular interest in the Polar Regions, having travelled in both. He is Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Poles, and serves on the No 10 Advisory Committee on the environment.
James is a member of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Patron of Operation Christmas Box, and a Younger Brother of Trinity House. He sat on the Defence Committee and the Committee on Arms Export Controls, and chaired the Defence Sub-Committee on the Arctic from 2016 to 2017. Following the 2017 election, he was appointed by the Prime Minister to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy.
He and his wife Philippa live on a farm in North Wiltshire.
LINKS:Operation Christmas Box: https://operationchristmasbox.org/
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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 team.
On leaving the army, he studied land management for three years at the Royal Agricultural College, near Cirencester, before embarking on a career in journalism, which spanned 17 years.
His early years were spent with the Yorkshire Evening Press, a daily broadsheet in York, where Richard qualified as a professional journalist.
While attempting to break into broadcasting, Richard did stints at Tyne Tees TV, the Daily Express and the Daily Telegraph.
Finally, he joined BBC Radio Solent and BBC South Today, where he spent nine years.
He became one of the station's senior reporters, working across the south of England and occasionally abroad.
Those trips took him to Haiti, Florida and South America.
In 2006 he was selected as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Dorset.
At the same time, he took over the family business and retired from the BBC.
Richard, who has four children, is married to Elsebet, who is from Norway.
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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, when he was elected to Basildon District Council in 1991 for the Langdon Hills Ward. When the Conservatives took control of the council in 1992.
Mark fought his first parliamentary election in 1997, when he stood as the Conservative candidate in Brent East against Ken Livingstone (prior to Ken becoming the Mayor of London). He was subsequently first elected to Parliament as the MP for Rayleigh in June 2001.
In May 2007 Mark was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Europe, where he worked directly for the Shadow Foreign Secretary the Rt Hon William Hague MP. Mark’s job involved working as the Opposition spokesman on Britain’s relations with Europe, including the European Union, Russia, the Balkans, NATO, and the OSCE. In January 2009 Mark was made a Member of the Shadow Cabinet by David Cameron.
Following the 2010 General Election, Mark was appointed by Prime Minister David Cameron as a senior whip in the Government Whips Office. Mark's title was 'Vice Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household'. In the same year Mark was also appointed to the Privy Council.
In September 2012, Mark was promoted to become Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans (Min DPWV) in the Ministry of Defence. In this role Mark liaised with service charities and was also instrumental in the provision of the latest generation of prosthetics (what The Sun newspaper christened 'Bionic Legs') for service personnel injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In October 2013, a year after joining the Ministry of Defence, Mark was again promoted to the role of Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Min AF) with responsibility for operations, operational policy, operational legal matters, training and force generation.
Mark was appointed Minister of State for Communities and Resilience and Minister for Portsmouth in May 2015, a role which he held until July 2016, when he returned to the backbenches.
Following the appointment of the Rt Hon Theresa May MP as Prime Minister, Mark was tasked by the Prime Minister to carry out a study regarding the future recruitment of regulars and reserves into the Armed Forces. The study, entitled "Filling the Ranks" was completed and submitted to the Rt Hon Theresa May MP in June 2017 before being published on Mark's website in September 2017.
LINKS:Mark's book Spartan Victory: https://amzn.eu/d/7mayoaM
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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!
Next week we are back with another interview with an MP.
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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 field of politics, from campaign managers to pollsters to journalists.. and maybe even the odd Special Advisor!
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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 campaign managers to pollsters to journalists.. and maybe even the odd Special Advisor!
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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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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 comprehensive re-election victory.
Jason is a super positive guy and we really enjoyed this chat with him on location in Parliament.
About Jason
Jason is a proud Yorkshireman who lives in Honley. His parents live down the valley in Holmbridge.
Jason began his working life as an Officer in the RAF serving in Las Vegas, Turkey, Gibraltar, Germany, Cyprus and Iraq. He is the Honorary President of the Royal Air Force Association in Huddersfield and a member of the Royal British Legion.
After leaving the RAF Jason completed Broadcast Journalism at Post Grad and freelanced with BBC Radio in Leeds and Middlesbrough. He then got his dream job with ITV Yorkshire in Leeds where he became the weekend presenter for Calendar News & Sport. Jason first got into broadcasting by hosting the very early morning radio show on Huddersfield FM, which became Pennine FM, back in 1995. On leaving ITV Jason lectured in Broadcast Journalism at Leeds Trinity and Leeds Beckett Universities.
Jason was first elected as the MP for Colne Valley in 2010 and then re-elected in 2015. On losing his seat in 2017 he spent 2 years as the Head of Public Affairs at the University of Huddersfield. He was also a Director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, a Director of Huddersfield Live and a Director of fairandfunky.
Jason is a Huddersfield Town season ticket holder having cheered on Town at Wembley in 1994, 1995, 2012 & 2017. One of his proudest moments was reporting pitch side for Calendar at Cardiff on the 2004 playoff final win over Mansfield. Jason is also a fan of the Huddersfield Giants RL club. He regularly volunteers in our community and can be seen litter picking in Honley on the first Sunday of every month.
LINKS:
https://www.jasonmccartney.com/about-jason
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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 firefighter, a journalist and a politician! Mike has packed a lot into his life.
We get insight into what it is like to resign as a Minister, telling the Prime Minister that you're quitting as an MP, and when he met the Queen.
This is a story of aspiration, and how a soldier became a Knight of The Realm.
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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 become an MP.
This interview was conducted outside in the open near Parliament, in front of the Pankhurst memorial and is a celebration of women in politics.
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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/
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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 served with James in Afghanistan having done their pre-deployment training together.
We cover off their military story, why they got into politics, cats, doorknocking and fighting Jeremy Corbyn in a General Election. It was great fun.
Huge thanks to the **Honourable Artillery Company for hosting.
To find out more about the HAC see here:**Home Main (hac.org.uk)
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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 upcoming interviews from our standard 'Veterans In Politics'. We have a great line up.
Lydia also shares the story of Mark Francois and the rabbit on the roundabout. Not all heroes wear capes.
On a serious note, we also take time to remember the fallen, with the sad incident concerning the Warrior 6 in Afghanistan and dedicate this episode to their memories and to their families. This had a direct impact on our couple during that time and we talk about the incident.
Their names liveth forevermore:
- Corporal Jake Hartley, 20
- Private Anthony Frampton, 20
- Private Daniel Wade, 20,
- Private Christopher Kershaw, 19
- Private Daniel Wilford, 21, all members of the Yorkshire Regiment’s 3rd Battalion
- Sergeant Nigel Coupe, 33, of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
Lest we forget.
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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 the doors of Swindon's clubs, he has set up a successful gym business that has survived the turbulence of the pandemic and got selected and elected as a local councillor.
He is now taking it to the next level and putting himself forward for Parliament. Always out on the doors, he is campaigning for a better community, a community he lives in and loves. His mantra is about showing people what you have done, not about what you might do!
All of this, despite leaving school with just a few GCSEs. Will is an inspiration. Enjoy this episode and don't forget to support our show by becoming a subscriber in the link below.
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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 just as well, as he leads a Conservative Group in a technical coalition with another party.
This is a great run through of someone who had a decent military career and was simply asked to stand at an event. We need to ask more veterans like Chalky to stand up and serve again!
Thank you Chalky for sharing your story with us and don't forget to support our show in the link below.
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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 from our chat that this has shaped his world view. He now advises the Lib Dems on international development and hopes to one day be a Lib Dem MP.
This episode is humbling and inspiring in equal measure. Thank you Jonny for sharing your story with us.
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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. From the Royal Tank Regiment, to politics, Mike is driven by a sense of social justice. Jonny and he talk about the impact of Afghanistan, this generation of veterans and his hopes and fears for the future, including his thoughts on climate change.
A must listen!
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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 stand up and serve again.
He is the Lib Dems spokesman on Defence, so unsurprisingly we explore this during the episode.
This was also recorded in Parliament! So another exciting part of the show as we develop more face to face episodes. Enjoy!
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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 recollects his Nigerian London working class roots and how this has shaped him to be the man he is today. He's an inspiration.
Bayo is a Labour Councillor for Redbridge, former Parachute Regiment soldier, self-made businessman, school governor, youth mentor, charity trustee and one of the pioneers of east London’s (Shoreditch and Dalston) creative and night-time economy. Husband and father to three children.
In September 2021, he decided that he had had enough of underrepresentation at local level and misrepresentation at the national level. On 5th May 2022, he was part of a historic achievement as one of three black Redbridge labour councillors - the first ever elected to office within the Labour group.
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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 House of Lords.
This year also included two Party Conference Specials at both Labour and Conservative Conferences. We share some of the best parts of these episodes and much, much more. Don't forget to catch up in full if there is an episode that catches your attention.
In 2022, we recorded over 1000 minutes of content. But don't worry, listen to the best bits right here!
And to help us, don't forget to rate, donate or become our mate. Rate the podcast on your favourite platform, donate via our website and join our mailing list.
Thanks to you, our listeners, for all your support in helping us make the show. And of course, to our amazing guests. See you in 2023!
See our website here: www.campaignforce.co.uk
Stand up, serve again!
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 that includes being on the Conservatives' Parliamentary Candidates list. We delve deep into her work in Ukraine, delivering aid to the front line, helping others and making a difference. She's many things, a campaigner, humanitarian and most of all- a mum! We ask her about some of the abuse she has received, but she takes all of this in her stride.
Her work in Ukraine is current, and she does this via friends of the podcast Bridge to Unity whom we have promoted in the past.
Thanks Hannah for being so generous with your story!
And here's a little about Hannah:
I grew up in the north west of England. After taking A-levels in English, French and Politics, I went on to study English at university in Wales, where I joined the University Officer Training Corps, eventually leading to mobilising as an Army Reservist and serving in Iraq.
Whilst in Iraq in 2007, I compiled and delivered Intelligence for six months. I was also the female searcher for strike operations into Basra City, during some of the heaviest fighting the British Army has seen in this generation.
Eager to continue to fight to protect and serve those who need it, I went onto to serve in a number of other locations, including Cyprus as a UN Peacekeeper.
I then enjoyed a few years of city life in Cardiff, working for a large insurance firm, before moving to the more rural location of Abergavenny, where I joined the Civil Service. Firstly, at the Ministry of Justice in Newport, where I gained invaluable knowledge of the courts and tribunals system, as well as the prison service. Then later, for the Ministry of Defence, working in finance, developing skills which will be invaluable when it comes to budgets and precepts.
An experienced campaigner and Deputy Chairman of Monmouth Conservative Association, I stood in the 2019 General Election as the candidate for Rhondda, where I increased the vote share and knocked Plaid Cymru into third place for the first time in decades. I also played a key role on the campaign team in Monmouth, which saw David TC Davies re-elected.
As a parliamentary caseworker within Gwent, I am acutely aware of the policing and crime related issues facing the people of Gwent and is keen to apply her fighting background to tackling these issues. I do not believe the precept should have been raised to the current level, when it appears all the incumbent has done is to close police stations.
Outside of work I am a Community Councillor, dog lover, enjoys time in the great outdoors and am a very proud single-mother to children, Harriet and Hugo.
Bridge to Unity: https://www.bridgetounity.co.uk/
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
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 drove him into local government, and what made him sign up for the army reserves. You will find out that much of this is firmly rooted in his family history, and how he holds the privilege of service dear. Michael is a breath of fresh air and we are confident he will truly 'serve to lead' as goes the mantra of Sandhurst.
And here's a little about Michael:
Michael Kurn is a TV presenter, Author and Broadcaster who’s career to date has included work on: BBC One, Sky Sports and Talk Sport.
Growing up though Michael’s ambition was to be a professional footballer. Pulling on that three lions jersey and playing in the Premier League was the focus, but after the realisation he wasn’t going to make it he had a choice.
Give up on something he loved, or find another way to get there.
A career in broadcasting was the new path and the way to the Premier League. By the age of 24 he made his Premier League debut, not as a player but as a presenter. His journey so far has led to shows on TalkSport in the UK and the chance to broadcast across the globe.
After following his dreams to achieve his goal Michael is a firm believer that:
“WHATEVER YOU WANT IN LIFE…IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH YOU CAN GET IT”
You just have to have a DESIRE, a DREAM and a VISION.
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
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 the armed forces community in her role as Labour's lead on veterans' affairs.
And here's a little about Rachel:
'I’m local and love my diverse home town of Luton where I have lived virtually all my life. I was born in the Luton & Dunstable Hospital, I grew up in Biscot and went to Denbigh High School. I studied at Luton Sixth Form College, before going to Leicester University. My first Saturday job was in Littlewoods in the Arndale (now Primark) and my first full-time job was at the TSB bank customer service centre that used to be on Cardiff Road. Later on in life, as part of my 20+ year career working in the public sector and wider civil service, I studied part-time for a Masters degree at the University of Bedfordshire in Luton.
I live in High Town with my partner Iain and, like you, I use our local services – I take the train from Luton Station, I shop locally (on High Town Road or Bury Park Sainsbury’s) and have gone to Woodland Avenue GP surgery since I was a baby! I’m active in supporting our Luton community, I’ve been a governor at Luton Sixth Form College since 2014 and I’m a regular volunteer at Luton Foodbank.
Having spent my life in Luton, with family and friends across the constituency, I know Luton South like the back of my hand.
Since childhood, I’ve always stood up for fairness and equality for all. This developed into a deep sense of social justice, which I have held all my life, and that is why I joined the Labour Party as a teenager. As a trade unionist, I have stood up for people’s rights at work and against attacks on pay and pensions.'
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
And Rachel's website is here: Rachel Hopkins MP
Veterans 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 was posted as a platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2 RAR), where he deployed to East Timor to carry out peacekeeping operations. He went on to serve with the Special Forces, serving within 2 Commando Regiment which included four operational deployments to Afghanistan and the Middle East and saw Operational Service in support of several Counterterrorism operations. In 2016, Russell completed his final operational deployment to Iraq as the Special Operations joint lead planner within the Special Operations Joint Task Force combating ISIS.
In 2017, following his return from his deployment, Russell worked to expand Barry's Bootcamp, the US-originated boutique fitness brand to Australia and Singapore. In January 2019 Russell was officially discharged from the Australian Defence Force.
In September 2021, Russell founded the Australian Values Party, an Australian Electoral Commission as a political party that focuses on veterans' rights.
He describes himself as a person, who simply thrives on bringing People, Partnerships & Projects together, with a genuine sense of Purpose to achieve their greatest Potential.
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
And Heston's website is here: Make Cultural Change | Keynote Speaking & Workshops | Heston Russell
NOTE- this was recorded a short time before Her Majesty The Queen passed away
Veterans 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 this, including standing for election against Labour front-bencher Diane Abbott!
We conclude the episode talking about dogs and their power and influence on the campaign trail!
In addition to his political activities, Ben serves in a voluntary capacity as a member of the Veterans Advisory and Pension Committee, working to improve the lives of veterans and servicepersons. He also serves as a Trustee of Esher Sixth Form College.
This forms part of our Conference specials sponsored by Salesforce in association with Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces.
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
And Ben's website is here: https://www.benobese-jecty.org.uk/
Veterans 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 Friends of the Forces, Gareth Derrick, a Royal Navy veteran and candidate for Plymouth Moor View, Louise Harbour, a RAF veteran and former local authority Deputy Leader and from our sponsors Salesforce, Chris Sykes, a serving army reservist and Commanding Officer of the London Guards.
We look at the value of service in light of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, and explore how the Labour Party has been reaching out to the armed forces community.
It's always fun to hold podcast recordings in public, and this Party Conference special will not disappoint.
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
To help our mission, please go to our website where you can donate and sign up to our mailing list here: www.campaignforce.co.uk
Please don't forget to rate this episode and subscribe
Veterans 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 Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces James Clarke, who served in the Mercian Regiment during the height of Afghanistan, former Royal Signals Officer and Parliamentary Candidate Donna Gavin, and from our sponsors Salesforce, former Brigadier Mike Dooley.
We look at the value of service in light of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, diversity in our politics and the armed forces' potential to improve the quality of those who step forward to represent us.
It's always fun to hold podcast recordings in public, and this Party Conference special will not disappoint.
For more information on our epic sponsors Salesforce, see here: https://www.salesforce.com/uk/
and Vetforce, here: https://veterans.force.com/s/
Veterans 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 leader and joined the council’s Cabinet for the first time, taking on the new Adult Social Care portfolio.
Louise grew up in Kirkby and attended Brookfield School. She went to Kirkby Community College and studied engineering, joining the RAF at 18 as an electrical engineer. Even as a teenager, she always enjoyed public service and helping others – she volunteered with organisations including Centre 63 in Kirkby and as a sexual health advisor in Knowsley.
Kirkby has always been home for her – in fact, she still lives in the former council house where she was born. She’s fiercely proud to be from Knowsley.
In this episode, she talks about the tricky transition from RAF to civilian life, what motivated her to stand up and serve again, and juggling politics, motherhood and her career. She is one inspiring woman.
We also talk about why just one third of all council leaders are women and what can be done to redress the balance.
Follow Louise on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/louharbour
Keep our podcast going here: Donate - CampaignForce
For more info on Labour Friends of the Forces see here: Home - Labour Friends of the Forces (labourforces.org)
Veterans 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 career, his campaigning experience and who inspires him.
Ed grew up in Belfast in the 1990s and early 2000’s during the transition from the Troubles to a lasting, but vulnerable peace. It was during this time he realised the value politicians can make to a country and community. During his youth, Conservative values of hard work and public service were instilled in him notably by his mother and father; a teacher and an accountant respectively, who gave a strong sense of family and community.
Through school, and mostly through the influence of the Combined Cadet Force, Ed developed a keen interest in the military and, whilst studying Mathematics at the University of St Andrews, in Scotland, he commissioned into the Territorial Army (now known as the Reserves) in 2010. Following graduation, Ed was selected to attend the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and commissioned as a regular British Army officer in August 2012.
During his six years in the Royal Artillery, Ed deployed to Afghanistan in 2014, running an intelligence gathering platform to secure the withdrawal of British Forces from Helmand. Following this he went on to lead teams in Kenya and in Canada. Ed finished his regular military service in 2018 as a Forward Air Controller, leading a team of specialist soldiers to co-ordinate the airspace in a highly pressured environment – a role he considers a highlight of his career. Speaking of his military career Ed says, “leading the fine men and women of the British Army was a true privilege, I learned so much from them and their capacity for selflessness is astonishing. It has shaped who I am today”
In February 2018 Ed moved to Islington, London, and began to work for a leading financial services company. Ed also become active in his local Conservative Federation. Quickly taking on the role of deputy Chair Political, Ed also ran in the local London Borough Council elections in 2018 and was the Federation transport spokesman. In late 2018 Ed become the Treasurer of the Federation and in February 2019 was elected Chairman of Islington Conservatives. During this tenure Ed has been a passionate advocate of his local area, but also has taken the lead in the NE London GLA campaign as co-Chair. Ed is also active in the community as a school governor.
In November 2019 Ed was selected as the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Hornsey & Wood Green. He is passionate about the local community, the Union and fundamental campaigning such that everyone’s voices can be heard
For more info on Ed see here https://www.edmcguinness.org.uk/
Ed McGuinness | Facebook
Ed McGuinness, CFA | LinkedIn
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#StandUpServeAgain #Veterans
Veterans 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 civilian life and is now an elected councillor having failed at his first go. His perseverance has paid off!
Alex is also a driving force behind Labour Friends of the Forces and an active member of that community. This is an episode that proves you can achieve anything, even if you don't have a political background.
For more info on Labour Friends of the Forces see here: Home - Labour Friends of the Forces (labourforces.org)
StandUpServeAgain #Veterans
Veterans 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 Lodestar and Operation Telic. He was also President of The Heavy Transport Association between 1994 and 2008 and was an In-Country Director (Rwanda) of British Direct Aid between 1995 and 1996.
Our host first met Earl Attlee when he himself was a REME Cadet some 30 years ago, so this podcast is a special reunion via politics.
He is of course, grandson to one of our greatest Prime Ministers- Clem Attlee.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
**Veterans 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 interests in the UK and overseas. Neil understands the challenges facing our veterans, servicemen and women, and their families. He remains a passionate advocate for our Armed Forces and maintains close links with the military community. In 2021, Neil was appointed a member of the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee by the Veterans Minister, Leo Docherty MP.
Neil worked as a surgeon in the NHS, caring for both civilians and military personnel who have sustained catastrophic and life changing injuries. A peripheral neuropathy prevented Neil from continuing with his surgical career. Whilst an unexpected set back, Neil used this as an opportunity to re-evaluate and channel his skills in a new direction, retraining as a barrister specialising in healthcare related law.
Since leaving regular military service, Neil has been actively involved in politics. He has served as an officer of the Voluntary Party at Constituency, Area, and Regional level. He has played an active role in numerous local and national campaigns, including standing as a parliamentary candidate.
He unsuccessfully fought the North Shropshire by election for the Conservatives, a very public campaign, but is determined more than ever to use this experience in order to continue to stand up and serve again.
More on Neil here: About Neil Shastri-Hurst | Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans 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 years as a stringer for The Times newspaper. He first visited the USSR in early 1990, witnessing the first celebrations of Easter in western Ukraine since Soviet occupation after World War II, and also the first Chernobyl disaster protests in Kiev that year. He filed an initial batch of reports and was invited by the newspaper to return permanently to the USSR / former USSR from 1990 to 1994. During his time, Bob reported from most of the Union republics / new nations of the USSR: Russia (including Moscow, European Russia and Siberia) Ukraine (including Crimea), Moldova, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenian (including Nagorny Karabakh), Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. He also made occasional visits to the Balkans, including Sarajevo and Kosovo. He also wrote occasional articles for The Spectator and The Sunday Times.
In the final year in the former USSR, Bob became a Special Correspondent for The Washington Post. He then spent a year in the USA writing a book, Deadly Embrace, on Russia’s role in the Caucasus. During this time, Bob was a fellow at Brown University’s Watson Institute. He returned to the UK to work for the Associated Press as a London-based reporter.
In 2000 Bob moved temporarily into politics. He headed up the foreign affairs team for Francis Maude and afterwards worked briefly for Michael Howard and Sir Malcolm Rifkind. In 2005, he stood in the Broxtowe Parliamentary seat in the General Election but lost to the Labour candidate by 2,296 votes.
From 2005 to 2008 Bob worked for MTV Networks International.
Military
From 2008 onwards, Bob served in the UK Armed Forces. He was mobilised or placed on Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) for nearly a decade until his selection as a parliamentary candidate in the 2017 election, at which time he resigned his full-time service and returned to the Army Reserve.
Bob was initially mobilised in 2008, deploying to Iraq. He served out of the main operating base in at Basra Airport. Over eight months (parts of Op TELIC 12 and 13), he deployed on over 20 operations during his tour, mainly focused on extended patrolling through the villages around the southern Basra marshes and parts of Basra city, meeting local village elders and providing atmospherics reporting for the UK Command. After his tour Bob was remobilised and asked to remain in the Armed Forces on full-time service. He deployed on four occasions to Afghanistan for one to four month tours. He was based out of Lashkar Gah, and Nad Ali.
Bob was awarded a Joint Commanders Commendation in 2009, and was decorated with a Military MBE in the 2016 Operational Awards and Honours List, receiving it from Her Majesty the Queen in early 2017. Bob has also supported the development of UK military thinking in unconventional warfare.
More on Bob here: About Bob Seely | Bob Seely MP
Veterans 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 episode as well as the Good Friday Agreement during the Northern Ireland peace process.
We also talk about the murder of his cousin Samuel Donaldson, an RUC constable. He was the first policeman to be blown up by the IRA in the 'Troubles'.
For more info on Sir Jeffrey see here: Jeffrey Donaldson MP - Biography | Jeffrey Donaldson
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
'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 covering off no less than 3 political parties.
You do not want to miss this, and dont forget to hit subscribe so that you can get all the latest as they are released.
Sign up to our mailing list here: Get Involved- CampaignForce
Donate to keep the podcast running here: Donate - CampaignForce
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Veterans 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 service in Bosnia, Afghanistan and in politics too. This includes the moment he got wounded in action, losing both of his legs, and the challenges of his own recovery that followed.
He is a super driven guy, family man and so open. The synergies between the UK and Canada are evident, and the brotherhood of shared service and values strong. You will love this chat.
See Jody's book here: Unflinching: The Making of a Canadian Sniper: Amazon.co.uk: Mitic, Jody: 9781476795119: Books
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 10 with Ukrainian MP Dmytro GurinIn 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 President Zelenskyy that has impressed the world so much as well as finding out how democracy has been able to function.
Dmytro talks about living and working in both Russia and Ukraine, and about his home town of Mariupol where he went to school and University. You get a real sense of the spirit of the Ukrainian people as well as the desperation of the situation.
We also hear his direct call to action for help from the British people as well as what he thinks will happen in the next year. This is a truly special episode and a privilege to be able to share a Ukrainian voice with our audience. To find out and support Bridge To Unity and their next mission to help in Ukraine with see here: Crowdfunding to to buy life-saving medical kit for maternity hospital affected by Russian invasion of Ukraine on JustGiving and their website is here: Community Aid | Bridge To Unity | United Kingdom
For more info on our mission to make politics a better place and other episodes see here: CampaignForce
Don't forget to hit subscribe, rate and share with a friend. We are independently self funded and produced. #StandUpServeAgain #Ukraine
Veterans 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 to resettle with his family. Rather than sit back and accept the status quo, Andy decided to stand up and serve again!
We always champion local government. After listening to this, you might just too!
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode with Steve Baker MP FRSA
Steve’s career began in the Royal Air Force as an engineer officer working with Tornado, Jaguar and the Adour aero engine. He became a Chartered Engineer through the Royal Aeronautical Society and held a military airworthiness licence. After his time with the RAF, he read for an MSc in Computer Science at Oxford University (St Cross College) and joined a specialist, entrepreneurial software firm as Head of Consulting and Product Manager before taking on various senior roles in business software.
Steve was elected to Parliament representing Wycombe in 2010. He served first on the Transport Select committee before moving to the Treasury Committee. He was elected to the Executive of the Conservative 1922 Committee by Parliamentary colleagues.
A vocal Eurosceptic, Steve is a rebel by fashion rather than design, taking on the issues whilst a self-confessed Party loyalist. It was great sitting down and talking about his RAF career, his support to Party professionals and advice for aspiring MPs.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 6 with Sir Desmond Swayne TD VR MP
Before going into politics, Sir Desmond was a teacher, and then a manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland. He was Parliamentary Private Secretary to David Cameron, both during his time as Leader of the Opposition, 2005–10, and then for two years while Cameron was Prime Minister. We ask him about what Cameron was actually like to work for, and the experience of working at No 10. You will love this insight!
Sir Desmond was also mobilised for active service in Iraq towards the end of a lengthy reservist career that spanned almost 4 decades. We recount this, and his news reports back from operational theatre and how this irritated the chain of command.
He was a supporter of the Eurosceptic pressure group Leave Means Leave and more recently, has been a critic of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We explore his reasoning of this, and why he believes strongly in what he does.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 5 with Colonel Bob Stewart DSO MP
This veteran in politics is know by most simply as 'Colonel Bob' due to the fact that he was a regular feature on our TV screens during the 90s and the conflict in Bosnia. To that, he's also known as 'Bosnia Bob' and was decorated with a DSO as a result of his distinguished military service. Alongside James Sunderland MP, a previous guest, Bob is the most senior ranked veteran in the Commons.
Bob was warm and engaging to talk to, not holding back, authentic, funny and honest. We cover his many tours in Northern Ireland, and the tragic day where he lost 6 men and 35 wounded, and of course, how conflict changed in Bosnia and how he piloted a new relationship with the press.
Like our host he read International Politics at Aberystwyth, and attributes his ability to operate in complex environments in part to his academic studies. He also talks about what it was like being encouraged to become an MP at nearly 60, and how he helped start the career of our very first guest, Johnny Mercer MP. There's a lot in this episode!
About Bob:
Colonel Bob Stewart DSO was born in 1949. His father, Jock Stewart MC, was an RAF officer and his mother, Joan Stewart, had been a member of the Special Operations Executive in the Second World War, a fact of which Bob is especially proud. He spent most of his early years abroad in the Middle East with his parents but in 1959, together with his younger brother, he was sent to boarding school at Chigwell in Essex.
When he was 17 years old Bob was selected to attend the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst and he graduated from there in 1969 as an infantry officer, commissioned into The Cheshire Regiment.
Thereafter Bob was an Army officer for a total of 26 years. From 1974-77 Bob was sent to read for a degree by the Army; being awarded a First in International Politics and Strategy from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. In all he has completed 7 operational tours of Northern Ireland during the troubles; serving there as a Platoon Commander, Intelligence Officer, Company Commander, and finally Commanding Officer. He was the incident commander at the scene of the Ballykelly bomb in 1982 where 17 people were killed including 6 of his own soldiers from A Company, 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment.
In 1992, as a Lieutenant Colonel, Bob took his Battalion to Bosnia as the first United Nations Commander of British Forces there. On return Bob was promoted to Colonel and posted for his final appointment in the Army as Chief of Policy at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.
Bob left the Army in January 1996 and worked successively as Senior Consultant Public Affairs in Hill & Knowlton Ltd, Chief Executive of WorldSpace UK Ltd and then for himself as a freelance consultant until he was elected to Parliament in 2010 as Conservative MP for Beckenham. He was re-elected in 2015, 2017 and 2019.
In Parliament Bob was a member of the House of Commons Defence Committee from 2010 to 2017. He has also, at various times, been a member of the House of Commons Arms Control Committee. In addition he has been Vice Chair of the All Party Group for the Armed Forces representing the Army since he was elected. More recently, in November 2016, he joined the House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland.
Bob lives in the Constituency with his wife and family. His youngest children have attended or are still attending local schools and he commutes to Westminster daily by train.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 4 with Alderman Ryan McCready
UUP councillor Ryan McCready’s videos have made him an online hit — racking up thousands of views, including one of him on a skateboard. We joke about this from the offset of the episode, but also comment how this is helping him engage with a younger audience.
The decorated former soldier, who served in Afghanistan, has been entertaining his followers on social media with his surfing and indoor skateboarding. Some of his clips have been watched thousands of times.
He previously served as a Royal Irish soldier, and was elected to Derry City and Strabane District Council in the 2019 local government elections. Ryan serves in the UUP alongside its leader Doug Beattie MC, a previous guest of the show, and we chat about when they first met in uniform, in the same Battalion, many years ago. When Doug was the RSM!
Ryan is a passionate and great communicator, fired up by a better world for his family. He served for 18 years in the army, service that not only saw him on operational tours, but as an instructor at Sandhurst, and unsurprisingly we ask him about his observations on leadership.
A veteran in politics.
You will no doubt hear more and more about Ryan in the future!
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Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 3 with David Richmond CBE
Retired Colonel David Richmond CBE, a former Commanding Officer of 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and subsequently became the Recovery Director at Help for Heroes, was the first appointed head of the UK's Office for Veterans Affairs.
He now sits as the Government's Independent Advisor on veterans, at the heart of decision making, influencing politicians and working with civil servants across government. He is also the country's most senior ranked injured veteran from the Afghanistan conflict, something we touch upon in this episode.
Our host first met David working together on the cross-sector campaign Veterans Work. So it was a delight for them to sit down and chat about one side of public life less known to veterans and the public at large. It proves that veterans can stand up and serve again in many guises and we are extremely grateful to David for sharing his story.
For more info on Veterans Work go to: www.veteranswork.org.uk
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Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 2 with Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP
Few politicians are known simply by their initials. IDS is one of the few 'big beasts' of politics remaining in Parliament. Something our host Jonny quizzes him on. It was a huge honour sitting down with Iain, a former Leader of the Opposition and of the Conservative Party. He's also known for his work on welfare reform, something he is clearly passionate about. We finish up the episode on this very topic, and he explains how he has worked cross-Party to deliver the work of the Centre for Social Justice.
Of course, Iain is a veteran in politics, having served as a Captain in the Scots Guards. The military runs deep in his family, with his late father a fighter ace of World War Two, decorated on more than one occasion for bravery. Iain generously offers insight into the conversations he had with him about bravery, conversations he had before deploying on operations himself. It really is a privilege to be able to listen to this.
About Iain:
Sir Iain Duncan Smith was educated at Dunchurch College of Management, the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, the Universita per Stranieri in Perugia and HMS Conway in Anglesey. As part of the Scots Guards, Iain saw active service in Northern Ireland and Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and served in Canada and Germany. Iain later worked for GEC-Marconi, a defence company, and Bellwinch, a property company. He has also been on the board of Jane’s Information Group, a publishing company. Iain married Betsy in 1982 and they have four children – Harry, Edward, Rosie and Alicia.
Iain was elected Member of Parliament for Chingford in 1992, and he was re-elected in 1997 as Member of Parliament for the re-drawn constituency of Chingford and Woodford Green. Iain was promoted to William Hague’s Shadow Cabinet in 1997. As Shadow Secretary of State for Social Security, Iain exposed Labour’s hypocrisy and failure on welfare reform. When he was promoted to Shadow Defence Secretary, he exposed the Government’s failure to give British forces sufficient funding and equipment.
In 2001, Iain was elected Leader of the Conservative Party. After stepping down in 2003, he set up the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), an independent think tank committed to tackling poverty and social breakdown. Iain worked tirelessly as Chairman of the CSJ until the 2010 General Election, when he was appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He served in this position until March 2016. Iain remains the Member of Parliament for Chingford and Woodford Green and is always happy to deal with constituents and their concerns.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 4, Episode 1 with Felicity Cornelius-Mercer - Parliamentary staffer and wife of Johnny Mercer MP
We begin season 4 of Veterans In Politics with our very first military spouse and the often untold story of the partners behind the politicians. Felicity Cornelius-Mercer is known not just as the wife of Johnny Mercer MP, but also as having had a successful career in her own right. She also runs Johnny's Parliamentary office, setting it up from scratch after that somewhat surprise election victory of 2015, when their family life was turned upside down as they entered into politics.
Our host Jonny (without an H!) first met Felicity at a Party Conference, and ever since then, the Mercers have both been fantastic advocates of the wider work of CampaignForce. It made sense to sit down with her in our podcast, and get the other side of politics out there to our community.
This is a fun and honest chat with a self confessed colouring-in addict and mum of three. It's also Felicity's first ever podcast, and we doubt it will be her last. You'll see why! Thanks Felicity for choosing us and having the bravery to speak out.
Jonny and Felicity talk about the Duchess of Cambridge, her crush on Anthony Joshua and her ability to use Twitter as a force for good in a James Blunt style, but in her own unique way.
This is a great episode to kick off the season. Fitting, as we recorded our first ever episode with her other half!
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In this bonus episode to Remember the fallen, our host Jonny reflects on his personal connections with Remembrance and the connection between politics too. He remembers the fallen of WW1, as well as his very personal experience of repatriating a fallen comrade from Afghanistan- L/Cpl Oliver Thomas.
What is not so well known are the stories of MPs, Peers and Parliamentary staff who served gallantly in both wars. 236 MPs and former MPs, a fifth of the total serving in Parliament served in the armed forces of the First World War, of which 24 of them made the ultimate sacrifice. They lead often from the front. Arthur O’Neill, the MP from County Antrim was the first MP to fall. He was killed on 6th November 1914 in an action near Ypres.
All of Arthur’s three sons grew up to fight in the Second World War and two of them, Brian and Shane were killed in action. The youngest, Terrence went on to become Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
Valentine Fleming was born in 1882 in Newport-on-Tay, Fife, Scotland. He went on to contest and win the seat of Henley in Oxfordshire during the 1910 General Election. Prior to the start of the First World War, he had served as a Captain in the Queens Own Oxfordshire Hussars. As soon as war broke out, Valentine and the regiment were deployed to France by the end of September. He quickly developed a fearsome reputation as a brave and uncompromising leader, entirely devoted to his men and leading always from the front. On one memorable occasion whilst in reserve, he ran through heavy shellfire up to the men on the line to see if they wanted any ammunition. On another, hearing of a private being seriously wounded, he forged forward, bandaged him and personally carried him back to the dressing station in full view of the enemy. By December 1914 he was promoted to Major before becoming second in command by January 1916.
Major Fleming fell on 20th May 1917. During an intense artillery bombardment, Valentine Fleming left the safety of his HQ and made his way up to the front-line trench to support his men and repel an anticipated enemy attack. He never made it. After the enemy had been beaten back his body was found on open ground.
Major Fleming left behind a wife and four sons, the youngest, Ian went on to become an Intelligence Officer in the Second World War and creator of Secret Agent, James Bond.
When you walk up the steps of Westminster Hall, you are confronted with two grand memorials to those Parliamentarians who fell in both world wars. The Recording Angel remembers the fallen of the First World War and the stained-glass window above it remembers the fallen of the Second, 23 of them MPs. It is worth stopping there for a moment to reflect on the ultimate sacrifices men like O’Neill and Fleming made in those great conflicts.
Parliament’s history is interwoven and threaded by a deep tradition of political public service by members of our armed forces. They have served in every political party at every level and at every epoch of our parliamentary history.
The operational experiences of Iraq and Afghanistan has reminded the people of the United Kingdom not only of our service and sacrifice, but also the training, values and professionalism we brought to bear even under the most trying of circumstances. In the last Parliament, around 51 MPs had a degree of military experience, with a number serving on operations.
This cannot go to waste. It is now needed more than ever in Parliament and our Local Government. But for now, we remember. Lest we forget.
Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 9 with Peter McCall - Police & Crime Commissioner for Cumbria
We wrap under season 3 with Police & Crime Commissioner Peter McCall, a former Corps Colonel of the RLC and one of the most senior veterans in politics in the UK. Jonny our host asks Peter about his military career, how he transitioned into becoming a politician and his views on how a more dangerous World will have an impact on policing in the UK. Thanks to Company X Consulting for their support.
About Peter:
I am a proud Cumbrian and grew up and went to School in Wigton. I was first elected as Police and Crime Commissioner for Cumbria in 2016 after retiring from the Army following a career spanning 34 years. I was Regimental Colonel of the 16,000 strong Royal Logistic Corps supporting operations in Afghanistan, HR Director for 20,000 Combat Service Support personnel and have had range of appointments commanding very large organisations of both military and civilian personnel. I most recently served in Sierra Leone commanding the military teams in 8 counties to coordinate government, police, relief agencies and charities and local councils for the relief response to Ebola and mentoring to develop contingency planning for civil resilience in the face of security, health and natural crises.
As a senior military logistician I have been personally accountable for multi million pound public budgets, major procurement contracts and large scale project management and significant organisational change. I have extensive experience of operations as diverse as Peace Support in Bosnia to Foot and Mouth here in Cumbria, and have worked with security and police forces around the world. I worked in the ministry of Defence working with Ministers and senior civil servants and have extensive training in counter terrorism which was the subject of my staff college thesis.
I am married to Ruth, a Community Midwife working in Carlisle, and we have two grown up children. I am a trustee of Bassenfell Manor Christian Outdoor pursuits centre, and was previously a volunteer at the Glasgow City Mission. Iam actively involved in leading music and preaching in several local churches. I still run daily and fell walk to keep fit.
I have been very proud to serve the country as a soldier and more recently you as your PCC. I understand the nature of uniformed public service, values and standards. I now hope to serve you and my home county as PCC for a further term. I do genuinely believe that fighting crime is about 'we' not 'they' we all have a part to play as a team.
I am a Conservative but as an elected Police and Crime Commissioner I have great pride in serving impartially and with integrity, and will work to serve every Cumbrian however you vote. I have served and given loyalty to every shade of government in the last 34 years, I believe that for the PCC role the ability, qualifications and experience to do the job well for Cumbria, is more important than party politics.
Sadly the world is a dangerous place, some forms of Cyber, Child Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Abuse are increasing and tragic events in recent years in Paris, in Brussels, and here in the UK, remind us that we must never be complacent about the threat of terrorism. This is why we need professional leadership of our security forces, it is no place for amateurs playing petty politics, I urge voters to vote for competence, experience and proven track record to do the job rather than for party labels or even those who claim to have no political affiliation.
We'd like to thank Company X Consulting for their support.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 8 with Councillor James Rands
We continue our look at veterans in local government with Liberal Democrat Councillor, James Rands.
James is a former Regular Army Officer from the 1st Battalion, The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment (PWRR) and continues to serve in 'The Tigers' today in the Reserve Army..
James is our first Tiger to appear on the show, though he and our host Jonny share this Regimental link, as he too served in the Regiment. They talk about James's early career, his ordeal at the hands of ambulance chasing lawyer Phil Shiner, The Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq and how he has continued his service in local government.
About James:BBC Two Danny Boy soldier from Tunbridge Wells opens up about Iraq war crime allegations - Kent Live
Follow James on Twitter: James Rands (@james_rands) / Twitter
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 7 with Councillor Imran Chowdhury BEM
We return back to local government with our first Bangladeshi army veteran, West Northamptonshire Council Councillor, Imran Chowdhury BEM.
Imran has had quite the life, that mirrors the recent history of Bangladesh, who have just celebrated 50 years of independence.
Imran was recently elected to Sixfield Ward, Northampton, part of West Northants Council. You will soon understand why both he and our host Jonny have a deep connection beyond military service. They explore this in the episode along with Imran's life as a refugee and how this deepen his love for both democracy and for Britain. A country he would eventually end up living in, and serving in other ways.
About Imran:
Imran Chowdhury B.E.M. is a writer, geopolitical analyst & philanthropist with vast experience in these fields. His background in writing history, public speaking, and philanthropy goes back to few decades. Chowdhury is fueled by his passion for understanding the nuances of cross-cultural cohesion. He considers himself a ‘forever student, eager to build on his academic foundations in history and geopolitics and stay in tune with the latest developments in the strategies through continued studies.His hunger for knowledge and determination to turn information into action has contributed to his most recent successes. Imran believes mindfulness in the workplace is key to success – a tenet he lives out through his interests in yoga, meditation, gardening, photography, reading and physical fitness. For more info see: About - British Bangladeshi Historian & Community Leader. (imranchowdhury.co.uk)
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 6 with Phillip Thompson OAM MP
This episode was recorded at 7am UK time in order to sit down with the simply inspirational Phillip Thompson OAM MP. Phil has served on operations in East Timor and Afghanistan, where he was badly injured. A champion for veterans' affairs and an all round great guy, you will love this episode with the 'baby of the House', the youngest Australian MP, and our first Aussie on the show!
We'd like to thank our sponsor, JobOppo for their support bring this episode to you today.
About Phil:
Phillip served as a soldier of the Townsville-based First Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with the core values of protecting the Australian way of life, freedom of speech, family and reward for effort - all characteristics which Phillip proudly carries in his day-to-day life.
Phillip served in East Timor and Afghanistan, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009 where he was wounded in action when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated within one metre of him. The blast resulted in Phillip sustaining severe injuries and he was medically evacuated back to Australia. As well as obvious physical injuries from the blast, Phillip also suffered from traumatic brain injury and several other life changing conditions.
Phillip spent the next several years putting all of his efforts into recovery and coming out the other side stronger than ever before. Today, he is passionate about helping others overcome adversity to become the best versions of themselves.
Since leaving the Defence Force, Phillip has worked in mental well-being and suicide prevention organisations. In 2018 he was named the Queensland Young Australian of the Year, for his work in mental illness and suicide prevention. He was then awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for significant service to the welfare of war veterans in 2018.
Other roles Phillip has held include:
- Director of the Royal Australian Regiment Corporation, the national peak body representing the interests of members and former members of the Regiment
- Director of SWISS 8 an online application that is used as a preventative measure for Suicide Prevention.
- Ambassador for Bravery Trust
- Ambassador for QLD Day
- Ambassador for Australia Day
Phillip entered politics because he hadn’t seen a fighter in the local MP’s role for too long. Passionate about his home town, and wanting Townsville to be a great place to raise his family, he decided to run for office. Phillip wants to see the Herbert electorate prosper again, to be a region where there is opportunity and reward for effort, and a city in which we can have great confidence in the future.Water security, affordable electricity and job creation are critical pieces of the economic puzzle and must be treated as such. Small and medium businesses are the engine room of the local economy, and Phillip wants Townsville businesses to have confidence to take risk, be rewarded and drive our local economy for years to come.
Phillip is married to Jenna, who gave birth to their first child, a beautiful daughter named Astin, in April 2018, and a younger sister Emery in April 2020.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 5 with Rep. Grier Martin- North Carolina State Legislature, USA
Veterans In Politics goes global with our first guest from the USA, US Airborne Reservist, Rep. Grier Martin. Grier is a veteran of Afghanistan, and he and Jonny talk about how this experience motivated him to stand up and serve again in politics. Grier also talks about what it was like going to war so soon after the birth of his daughter, and the impact of 9/11. He also goes into detail about the positive impact veterans and their skills have in politics. This is a great episode!
About Grier:
Through action and leadership Grier has dedicated himself to his community, his state and his country. He attended the North Carolina public schools and paid much of his way through Davidson College with an ROTC scholarship. He then graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Grier went on to use his degree in the service of small businesses and non-profits. He also married fellow North Carolina native Louise Porter Martin and became the proud father of a daughter, Sara Louise.
After our country was attacked on September 11, 2001 Grier volunteered for active duty, serving at Ft. Bragg and in the war in Afghanistan in 2002-2003. After two years of active duty, Grier once again answered the call to public service and was first elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2004.
Beyond the legislature Grier has served on the boards of the NC Center for Voter Education, Preservation North Carolina, and the Afro-American Cultural Center (now The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African- American Arts + Culture). He is also a former Sunday school teacher at White Memorial Presbyterian Church. He currently serves in the Army Reserve. He, Louise, and Sara have two cats and two dogs.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 4 with James Heappey MP- Armed Forces Minister
In this Party Conference Special, Jonny sits down with Armed Forces Minister James Heappey MP. James is refreshingly honest and real in this episode, and it's clear that his military service is something that has grounded his values, following tough tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, in some of the fiercest fighting seen by this generation.
It was simply great sitting down and discussing his route into politics, the risk he took, and the successes he had winning a marginal seat in Wells.
We'd like to thank our two sponsors, JobOppo and Company X Consulting for their support bring this episode to you today.
In addition, we thank the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces for their help, and you can find out more about them here: Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces – Join Today (cfarmedforces.org)
About James:
James Heappey was elected as the Member of Parliament for the Wells Constituency in May 2015.
James grew up locally and cares deeply for his local area. As a local resident he really understands the issues and pressures that communities face. He thinks hard about what the area needs and wants to use his time in Parliament to deliver the improvements needed to secure a strong and prosperous future for his part of Somerset.
Before entering politics, James served in the Army reaching the rank of Major. In a ten year career in the Rifles - the proud successor to the Somerset Light Infantry - James served on operations in Kabul in 2005, Northern Ireland in 2006, Basra in 2007 and Sangin in Helmand Province in 2009. He also served in Kenya and across the United Kingdom including time working for the head of the Army in the Ministry of Defence in London.
James is a very keen sportsman having competed at rugby, rowing and swimming at various levels over the last twenty years. He still enjoys the odd game of rugby as well as playing a bit of golf and tennis. He also loves to cook, especially when there is so much fantastic Somerset produced food to use as ingredients.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 3 with Stephen Morgan MP- Shadow Armed Forces Minister
In this Party Conference Special, Jonny sits down with Shadow Armed Forces Minister Stephen Morgan MP. They talk about Stephen's D-Day veteran grandfather, and how we might learn from that generation, as well as Labour's efforts to engage with the armed forces community. They also talk about the importance of local government, that piece of politics closest to us all.
We'd like to thank our two sponsors, JobOppo and Company X Consulting for their support bring this episode to you today.
In addition, we thank the Labour Friends of the Armed Forces for their help, and you can find out more about them here: Home - Labour Friends of the Forces (labourforces.org)
About Stephen:
Stephen Morgan is the first ever Labour Member of Parliament (MP) for Portsmouth South, a seat he took with a 21.5% swing in the 2017 General Election.
He was returned again in the General Election in 2019 more than trebling the majority and increasing the Labour share of the vote in the constituency by the largest in the country at 7.6%.
Stephen, who was born and bred in the city he serves, studied at local schools and was the first in his family to go to university, graduating from the University of Bristol with an BSc (Hons) in 2002 and a postgraduate Masters of the Arts (MA) from London in 2003.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 2 with James Clark- Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces
Jonny catches up with James Clark, the Founder of the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces. Jonny and James first met over 10 years ago in pre-deployment training for Afghanistan, where they both went on to serve on Op Herrick 15. Years later, they keep bumping into each other in political circles, so this is a great episode to dip in on.
Naturally, they talk about Afghanistan, but also their shared mission to get better people into politics. James also talks about his career as a Parliamentary candidate that includes standing against the then leader of the Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn MP!
In this episode, we mention the TV series 'Our War' which was BAFTA nominated. James is featured in it, and it's not to be missed. You can catch it on James's website here: Military – James Clark (jclark.uk)
About James:
James Clark is a Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate who has previously served in the British Army as an Infantry Officer. He is a highly experienced, charismatic, motivated individual committed to optimising individual and team performance. James is an effective and proactive leader and communicator, enthusiastic about finding new challenges and always trying to add value.
Following University, James worked in Parliament and in CCHQ, before joining the Army. He left in 2015 having enhanced his management and communications skills, deployed on two tours of Afghanistan and worked closely with international Special Forces personnel in multiple crisis response incidents. Since then he campaigned during the Brexit Referendum, numerous council and Parliamentary By-elections and has been involved in a variety of digital projects (digital democracy and blockchain).
He has worked internationally with high ranking civil servants, ambassadors and ministers and run social, digital, television and print media campaigns. He has also broadened his horizons through international travel in support of the Charity ISLP which he worked for in 2017/2018. He currently works in Westminster, runs Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces and spends time with the Army Reserve.
James combines political nous and understanding with a focus and determination to serve the community. He is easy to talk to, enthusiastic and highly motivated and is as comfortable leading teams as he is in operating within them. He is a committed Conservative and one day hopes to serve the country again in Parliament.
To find out more about the Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces, see here: Conservative Friends of the Armed Forces – Join Today (cfarmedforces.org)
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 3, Episode 1 with Stephanie Peacock MP- Shadow Veterans Minister
In this first for a new season, Jonny sits down with Shadow Veterans Minister Stephanie Peacock MP. They talk about the role of the Shadow Defence team, Steph's efforts reaching out to the veterans community and her career to date.
As part of her efforts, Stephanie and her team have devised a veterans' survey. You can participate (valid as at 15/09/21) by going to the link here: Labour | Let us know
She also mentions the Labour Friends of the Armed Forces which you can find out more about here: Home - Labour Friends of the Forces (labourforces.org)
About Stephanie:
Stephanie was elected to serve as the Member of Parliament for Barnsley East in the 2017 General Election. She was re-elected in December 2019. Stephanie studied History at Queen Mary University of London, and received a master’s degree from University College London. A qualified teacher, she taught History to secondary school students before working in adult education across Yorkshire. After this, Stephanie spent four years as a Political Officer for the GMB trade union. An active member of the Labour Party for many years, Stephanie served for four years on the party’s Governing body, the National Executive Committee, and for a decade on the party’s policy making body, the National Policy Forum.
Since her election to Parliament, Stephanie has served on the International Trade, Science & Technology, and the Women & Equalities Select Committees. She was a member of the Opposition Whips Office and Shadow Cabinet Office & Office of Veterans’ Affairs. Stephanie is currently the Shadow Veterans minister.
Stephanie is the Parliamentary Chair of Hope not Hate, an advocacy group that campaigns against racism and fascism. One of her key Parliamentary campaigns has been to increase the maximum sentences for those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. Stephanie has also called for more support for retired miners, she held a Parliamentary debate on this issue and has lobbied the Government to reform the Mineworkers Pension Scheme. As a former trade union officer, workers’ rights are very important to Stephanie. She introduced a Private Members Bill to improve the employment rights of Agency Workers and in 2019 she was granted an Urgent Parliamentary Question to press the Government on why they had suspended the National Minimum wage naming scheme. The scheme names employers who break the law on paying the minimum wage.
Stephanie has completed two of the Parliamentary Armed Forces Scheme with the Army and the Royal Air Force.
She is a Patron of BIADS a local Barnsley charity helping people with dementia.
A member of the Women’s Parliamentary Football Team and a keen runner, she completed the London Marathon in 2019.
Stephanie lives in Darfield near Barnsley.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- Please rate us on Apple Podcasts, donate or become our mate on our website HERE: Donate - CampaignForce
We're back for a 3rd season and our UK base gets wider, with guests from across the globe, as well as familiar faces from UK politics. But our show remains the same, to explore the World of Veterans In Politics and inspire others to stand up and serve again in public life.
Over the next few weeks we have Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Police & Crime Commissioners, local government Councillors and veterans from Commonwealth nations and the US.
To help our cause you can donate here: https://www.campaignforce.co.uk/donate
In this episode we look back on previous guests who have served in Afghanistan.
They include from season 1: Johnny Mercer MP, Dan Jarvis MBE MP & Doug Beattie MC and season 2: Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP, Cllr Greg Hammond and Clive Lewis MP
Our host Jonny Ball served in Afghanistan in 2011-12 and reflects briefly on that tour. He dedicates this episode to the memory of his friend killed on operations, Sqn Ldr Ant Downing.
This is a time for the armed forces community where there are more questions and answers. We hope that this episode helps people reflect, and more importantly, inspire them to stand up and serve again in public life, just like our Afghan veterans here!
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. Donate - CampaignForce
Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 8 with Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP
In the last of this current series Jonny sits down with fellow Int Corps Reservist, linguist and veteran of Afghanistan (and other operations!) Tom Tugendhat. Their chat is as you might imagine when two people from the same Corps family come together for a catch up and you're invited to listen in.
They cover the 'Big Society', Tom's observations of community kindness during Covid-19 and Jonny even has time to rib Tom for a social media picture of both him and Dan Jarvis MP (a previous guest of the show) currently doing the rounds on social media showing them on tour in Afghanistan with some dubious haircuts. This is a fantastic episode to round off the series and Tom was a fabulous guest, funny, observant and easy to talk to.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. Donate - CampaignForce
For more info on Tom go to: https://www.tomtugendhat.org/
About Tom (in his own words):
I grew up in London and Sellinge, near Ashford, before going to read Theology at Bristol University where I also worked in the local homeless shelter in the St Paul’s area. I then studied for a Masters’ degree in Islamics at Cambridge University, which including learning Arabic in Yemen.
After graduating, I went to Beirut as a journalist where I wrote about the conflict as well as regional politics and economics. Soon after I established one of Lebanon’s first public relations companies and won some major international clients. When I returned to the UK I worked as a management consultant before going into energy analysis in the City. At about the same time I joined the TA.
When the Iraq War broke out in 2003, I was mobilised as an Arabic-speaking intelligence officer to serve with the Royal Marines. After the war I returned to my job in the City, but was soon asked to help with the distribution of the New Iraqi Dinar as part of the economic reconstruction effort. Over the next six months I ran the central region – Baghdad and surrounding cities – and distributed much of the $4.5 billion-worth of cash that went into Iraq.
The next year I saw a series of projects conducted on behalf of the British government and companies including helping to improve Morocco's ports to ensure they were compliant with modern protocols. In 2005, I was asked by the Foreign Office to go to Afghanistan and help grow the National Security Council. Working in the Dari language, the project involved setting the strategic goals for a new office that coordinated Afghanistan’s strategic advice to President Karzai. When one of the members of the National Security Council was named governor of Helmand Province, he asked for me to go with him as his adviser. Together, and this time working in Pashto, the language of southern Afghanistan, we set up the first non-warlord administration in Helmand since the Soviet invasion.
After two years in Afghanistan I returned to the UK, but my former Royal Marines unit was deploying to Helmand and asked me to go too. I mobilised and served operationally for a further two years, for which I received the MBE, coming off my last patrol in July 2009.
On returning to the UK, I was asked by the new Chief of the General Staff to work on the Army Strategy Team. When he was made Chief of the Defence Staff he asked me to serve as his military assistant and principal adviser. I remain a reserve officer.
In 2015 I was elected as Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling. I live with my wife, Anissia, and our two children near Edenbridge.
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 7 with Cllr Greg Hammond
Greg served a 32 year long career in the Royal Air Force and lists a number of his military achievements and roles in this episode. Leaving as a Senior Officer didn't stop him starting at the bottom of politics, and he remarkably did a stint in Parliament, in what you and I might deem as 'work experience'. What a marker of a man.
This episode is full of tips and advice for anyone looking at getting into politics. Be that local government, where Greg serves as a local councillor, parliament, voluntary politics or professional roles too. Greg has been there done that!
It was such an enjoyable chat and Greg Hammond is one to keep an eye on for sure. He is an awesome local councillor and the best advert we have found for this important role for some time.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Greg go to: Greg Hammond (@GregHammond66) / Twitter
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 6 with Crispin Blunt MP
Crispin Blunt MP was commissioned as an Army Officer into the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own) and served until 1990. During the 1980s, he served in Cyprus, Germany and Britain before entering Parliament.
This episode is full of very personal insight and we thank Crispin for his honesty. From recalling the impact of struggling with his sexuality his whole life, to living under the constant threat of outing-by-the-press, Crispin has become a campaigner on a whole range of LGBTQ+ issues.
Our host Jonny even asks him about his famous 'poppers' speech he gave against his own government in Parliament, and this leads to wider discussions around drug reform and the criminal justice system, a subject he knows a lot about given his previous role as Prisons' Minister.
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Crispin go to: About Crispin Blunt | Crispin Blunt MP (blunt4reigate.com)
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 5 with Jamie Stone MP
Jamie Stone is the only Liberal Democrat with military experience in the House of Commons having served in the TA Infantry, in his words: 'ages ago!'
In this episode, he talks about how he has remained current with his military knowledge through the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme, that keeps MPs informed through engaging visits. He recalls one such visit in this episode and talks about the benefits of the scheme.
He wraps up the episode with an exclusive story about his military career not going to plan!
This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Jamie go to: Jamie Stone MP
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 4 with Clive Lewis MP
Clive Lewis MP served in The Rifles as Officer Commanding of the Combat Camera Team in Afghanistan. He is also a former Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, and began his career in journalism.
On paper Clive and Jonny might seem to be diametrically opposed ideologically, but it's clear from listening to this episode of the commonalities that they share, not only that of military service, but of similar family backgrounds too.
Although they only recently met, this episode feels like you're listening to two friends catching up. They cover the cadets, growing up in Northampton, dealing with racism, the trade union movement, civil rights, the Kennedy's, speaking in the House of Commons and service in Afghanistan... just to name a few topics.
This was recorded prior to the regulated period of the UK-wide elections. For information on all candidates standing in your area on 6th May, see your local authority website following close of nominations on 8th April. This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
This episode was recorded before the regulated period of the elections. For a full list of candidates standing in the elections in May go to https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
For more info on Clive go to: https://www.clivelewis.org/
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 3 with Caroline Henry
Caroline 'followed the flag' with her husband's career in the RAF as a service spouse. You may have heard of her husband, Darren Henry MP, guest of season 1! But like this episode, now is Caroline's turn, as she is standing up to serve as a Police & Crime Commissioner in her home patch of Nottinghamshire, a place she always vowed to return home to after service family life.
Caroline and Jonny talk about the importance of not overlooking the value of military spouses and the sacrifices they so often make for their other half and for the country. It is fantastic to see Caroline putting herself forward to serve in this way and it will no doubt inspire other service spouses.
To quote Jonny, he was 'smoozed' at Conservative Party Conference by Caroline, and they have become firm friends since. He was impressed by her then, and it came as no surprise to hear about her putting herself forward for elected office.
This was recorded prior to the regulated period of the UK-wide elections. For information on all candidates standing in your area on 6th May, see your local authority website following close of nominations on 8th April. This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
This episode was recorded before the regulated period of the elections. For a full list of candidates standing in the elections in May go to https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
For more info on Caroline go to: https://www.carolinehenry.co.uk/
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 2 with Jay Singh-Sohal
Jay is a serving reservist army officer currently campaigning to be a Police & Crime Commissioner of one of the largest police forces in the country.
Jay and our host Jonny work out many similarities in both their childhood and their military careers in this chat, despite coming from very different backgrounds. It just goes to show the uniting power of the military community.
Our host Jonny first met Jay at Conservative Party Conference where he generously gave his time as a guest speaker at a CampaignForce fringe event. It was therefore really great to sit down and find out more about Jay, his childhood, family, key drivers and hopes for the future.
This is an episode where you really do get to know the man behind the politics.
This was recorded prior to the regulated period of the UK-wide elections. For information on all candidates standing in your area on 6th May, see your local authority website following close of nominations on 8th April. This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
This episode was recorded before the regulated period of the elections. For a full list of candidates standing in the elections in May go to https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
For more info on Jay go to https://www.jaysinghsohal.org.uk/
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Veterans In Politics- Season 2, Episode 1 with Ruth Davidson MSP
Veterans In Politics returns for season 2 kicking off with Ruth Davidson MSP!
Ruth served in the Territorial Army before having to leave on medical grounds following an accident during Officer Selection. She details this incident in this episode and the lasting impact this had on her. But Ruth is better known for being a politician, and not just any politician, but a former Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who many have tipped for Leader of the UK Conservatives, or even a future Prime Minister.
In this episode, Ruth talks about her military past and present, the Scottish Independence question and about that question of leadership, not just her own, but of the example seen in others during the times that we're living in.
Our host Jonny first met Ruth on a mental health symposium with a global brand, where Jonny was a panellist and Ruth the chair. He is enormously grateful that following that meet, Ruth agreed to be on the show! And as they say, don't ever meet your heroes, unless her name is Ruth Davidson...you're going to love this episode.
This was recorded prior to the regulated period of the UK-wide elections. For information on all candidates standing in your area on 6th May, see your local authority website following close of nominations on 8th April. This podcast series maintains its independence and features several parties in this series.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
This episode was recorded before the regulated period of the elections. For a full list of candidates standing in the elections in May go to https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/
For more info on Ruth go to https://www.edinburghconservatives.org.uk/people/rt-hon-ruth-davidson-msp
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Veterans In Politics Episode 11 with Darren Henry MP (our last episode of season 1!)
Darren served in the RAF for 26 years having risen through the ranks to Squadron Leader. He is one of just a handful of RAF veterans in Parliament.
In this episode, he talks about his Windrush Generation roots, the value of working hard, and how he got started in politics. You never know where a local litter campaign might lead you!
Darren was elected in 2019 in the famous 'Battle of Broxtowe' defeating well-known MP Anna Soubry. He explains this approach to winning in this episode.
Our host Jonny first met Darren at Conservative Party Conference in 2018 when he was a mere Parliamentary Candidate, at a CampaignForce-hosted Fringe event. Jonny put Darren on the spot and got him to address the audience, something he did brilliantly, and here we are now, with Darren the MP!
Darren is quite simply inspirational and such a nice guy (we do not think that we have ever seen him not smiling). His story is one that must be listened to and shared and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Darren go to https://www.darrenhenry.org.uk/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 10 with Alicia Kearns MP
Alicia Kearns was elected in 2019, succeeding Sir Alan Duncan in the Rutland and Melton seat. Prior to being elected, she worked in counter-terrorism working at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and then as an independent consultant across the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans. Although not a military veteran herself, she has worked throughout her career with many of us from the armed forces including serving in the MOD, and understands our people, culture and values well. In this episode, we explore this more deeply.
You will find Alicia a breath of fresh air. Confident and unapologetically authentic, she is just what politics needs right now. To get where she has go to, she points to not changing for anyone and her desire to not sit back and watch but to put her head above the parapet. She has worked hard in life, and in this chat, you get a sense not only of her public duty, but also about who she is in that people can take her as they find her. And we think you will like what you see and hear.
Understandably, Alicia is at home with many of the military cohort of politicians in Parliament right now and mentions this in the episode. She also speaks of her willingness to help her opponents in political selections, something that we havent heard of before! But that's reflective of the person she is, and we commend you to listen to and share this episode.
We'd like to thank Alicia for being so open and honest.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Alicia go to: https://www.aliciakearns.com/about-alicia-kearns
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 9 with Andrew Lewer MBE MP
Andrew is the only MP in Parliament to have served at every level of government, having been a Parish councillor, District councillor, County Councillor (and Leader), European Parliamentarian and now, UK Parliamentarian. He was awarded his MBE for services to local government in 2014, and remains a passionate supporter of this form of political service. So you can expect us to cover a lot of ground in this episode that is reflective of a life dedicated to public service.
Though Andrew is not a military veteran, he's a veteran of politics. Given his extensive experience, we wanted to share his story with those looking at, or with an interest in, politics and we are sure that this covers a wide audience of you our listeners. He is a huge supporter of the armed forces, and regularly speaks of them in the Chamber of the House of Commons, and often visits his Northampton South Army Reserve Unit, 103 Battalion REME. He also hosts members of the armed forces in Parliament on occasion for visits.
This conversation is packed full of Andrew's experience. He talks about the political opportunities that have arisen in his career, exactly what it's like working for Priti Patel MP the Home Secretary, and evangelises the transferable skills of the armed forces in politics. He has had first hand experience of the latter, having worked alongside elected veterans in local government.
We'd like to thank Andrew for taking the time to talk to Jonny in this episode. It is fantastic that the armed forces has a great ally in him, both locally in Northamptonshire, and in Parliament too.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Andrew go to: https://www.andrewlewer.com/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 8 with Sir Julian Brazier TD
Sir Julian lost his beloved Canterbury seat to Rosie Duffield MP on a shock results night during the snap general election of 2017. He'd been an MP for 30 years, and at one stage, was our host's local MP when Jonny resided at Howe Barracks, Canterbury with 1PWRR!
In this episode, Sir Julian explains some of the reasons behind that political earthquake, and leads us on a political tour in this conversation that covers a number of administrations and several decades. It is fascinating to listen to!
He also served in the armed forces for 13 years, and perhaps is best well-known for his service in the SAS Reserves. Like many former military MPs, he has been on the Defence Select Committee, but it is his role as Minister for the Reserves that our host Jonny remembers fondly, having worked at the MOD at that same time. Sir Julian also gives us his commentary about how reserve service has changed during his lifetime.
We'd like to thank Sir Julian for the generosity of his time. He has been a keen supporter of CampaignForce CIC from the off, and is a friend of all reservists, a endeavour his remains a keen supporter of in political retirement.
This episode is very interesting. And one that you do not want to miss.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Sir Julian go to https://members.parliament.uk/member/77/career
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 7 with James Sunderland MP
James shares the illustrious title of 'most senior military veteran in the House of Commons', alongside Bob Stewart DSO MP, having left the army in 2019 as a Full Colonel. He served for 26 years as a Regular officer, only leaving at short notice in November 2019 to stand as a Parliamentary candidate.
In this episode, James reveals the story of his remarkable last-minute entry into politics following the calling of a snap election, and an amusing anecdote about who he was to first meet on the doorstep out canvassing as a new candidate. You've got to hear him tell the story!
James's operational service includes tours in Iraq, Bosnia, Africa and the Falklands. More recently he served as Commander of the Army Engagement Group, responsible for high-level engagement with Ministers, MPs, Lord Lieutenants, High Sheriffs, Councillors and societal gate-keepers on behalf of the Army Board. Fittingly, his constituency includes the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst!
We'd like to thank James for taking the time to talk to Jonny in this episode. It is fantastic that the armed forces has a great ally in James as one of the newest veterans in politics!
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on James go to www.jamessunderland.org.uk
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 6 with Sarah Atherton MP
Sarah is the only female regular army veteran MP having started her career as a Junior NCO in the British Army's Intelligence Corps.
She has service in her DNA, as she has also been a nurse, and a social worker in a lifetime of service that is now channelled through her work as a Member of Parliament. In December 2019, Sarah Atherton was elected to represent Wrexham, becoming the first Conservative to represent the constituency since its creation in 1918, overturning a Labour majority of 1,832 and turning it into a Conservative majority of 2,131. She became the first female to represent Wrexham and the first female Conservative MP elected to Westminster representing a Welsh constituency.
Sarah has had a full and varied life. She's the real deal, and as well as her career in public service, was also an army wife. Hear her talk about her passion for service families in this episode. As an Army veteran and member of the Defence Select Committee, Sarah has frequently spoken up for the rights of military personnel and has called for the end of vexatious claims against veterans. In addition, Sarah has recently been appointed as Vice-Chair to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Veterans.
Thank you Sarah for sharing your story with us. It will inspire not only women, but a wide variety of our listeners to stand up and serve again.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Sarah go to Sarah Atherton | MP for Wrexham
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 5 with Stuart Anderson MP
Stuart is a veteran of the Royal Green Jackets, and from humble beginnings, is one of the new MPs to put on your 'ones to watch' list.
Stuart recalls his experience of being shot early on in his career, how he recovered and how what he witnessed on operations has helped form a view on what government is for and part of his motivation to 'stand up and serve again'. He has been successful in civilian life too, though this has not been without personal challenge. All of this experience has pointed him in the direction of politics and he speaks openly and honestly about his journey.
We'd like to thank Stuart for agreeing to this chat, one that has meant a lot to our host Jonny who shares much of his own experience with Stuart, in recovery from injury, both mental and physical. And if you haven't yet seen Stuart's Maiden Speech, check it out on YouTube after listening to this episode. It's inspiring.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Stuart go to https://www.stuartanderson.org.uk/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 4 with Dan Jarvis MBE MP
Dan is a veteran of the Parachute Regiment and was awarded an MBE during his military service. As well as being the MP for Barnsley Central, he is also the elected Mayor for South Sheffield Region, a post that has gained prominence during the COVID19 pandemic.
In this episode, he talks about how his dealing with personal grief motivated him to stand up and serve again, and how service doesn't leave you when you decide to leave the armed forces. His advice to you all: 'get stuck in and go for it!'
This episode with Dan was a humbling experience showing the power that overcoming adversity can have in our lives.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Dan go to https://www.danjarvis.org/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 3 with Doug Beattie MC MLA
Doug is a Royal Irish Regiment veteran and serving reservist, a career than spans several decades. A decorated soldier of Afghanistan and 12 other operational tours, Doug now represents his home town as a veteran in politics as a Member of the Northern Irish Legislative Assembly.
In this episode, he gives us a whistle-stop tour through this legendry career and explains what motivated him to stand up and serve again in the first place (nice to hear him use our strap line!).
This is an episode you simply do not want to miss!
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Doug go to https://www.facebook.com/BeattieDoug/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Episode 2 with Shadow Veterans' Minister Sharon Hodgson MP
Although not a military veteran, Sharon can be said to be a veteran 'of' politics, and has served in and out of government on various Defence briefs, including now in her current role.
During this conversation our host Jonny Ball delves into Sharon's background and journey, finds out about her early network of MPs and how she copes with social media abuse. We also witness political and podcast history with her electronically voting!
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Sharon go to http://www.sharonhodgson.org/
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This was recorded over Zoom during the lockdown
Veterans In Politics Premiere Episode with Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer MP
We kick off this Pilot Series of the Veterans In Politics Podcast with none other than former 29 Commando Officer, Johnny Mercer MP.
During this 20 minute chat our host Jonny Ball delves into our guest's early entry into politics, finds out what motivates him as well as who inspires him. We simply had to kick off this series with Johnny.
NOTE- We are independently funded without any fancy sponsors so rely on you to rate, donate or become our mate. To help get us started, please don't forget to rate (here!), and to donate Donate - CampaignForce or become our mate on our website CampaignForce
For more info on Johnny go to https://www.johnnyforplymouth.co.uk/