Robert Colvile Keynote Speaker

Political columnist for The Sunday Times and one of Britain’s leading policy commentators
Former Director of the Centre for Policy Studies, shaping debate on growth, housing, energy and economic reform
Author of The Great Acceleration, exploring the impact of technology on society, business and politics

Robert Colvile's Biography

Robert Colvile is a political columnist for The Sunday Times and one of Britain’s leading commentators on public policy, business and economic growth. He is known for combining insight into developments in Westminster and Whitehall with analysis of the broader trends shaping the UK economy.

For the last decade, Robert has led the Centre for Policy Studies, one of Britain’s leading think tanks. During his tenure, he has written extensively on taxation, housing, regulation, energy, growth and a wide range of public policy issues. He has interviewed, hosted and, in several cases, edited every Conservative Party leader since David Cameron, alongside numerous senior politicians and business leaders.

Robert began his career at The Daily Telegraph, where he rose to become Head of Comment. He later left to write and research The Great Acceleration (Bloomsbury), a book exploring how technology is accelerating the pace of everyday life and how society can adapt. The book was widely praised, featured on BBC Radio 4’s Start the Week, and was selected as The Times Book of the Week.

In addition to his work at The Sunday Times, Robert has written on politics, policy and technology for a wide range of publications in the UK and internationally. Since 2020, he has combined his leadership of the Centre for Policy Studies and editorship of its CapX website with his weekly column, focusing on the causes of Britain’s economic stagnation and the policy solutions that could drive growth and prosperity.

Robert also serves as an adviser to the JCB Group, sits on the Advisory Board of PricedOut, the campaign for affordable housing, and was a member of the Government’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He has also been recognised for his fundraising work in support of medical research.

The UK Economy: Growth, Tax, Housing and Regulation

Politics, Policy and Economic Reform

Political Polarisation, Fragmentation and the Future of British Politics

The Forces Shaping Modern Britain: Politics, Economics and Society

He sits at the intersection of politics, public policy and business, helping leaders understand the forces shaping Britain’s economic future and the decisions that will determine its success.
He translates complex developments in Westminster, Whitehall and the wider economy into clear, practical insights that help organisations navigate uncertainty and anticipate change.
He has spent more than a decade at the forefront of policy debate, leading one of Britain’s most influential think tanks and helping shape discussions on growth, regulation, housing, energy and competitiveness.
He combines the perspective of a journalist, policy strategist and author, offering audiences a rare understanding of how political decisions are made and how they affect business and investment.
His briefings help executives, investors and policymakers understand the barriers to growth, assess emerging risks and opportunities, and prepare for the economic and political challenges ahead.