Michael Gove talks to Margaret Hodge about the importance of working with other parties.

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter

19 years as a member of parliament, 6 cabinet positions, 5 general elections and serving under 4 prime ministers. During his political career, Michael Gove pretty much saw and did it all. As he says himself, no-one in politics is a conscript. He and others are volunteers who willingly choose their fate. But office can and does take its toll and in this five part series, Michael talks candidly with politicians from different parties about the strengths and skills needed to survive when things get tough.

Producer: Ben Carter

Listen to all episodes from Monday 21 October 2024 on BBC Sounds.

The former President of Ireland and UN human rights chief sits down with Jim Naughtie in Dublin to reflect on her career and why she remains a "prisoner of hope"

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

The former Home Secretary reflects with Jim Naughtie on life at the heart of the Labour Party.

What was it like to be at Neil Kinnock's side during Labour's wilderness years, running the Home Office on 7/7, and being sacked by Tony Blair?

Producers: Daniel Kraemer and Giles Edwards

Arlene Foster talks to James Naughtie about her career, which lead from a farm in Fermanagh to being First Minister of Northern Ireland, and holding the fate of Brexit in her hands.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer.

In the first episode of a new series of Reflections, James Naughtie talks to former Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo about his zigzag career in politics. From his early days working for Margaret Thatcher, to his time as Defence Secretary, dramatic loss in what is still called the 'Portillo moment', and bid for the Conservative Party leadership, Portillo reflects candidly on his strengths and weaknesses, and what kind of a leader he might have made.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer.

Lord Norman Fowler talks to James Naughtie about battling to convince Margaret Thatcher on the importance of tackling the Aids crisis in the 80s and the failure of successive governments to reform the House of Lords.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer

Lord George Robertson talks to James Naughtie his journey from battling with the Scottish National Party as a Labour MP, to sitting across the table from Vladimir Putin as Secretary General of NATO.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer

Baroness Amos takes James Naughtie behind the scenes of a career in the foreign office, Tony Blair's government, and the UN, and reflects on how to bring activism to the establishment.

The former Chancellor and Home Secretary Lord Clarke speaks to James Naughtie about his 50-year career at the top of British politics. They discuss his rows with Margaret Thatcher, his passion for Europe, how the country has changed during his life, and whether he ever regrets not getting the top job.

Producer: Daniel Kraemer.