Political Journeys

In the final episode of Season 2, CGP Communications Manager Sophie Malby speaks with co-host Stewart Harper about his political journey so far. They discuss what makes a successful political party, the need for policy renewal, and the changing role of faith in politics.

There will be a short break before we resume Political Journeys with Season 3. Please follow our social media to find out which guests will be joining us for Season 3!

In the penultimate episode of Season 2, Ryan and Stewart speak with Dr Lawrence Newport about his success on the XL Bully campaign and his new venture, Looking for Growth.

Lawrence's political journey differs from those of our other guests; with no desire to enter Parliament he is instead committed to holding policymakers to account.

They discuss what is holding back change from within government, the need for policies that can withstand macro events, as well as the importance of political courage.

In this week's episode, Ryan and Stewart chat to Nic Puntis, Conservative Party spokesman for the Chippenham Parliamentary Constituency. Nic tells his story of his route into politics and his reasons for standing to be an MP. They discuss the benefits of being a local candidate, rooted in the community, and the impact this name and face recognition has on campaigning.

In this week’s episode, amidst the audible Farmers’ Protests, Ryan Henson and Stewart Harper speak with James Clark, 2024 Conservative candidate for Great Yarmouth, about fighting back from personal lows, effecting change in the community, and the surprising lessons of life in the military. James makes a compelling case for taking responsibility and resisting complacency, across personal, local and governmental issues. 

In this week's episode, while missing our co-host Stewart Harper, Ryan Henson speaks with Jane MacBean about her path to becoming a councillor, the importance of staying motivated and resilient during campaigning, and her desire to make legislation fit for purpose. Jane shares her thoughts on the differences between local and national campaigning, and the need to pace yourself during the busy periods. They discuss balance, vulnerability, and how to support and uplift other candidates at the same time.

This week, while missing our co-host Stewart Harper, Ryan Henson speaks with Mario Creatura - former and first ever Digital Special Adviser to 10 Downing Street - about his journey through the tough days of Downing Street. From advising PM Theresa May during Brexit to running for Parliament in 2019, Mario shares what it takes to succeed in high-pressure environments. They discuss resilience, imposter syndrome, and breaking through systemic barriers of opportunity for the next generation.

In this week's episode, Ryan Henson and Stewart Harper are joined by Jack Sellers, Director at Blakeney and former Special Adviser to Rishi Sunak. We discuss Jack's background and how that has shaped his perspective on politics, and enabled him to be a successful special adviser.

We hear about the pace of life in politics, the importance of communications to campaigning and governing, and how difficult it is to work against a prevailing narrative.

In this week’s episode, Ryan Henson and Stewart Harper are joined by Jamila Robertson, Entrepreneur and Broadcaster and Frances Lasok, 2024 Conservative Candidate for Newcastle Central and West and former campaign manager, to discuss the challenges of running for office in snap general elections and being young Conservatives. They explore how Conservative values translate into policy, the importance of cross-party dialogue in an increasingly polarised political climate, and why greater civic education is needed. 

In this week's episode, recorded from a live event at RUSI, former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps joins Ryan Henson, to discuss the Coalition for Global Prosperity’s latest report Development in the Pre-War Era. Shapps, who wrote the foreword for the report, highlights the urgent need for Britain to play an active role in global security and development. Revisiting his Lancaster House speech from a year ago, warning that the world is shifting from a post-war era to a pre-war era - not because conflict is inevitable, but because failure to invest in stability could lead to dire consequences.

After a long pause following the general elections, Season 2 kicks off with a conversation recorded before the general election campaign began in July 2024. Our guests, Owen Meredith, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate 2017 and Rachel Carnac Conservative Group Leader on Canterbury City Council, Founder & Owner, Metal Events LTD. share their motivations for running for office and underscores the need to break the cycle of political disengagement, particularly among young people, highlighting how involvement in political affairs can be key to achieving financial freedom.

We explore the value of an internationalist perspective in addressing global challenges, showing how serving constituents connects to the UK’s broader role on the world stage. Beyond their political career, we learn about their professional journey, personal setbacks in elections, and their resilience in staying connected with their community. The conversation also touches on the diverse ways one can influence the political sphere without being a Member of Parliament.

Note: This episode was recorded prior to the 2024 U.K. General Election.