Penny Mordaunt Keynote Speaker

First & only woman to be UK Secretary of State for Defence
Led UK's trade negotiations, including CPTPP accession
Bestselling author of Greater: Britain After the Storm

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Penny Mordaunt's Biography

Penny Mordaunt is a trailblazing figure in British politics, recognized for her historic role as the first and only woman to serve as Secretary of State for Defence—and as the first and only woman to be Minister for the Armed Forces. Over a 14-year parliamentary career, she held nine ministerial roles, four in Cabinet, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to public service and leadership. As Paymaster General, she became the UK government’s first cross-government defensive cyber lead and spearheaded the redevelopment of the nation’s civil contingencies and resilience strategy.

Expanding her international outlook, Penny served as Secretary of State for International Development, collaborating with UN agencies and representing the UK at the World Bank. As Trade Minister, she brokered new trade agreements, oversaw the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and established economic accords with multiple US states—undertaking the longest ministerial tour of America since Winston Churchill during WWII. Prior to her parliamentary tenure, she worked across various sectors and served as Head of Foreign Press for the 2000 Bush presidential campaign in the United States.

A former Royal Naval Reservist for a decade, Penny now holds the honorary rank of Captain affiliated with MCM2 Squadron. She co-authored the bestselling “Greater: Britain After the Storm,” which earned the Parliamentary Book Award for Best Non-Fiction by a Parliamentarian in 2021. Her forthcoming book, “Pomp and Circumstance,” scheduled for release in Autumn 2025, explores Britain’s traditions and their role in shaping the nation’s future. She gained public attention as Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council, presiding over the Accession Council following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and King Charles III’s coronation.

Renowned for her eloquent speeches in the House of Commons, Penny has been honored with accolades such as Parliamentary Wit of the Year and Spectator Speech of the Year. She has been featured among Grazia and Vogue’s most influential women and is one of only four women invited to address the Saints and Sinners Club, joining the ranks of Princess Anne, Margaret Thatcher, and Dame Vera Lynn. In 2023, she was named Ally of the Year by the LGBT+ Conservatives, reflecting her ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Building Resilience and Strategic Foresight in Turbulent Times

Women's Leadership and Championing Diversity in Public Life

Security, Cyber Defence, and Cross-Government Collaboration

Global Trade and Economic Partnerships in a Changing World

Navigating Political Transitions: Lessons from Westminster and Beyond

'We are not for returning' - Penny Mordaunt slams Labour at Tory conf

Penny Mordaunt pays tribute to the Queen at Tory Party conference

Articles, Media & Podcasts

Minister Mordaunt speech at the Carter Center, Atlanta, Georgia

Trust in Britain

Books by Penny Mordaunt

Greater: Britain After the Storm

Comments & Testimonials

Trying to understand the things which matter in a complex and rapidly changing environment is vital for any organisation. In her parliamentary career Penny has held a number of ministerial roles and served on departmental select committees, both domestic as well as international facing. She brings 360 degree awareness combined with a remarkable ability to communicate as well as inspire.

Gisela Stuart Chair of Wilton Park.

Three words sum up Penny Mordant: intelligent, original and lucid. Through the many posts she has held at the heart of government, from Secretary of State for International Development, to Secretary of State for Defence, and Leader of the House of Commons, she has unique insight and a deep understanding of what makes this country tick. A philosopher by training, an optimist by nature, an amateur astronomer in her spare time, Penny sees the world around her in novel and interesting ways. She has the gift of speech and the gift of listening. Time spent with her makes you think and wonder.

Professor Carlos Frenk CBE, FRS , Ogden Professor of Fundamental Physics at Durham University

Penny Mordaunt was an outstanding Minister, leading from the front and engaging her civil servants in all the government departments she worked in. She has great leadership and social skills. She is also highly trained and effective in a crisis, having run the civil contingencies response. As well as getting ‘the best out of people’ as a leader, she is also very adept and aware of geo-political situations given her roles in defence, trade and the workplace. She is one of the few Ministers to have worked effectively in a huge variety of diverse portfolios e.g. DWP, MoD, trade and communities. She is also very articulate and would make an outstanding speaker on leadership, management and organisational issues.

Professor Sir Cary Cooper, CBE ALLIANCE Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, Immediate Past President of the CIPD, President of the Institute of Welfare, Chair of the National Forum for Health & Wellbeing at Work

Penny is an experienced politician, having served in a range of ministerial roles encompassing trade, defence, development and social policy. She has a wide international network. She has been involved in handling both domestic and international crises, and appreciates the security and humanitarian imperatives. She also has a deep relationship with the armed forces, recognised by her appointment as a Royal Navy Honorary Captain.

Sir Mark Sedwill former Cabinet Secretary.

I have been profoundly impressed by how easily Penny can assess and understand a situation and then provide insightful advice across multiple levels of analysis, providing both a national and international perspective.” “I have witnessed Penny’s leadership skills on multiple occasions. I am always amazed at how she can diffuse tension and turn heated argument into constructive discussion. I have learnt so much from her.” “As director of an Institute in the life sciences, I was often ill-prepared for the complexity of the job. Penny’s advice on staff welfare, equalities, engaging with communities, interacting with charities, and developing a financial strategy has allowed us to thrive and build our scientific enterprise. I cannot thank her enough

Professor Russell G. Foster CBE, FRSB, FMedSci, FRS, Fellow Brasenose College. Director, Sir Jules Thorn Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute (SCNi), Head, Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology (NLO)

From the board of the World Bank, through the UK Cabinet to collaborating with civic entrepreneurs Penny brings learning and experience of innovation across sectors and that link the local and global. When so many teams need to reach up and out, as well as across and down this is gold dust for your organisation in our complex times' She is a serious, funny, thoughtful speaker and I would recommend Penny to any trade association or senior team wanting to be challenged, encouraged and inspired With a track record of success in the UK Cabinet, in local leadership and in the arenas of defence, development and disability Penny is the perfect speaker for organisation's who want to celebrate every colleague's contribution , and build inclusive boards for modern times

Professor Francis Davis BA MSc MPA PhD FRGS Professor of Public Policy and Communities, Univ of Birmingham and award winning social entrepreneur. Director of Policy, Edward Cadbury Centre