Simon Hart Keynote Speaker

UK Cabinet Minister for Wales (2019–2022)
Government Chief Whip under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (2022–2023)
Sunday Times bestselling author of Ungovernable

Simon Hart's Biography

Described by Michael Dobbs as the “insiders’ insider who shows how Government works, or actually doesn’t,” Simon Hart brings rare candour and authority to the inner workings of politics at the highest level. With ministerial experience across three departments, he served as Secretary of State for Wales under Boris Johnson and as Chief Whip under Rishi Sunak, placing him at the heart of government through some of the most turbulent years in modern British politics.

Simon’s role as Chief Whip provided unique insight into how government both succeeds and falters when faced with relentless crises, from Covid and the war in Ukraine to the volatile political shifts that toppled Johnson, Truss and Sunak. His hallmark has been diplomacy and consensus-building, guiding legislation through Parliament, managing sensitive party discipline, and handling the fraught relationship between Westminster and the devolved nations.

A trusted government voice in the media, Simon appeared regularly on Today, Question Time, Newsnight and Sky News, defending government policy during some of its most challenging moments, including Partygate and the controversial Rwanda policy. Behind the scenes, he dealt with rebellions, defections, scandals, reshuffles, and the recruitment of parliamentary candidates—matters often hidden from public view but central to the stability of government.

His bestselling book Ungovernable offers a candid, diary-based account of why the Conservative government fell from electoral dominance in 2019 to unelectable in 2024. Exploring breakdowns in discipline, leadership challenges, and reputational crises, the book delivers sharp lessons on leadership, resilience and organisational integrity that resonate far beyond politics.

Before entering Parliament in 2010, Simon was Chief Executive and later Chair of the Countryside Alliance, leading the UK’s largest rural membership organisation through complex and controversial debates. His career has been defined by pragmatic leadership, navigating conflict, and building consensus across deeply divided landscapes.

As a speaker, Simon Hart shares unparalleled insights into crisis management, political leadership, and the forces shaping democracy and decision-making today. His perspective equips audiences—whether in politics, business, or civil society—with valuable lessons on resilience, influence, and the realities of power.

Managing crises

Everyday in Government there is a crisis, often several. Some are serious (SH was in the room for the whole pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine) others less so (managing deflated colleagues after a reshuffle), but navigating the constant deluge of unforeseeable events is his specialist subject and applies in some shape or form to every company in the land.

Building consensus

Nothing ever happens without taking people with you, often on uncomfortable journeys. Patience and understanding were a crucial part of why the Government lost only one vote in the entire Sunak premiership.

Managing expectations

Like any business, ambitious colleagues are often ambitious to the point of being unrealistic. Encouraging innovation and creativity is a vital part of the success of any enterprise and SH is a passionate advocate of the notion that there is “no such thing as a bad idea”.

HR conundrums

From colleagues stuck in brothels, to the murder of MP’s in their constituencies there is literally nothing SH hasn’t seen. Making sure colleagues know what is acceptable or not, what the penalties may be and where to seek help are all critical judgment calls that senior managers have to make.

Popular Talks

SH has undertaken countless speaking events across the UK, from charitable fundraisers to Q and A’s on the state of politics to what we can all learn from inside Downing Street. He is also a regular media guest and regular at varying literary festivals across the UK.

He has worked at the heart of UK government as Secretary of State for Wales and Chief Whip, offering leaders a rare inside view of how power, policy and Parliament really operate.
He translates the pressures of crisis-era decision-making, from Covid to Ukraine and leadership turmoil, into practical lessons on resilience, discipline and governance.
He brings hard-won expertise in consensus-building and influence, showing organisations how to align stakeholders and move complex agendas through divided environments.
He is a Sunday Times bestselling author who turns the behind-the-scenes realities of political leadership into clear insights on reputation, integrity and organisational culture.
His briefings help audiences understand political risk, anticipate policy dynamics and communicate more confidently in a volatile public landscape.