Mhairi Black Keynote Speaker

Mhairi Black made history at just 20, becoming the youngest MP elected to Westminster since 1832. Over nearly a decade in Parliament, she became one of the SNP’s most recognisable figures, known for her sharp wit, fearless rhetoric, and unwavering commitment to social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-poverty reform.

Serving as Deputy Leader of the SNP’s Westminster group from 2022 to 2024, Black was a key strategist during a turbulent period in UK politics. Her viral maiden speech—viewed over 10 million times—set the tone for a parliamentary career defined by bold advocacy and plain-speaking critique of institutional dysfunction. She stepped down in 2024, citing Westminster as “toxic” and “archaic,” and has since spoken openly about the toll of public life, including her ADHD diagnosis and ongoing autism assessment.

In 2024, Black debuted her acclaimed one-woman show, Politics Isn’t For Me, at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Blending political insight with dark humour, the show sold out its run and launched a nationwide tour in 2025. Her transition from MP to performer was chronicled in the BBC documentary Mhairi Black: Being Me Again, which aired in March 2025 to widespread praise.

An in-demand speaker and performer, Mhairi offers audiences a rare combination of political candour, lived experience, and comedic timing. Whether addressing leadership, mental health, or the realities of public service, she brings authenticity and insight to every stage.