Political Speakers for your Next Event
5 May 2026
The turbulent times we live in demand interpretation by those who not only understand events as they unfold, but have often helped shape them. In an era defined by rapid political change, global uncertainty, and constant media scrutiny, audiences are looking for clarity rather than noise. Political speakers bring that clarity, offering informed perspectives that cut through complexity and help make sense of shifting landscapes.
Drawing on experience gained in government, diplomacy, policy advising, or long careers in political journalism, these political speakers offer more than opinion; they provide context. Former ministers and advisors can shed light on the realities of decision-making at the highest levels, while seasoned journalists bring a critical eye honed through years of questioning power and reporting from the front lines of political change. Their insights help audiences understand not just what is happening, but why it matters.
The inclusion of political speakers adds depth, relevance, and authority. Whether addressing business leaders, academic audiences, or the general public, they have the ability to translate complex issues into engaging, accessible discussions. The result is a more informed and thought-provoking event that encourages dialogue, challenges assumptions, and leaves audiences with a clearer understanding of the world around them.
Robert Peston
Robert Peston is ITV’s Political Editor and the presenter of the channel’s politics and current affairs programme, Peston. He delivers in-depth analysis of developments in Westminster and conducts interviews with leading national and international figures. In addition, he co-hosts the podcast The Rest Is Money with Steph McGovern, where they demystify economic jargon and explore key financial issues, past and present. When he was the BBC’s Economics Editor and Business Editor, he explained the stories behind the statistics and the impact of domestic, European, and global economic change, and broke a series of major exclusive stories that shaped public understanding of the global financial crisis.
Robert’s career also spans senior roles at leading newspapers, and he is widely recognised for his digital journalism and as the author of several critically acclaimed books: How Do We Fix This Mess?, Who Runs Britain?, Bust?, and WTF?. Robert has received more than thirty journalism awards, including the Royal Television Society’s Journalist of the Year, Specialist Journalist of the Year, and Scoop of the Year, which he has won twice. He has written and presented numerous documentaries and factual series, including films on China’s economic boom and potential bust, the EU referendum, and the global financial crisis, as well as the popular series, Robert Peston Goes Shopping. Outside journalism, Robert is the founder of the education charity, Speakers for Schools, and serves as Vice President of Hospice UK.
Keynote Topics:
- Political & Economic Outlook
- The Future of Business & Technology
- Economics & Finance
- Social & Political Change
- Geopolitics
Kirsty Wark
Kirsty Wark is one of the UK’s trailblazing female news journalists. She presented BBC’s Newsnight for 30 years, stepping down after the 2024 General Election. Her long career on Newsnight has seen her holding politicians and public figures to account with her formidable interviewing skills. She made her reputation as a journalist and producer on BBC Scotland, memorably reporting from the scene of the Lockerbie bombing, before joining BBC Two’s The Late Show as a presenter, moving on to Newsnight in 1993. Over the years, she has had memorable encounters, from Margaret Thatcher to Madonna, Harold Pinter to Pete Doherty, Damian Hirst to George Clooney, and the likes of Donna Tartt and Philip Roth.
Kirsty has won several major awards for her work, including BAFTA Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting, Journalist of the Year and Best Television Presenter. In 2024, she was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the RTS Journalism Awards.
Keynote Topics:
- Current affairs & politics
- Journalism, truth & media integrity
- Communication & interviewing skills
- Leadership under pressure
- Media, culture & storytelling
Eliza Manningham-Buller
Eliza Manningham-Buller served as the head of Britain’s Security Service (MI5) from 2002 to 2007 and later as Chair of the Wellcome Trust. Across both roles, she led through extraordinary and high-pressure periods, spanning counterterrorism operations and global health crises.
Reflecting on two decades of leadership across vastly different organisations, Eliza highlights the shared challenges of managing uncertainty and safeguarding millions of lives.
From addressing existential threats such as climate change and pandemics to advancing diversity and fairness, Eliza argues that leaders must navigate a complex and constantly shifting landscape that affects both organisational success and wider societal well-being.
Keynote Topics:
- How Leaders Behave and Manage Change and Risk Under Pressure
- Dealing With a Crisis
- Leading Towards Goals Whilst Under Scrutiny
- Building an Accountable, Supportive Culture
- Values-Driven Leadership
William Hague
Lord Hague of Richmond has been a leading figure in British politics for more than three decades, serving as Leader of the Conservative Party and later as Foreign Secretary. He was a Member of Parliament for Richmond for 26 years. Now in the House of Lords, he is a widely respected commentator on foreign and domestic affairs, as well as a trusted adviser to a broad range of institutions and businesses, including as the Chancellor of the University of Oxford.
During his four years as Foreign Secretary, William Hague navigated an exceptionally turbulent international landscape, including the wars in Libya and Syria, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the growing crisis in Ukraine, the global fight against terrorism, and complex relations with Europe. Having worked closely with many global leaders, William offers sharp insights into different styles of leadership and their effectiveness, drawing on debates with figures such as Tony Blair and first-hand experience of world leaders ranging from George W. Bush to Vladimir Putin.
Keynote Topics:
- Domestic and International Political Overview
- Geopolitics, Strategy, Risk and Leadership
- An Insider’s View of Politics and Political Leadership
- Analysis of Key Events in Politics and Their Likely Influence on Business and Leadership Strategy
- William’s Life and Political Career
Sir Vince Cable
Former Chief Economist at Shell International and Head of Economics at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Sir Vince Cable is internationally renowned for his economic and political career, both nationally and on the European stage. His views and insights are respected on the economy and the future, both nationally and globally. The former leader of the Liberal Democrats is now a regular broadcaster and columnist, writing articles for The Independent and The Economist. He has written books on Trade Policy and International Finance and published an in-depth study of international telecommunications – Global Superhighways.
Keynote Topics:
- Global Economics & Trade
- Brexit and UK Economy
- Banking & Corporate Reform
- Industrial Strategy
- Regional Cooperation
What Are You Waiting For?
No matter the theme or audience, our experts will help find the right political speakers for your next event.
Our event managers are experts at corporate events and stay ahead of the latest corporate event experiences, taking care of everything from finding the perfect venue to managing your guest list, catering, AV, and entertainment. Get in touch with your brief, and we will be happy to help.
entertains@aokevents.com | 020 8222 8420
