Welcome to ‘This Is The North’ Podcast, your source of transformative conversations. An intentional challenge to the systems holding back the North of England. Hosted by Alison Dunn, an award-winning charity chief executive and former solicitor. This podcast is supported by Society Matters Community Interest Company and is dedicated to curating and sharing knowledge, powering the change we need for a more equal and inclusive society.

In this fascinating episode, Alison engages in a candid, thought-provoking conversation with Jo Tanner, a renowned political strategist who has worked across the political spectrum and is a regular commentator on current affairs. Jo began her career as a broadcast journalist before leading the PR efforts for Boris Johnson’s 2008 Mayoral campaign. Today, she’s a familiar face on programmes like Good Morning Britain, BBC’s Politics Live, Channel 4 News, and more.

Jo takes us behind the scenes of political strategy, explaining how her work has shaped both Conservative and Labour campaigns. Together, they explore pressing issues such as public expectations from the government, the challenges of devolution, and why representation matters for building a fairer society. Jo also shares her passions for mental health advocacy, elevating women’s voices, and grassroots football and education initiatives. This conversation underscores the power of diverse perspectives and the importance of long-term thinking in today’s political landscape.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:31 Meet Jo Tanner: Political Strategist

01:12 The Role of a Political Strategist

02:35 Navigating Political Ideologies

05:12 Balancing Personal Values and Professional Duties

08:15 Challenges in the Current Political Landscape

13:32 Election Campaign Dynamics

20:12 Reflections on Boris Johnson's Leadership

25:44 Influential Figures and Personal Experiences

27:58 Overcoming Accent Challenges in Politics

28:51 Support from Male Colleagues

29:23 Training Women in Media

29:44 Facing Public Criticism

31:19 Authenticity in Leadership

33:51 Challenges for Women in Politics

38:50 Founding the Women's Parliamentary Football Team

44:57 Promoting Mental Health Awareness

48:01 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

50:18 Future of Devolution in the North East

Reflecting on this conversation, it’s clear that Jo Tanner’s ability to navigate the complexities of political strategy—while staying true to her values—offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to foster meaningful, systemic change. Her insights remind us that by empowering diverse voices, especially women and underrepresented groups, we can reshape politics to serve all communities.

Enjoyed the conversation? Subscribe now to join us in empowering our communities and shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

Alison Dunn (Host)

Jo Tanner (Guest)

Peter Bell (Producer)

This podcast is proudly produced by Purpose Made, dedicated to driving societal change through the power of shared knowledge.

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