OffTheCuth

Listen to Cllr Alambritis talk about his time as Leader of Merton Council, thoughts about seamless transport in London as well as the values he believes are vital in politics

BIOG: As Leader of Merton Council for a record breaking 10 years, he lead the campaign to save St Helier hospital, delivered a special school and created opportunities for Merton Council to be involved with multi-million-pound developments and provide service improvements. He has also been Cabinet member for transport and currently holds the position of Cabinet Member for Finance.

Listen to Supt. Patrick Holdaway talk about the work the police did during Covid 19 as well as what is being done by the NBCC on retail crime.

BIOG: Patrick joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1995 and worked in various operational strategic roles. In 2014 he became the first business crime lead for the force and set up the Safer Hampshire Business Partnership as well as several other initiatives to support businesses and reduce business crime. His expertise in this area meant that in Dec 2018 he was promoted into the leadership of the the National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) which he lead until his retirement. In December 2021 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Retail Risk Awards.

Listen to Maria talk about rail integration and what the Govt needs to do to ensure the UK rail industry continues to thrive.

BIOG: Maria is the Chief Executive of Midlands Connect - the sub-national Transport Body for the Midlands. Involved in rail for 25 years she has worked across regions and nations to help rail in the UK maximise its potential. Under her leadership at Midlands Connect, they published the first landmark 25-year transport strategy for the region to progress a range of infrastructure programmes including the £1.5bn flagship project Midlands Rail Hub and have worked on policies to ensure the region’s potential is maximised through technology and innovation. Maria was rewarded “Outstanding Contribution to Transport” by the Transport Times in 2019.

Listen to Duncan Baker MP explain why he has put together this Ten Minute Rule Bill and why it is so important for teachers to have training in autism modules during ITT.

BIOG: A true local, he was the MP for North Norfolk between 2019 - 2024. Committed to understanding local issues and able to speak with an authentic voice about what matters to people who live and work in his area. In addition, he has presented a ten minute rule bill named ‘Autism (Early Identification) Bill’ which will seek to make autism modules a mandatory part of initial teacher training

Listen to Andre discuss how the Autism (Early Identification) Bill by Duncan Baker MP will ensure that all autistic children receive the support they need so they can flourish as well as the technological advances he is spearheading to ensure that all children get a tailored education that will help them succeed

BIOG: André is an entrepreneur focused on pursuing transformative change in the educational landscape to help those that most need it. To achieve this, he combines his understanding that all young people with SEND need a tailored educational experience with using science to create prompt and precise solutions that can be used to drive standards in educational provision.

Listen to Lord McLoughlin talk about what it's really like to be Secretary of State as well as hold one of the most secretive roles in politics - the Chief Whip.

BIOG: Lord McLoughlin has had an extensive career in UK politics for more than 30 years. As an MP he held many senior government positions, including Government Chief Whip, Secretary of State for Transport, Chairman of the Conservative Party and Chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster. He is now a Member of the House of Lords, Executive Board Member of XRAIL Group, Chairman of Airlines UK and Chair of Transport for the North.

Listen to Milda talk about how women can break barriers in the rail industry. Whilst women only hold 26% of jobs in the transport sector, with even less holding director level roles, listen to Milda talk about what she feels needs to be done to help ensure the railway industry continues to innovate and thrive.

BIOG: Milda is a trailblazer in the world of transport where only 26% of all employees are women, with the number of those holding directorships even less. She is now CEO of the Railway Industry Association having previously been their Innovation Director.

Listen to Laurence Robertson MP talk about his time as Chair of the NI select committee and what the Government needs to concentrate on running up to the election.

BIOG: Laurence Robertson was the MP for Tewkesbury for 27 years. He served as the Chair for the Northern Ireland Select Committee for 7 years and was also a Shadow Whip, Shadow Minister for Energy and Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs

Listen to Dr Mendoza talk about the 7th October attacks, and their aftermath. In this interview he evaluates the causes, impact and global response as well as what needs to happen to resolve the conflict

BIOG: Dr Mendoza is Founder of the Henry Jackson Society and a well known commentator on issues of foreign affairs. He has been featured in a number of print and broadcast media, commentating on foreign affairs.

Listen to Lord McCabe talk about his work with the Government as Chair of the APPG on retail crime to ensure protections for shop workers as well as what lead him to politics in the first place.

BIOG: Now a member of the House of Lords, Steve McCabe has been a Minister for Education as well as Shadow Minister for Veterans and MP for Birmingham Selly Oak.