Veterans In Politics Podcast

Jonny Ball
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Politics

Veterans In Politics is a set of interviews that sets out to explore how the military community can help make our politics a better place. We sit down with individuals from across the world of politics, sharing secrets, giving tips and advice and inspiring the next generation. Veterans In Politics podcast's mission is to inspire, enable and empower the Armed Forces community to stand up and serve again!

  1. Oct 1

    Helen McGuire BEM MP the former Royal Military Police Officer on what fired her up to stand up and serve again

    Send us Fan Mail This week Jonny Ball sits down with Helen Maguire who has been Member of Parliament for Epsom and Ewell since 2024. Before entering politics, Helen served in the British Army with the Royal Military Police. Helen commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where she went on to serve in Bosnia on a Stabilisation Force mission, and in Iraq to help rebuild the Iraqi Police and provide on-the-ground counter-insurgency policing support to infantry. After leaving the army, Helen worked as a personal fitness instructor and founded a fitness company. She became a chartered fundraiser in 2016 and later ran a fundraising consultancy business. Maguire received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to the community. She lives in Surrey with her husband and three children. In 2024 Maguire was appointed by Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey as the party spokesperson for Defence as part of his Frontbench Team and now serves as the spokesperson on Primary Care & Cancer. To find out more about Helen, see here: Helen Maguire MP Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  2. Sep 23

    Councillor Nedra Daniel- From growing up in the Caribbean, to serving at Sea, transitioning into the Law and politics

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Councillor Nedra Daniel sits down with Jonny Ball and shares her inspiring journey from growing up in St Vincent and the Grenadines to serving in the Royal Navy, studying law, and becoming a local councillor. Discover how her resilience, service mindset, and community involvement exemplify leadership and dedication.  Jonny recounts his time visiting St Vincent as an Army Cadet! key topics Nedra Daniel's childhood in St Vincent and the GrenadinesJoining the Royal Navy and life at seaStudying law while serving at seaTransition from military to civilian lifeInvolvement in local government and community serviceRole of Armed Forces Champion in local councilImpact of community and family role modelsThe importance of resilience and determination in career developmentHow military skills transfer to politics and community leadershipEncouragement for veterans to get involved in local serviceSupport the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  3. Sep 9

    Councillor Jez Kent- The Mayor of Wrexham on the power of the Cadet movement

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jez Kent, Mayor of Wrexham and long-time cadet volunteer, sits down with our host Jonny Ball and shares insights into the transformative power of the cadet movement, its strategic importance, and how community engagement shapes local leadership. We explore the impact of cadets on young people's development, community cohesion, and the evolving role of military-related programs in society. key topics The origins of Jez Kent's involvement with cadetsSkills gained from cadet participation: leadership, resilience, communicationThe impact of cadets on young people's development and community cohesionThe strategic importance of cadets in national defense and youth engagementGrowth of cadet units in schools and their societal benefitsChallenges and opportunities in expanding cadet programs in diverse communitiesThe role of local government and policy in supporting cadet initiativesThe influence of personal stories and community projects on public perception of cadetsThe importance of data and research in advocating for cadet programsThe political journey of Jez Kent and the importance of reluctant politiciansDon't forget to like and subscribe and to leave us a review! Resources Reserve Forces and Cadets Association - https://www.nwrfca.org.uk/ University of Northampton Study on Cadets - https://www.northampton.ac.uk/research/cadet-impact-study Wrexham Council - https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/ Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jez-kent/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jez_kent Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  4. Sep 4

    Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP - the most decorated Parliamentarian on why he got into politics

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jonny Ball interviews Alistair Carns about his journey from military service to politics, the importance of service, and how veterans can shape society. They explore themes of leadership, resilience, and the power of community engagement.  This is an episode not to be missed, and is one we have been asked about the most to produce!  Big thanks to the support of Culbert Ellis for supporting the show. key topics Alistair Carns' military career and transition to politicsThe importance of service and community engagementChallenges faced by veterans and how to address themThe role of veterans in shaping society and public lifeInvictus Games Birmingham 2027 and veteran integrationLeadership lessons from military and political experienceAbout our episode supporter: Culbert Ellis is a boutique firm of London and Cambridge solicitors built around respected specialists and is a proud supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant and the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community.    Founded by a Reservist , Culbert Ellis advises businesses on corporate transactions, commercial and tech/IP matters, employment, disputes/litigation as well as property and media work.  Their Value Proposition is simple: Experienced lawyers 'in the room' when it matters the most. For more info: https://www.culbertellis.com/ Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  5. Aug 26

    Maj Gen Neil Marshall on why pensions matter for the Armed Forces and how to influence government

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Veterans In Politics Podcast, Jonny Ball is joined by Major General Neil Marshall OBE, Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society on their 80th Birthday, for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the most important — and often misunderstood — parts of military life: the Armed Forces pension. What does your pension really mean? How have recent changes affected serving personnel, veterans and those who have already left the military? And what should people be thinking about when planning their transition into civilian life? Neil brings his experience at the Forces Pension Society to a conversation designed to cut through the complexity and explain what service personnel and veterans need to know about their pension and how he goes about engaging with government. For more information on the Forces Pension Society, check out their website here https://forcespensionsociety.org/ Pensions can feel complicated, technical and a long way off — particularly when you're in the middle of a military career. But decisions made during service can have significant consequences later. This episode is an opportunity to understand the bigger picture, hear directly from one of the leading voices in the pensions debate and get a clearer sense of what veterans and serving personnel should be thinking about. About Major General Neil Marshall OBE Major General Neil Marshall OBE is the Chief Executive of the Forces Pension Society, a not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting members of the Armed Forces community on pension matters. He has led the Society since 2019 and has been closely involved in its work on AFPS 15, the McCloud Remedy, pension taxation and wider Armed Forces pension policy. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share the episode with a veteran, service person or military family who might benefit from it. Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  6. Aug 19

    Lt Col (Retd) Derek Plews - The Former Dept PM's Press Secretary, on reservist advocacy, military comms, and telling the story of Afghanistan

    Send us Fan Mail Jonny Ball speaks with his former government colleague Derek Plews about a career that moved from journalism in Northern Ireland to reservist service, civil service communications, and senior defence media roles. The conversation explores how employer support shapes reservist life, why Defence Relationship Management was created, and why storytelling matters for veterans and the public record. Derek also discusses his book, Shamrock Among the Poppies, and the importance of preserving soldiers’ experiences in their own words. You can buy his book here: https://www.helion.co.uk/military-history-books/shamrocks-among-the-poppies-musa-qaleh-2006-a-bloody-siege-and-the-failures-behind-it.php The episode covers Derek’s time working with high-profile political figures including Michael Portillo, John Prescott, and Geoff Hoon, and what it is like to stay politically neutral while operating close to power. He reflects on the communications challenge around Afghanistan, especially the gap between official messaging and conditions on the ground in Helmand. Derek and Jonny discuss the growing influence of veterans in politics, including serving reservists and ex-servicemen bringing lived experience into Westminster. The conversation turns to the Armed Forces Covenant, employer recognition, and the practical case for industry to support reservists and cadet volunteers. Finally, Derek explains why he wrote Shamrock Among the Poppies: to tell the story of the siege of Musa Qala through the eyes of soldiers, NCOs, and junior ranks rather than just officers. He closes by stressing the importance of storytelling, mental health awareness, and preserving the historical record before memories are lost. Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  7. Aug 13

    Calvin Bailey MBE MP- The Veterans' Minister on the defining moment during Op PITTING Afghanistan

    Send us Fan Mail Jonny Ball welcomes Minister for Veterans & People at the UK Ministry of Defence, Calvin Bailey MBE MP.  We talk about his growing up in South East London, what inspired him to join the RAF, and the power of football communities with the Armed Forces.  This was recorded exclusively for Veterans In Politics. We also pay tribute to Operation Pitting, as we hit the 5 year anniversary of the withdrawal from Kabul, Afghanistan, where as a pilot, Calvin played a vital role.  This episode is dedicated to all those who served and the civilians impacted by conflict. Calvin is the Labour MP for Leyton and Wanstead, elected on the 5th of July 2024. Born in Zambia, Calvin’s family moved to London, settling in Plumstead. Growing up in south-east London as a young Black man, he faced far-right violence and was deeply affected by the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence, the older brother of his close friend Stuart. This event profoundly influenced Calvin’s politics and desire to serve the community.  Calvin graduated with a Master of Engineering from the University of Exeter in 1999 and later completed a Master of Arts in War Studies at King's College London in 2017. Calvin spent over 24-years in the Royal Air Force, rising to the rank of Wing Commander. During his military service, he led humanitarian efforts and operations in conflict zones. He was awarded an MBE for his support of relief operations in Haiti and the Philippines.  He also proudly led critical missions, including commanding the UK's largest deployed Air Wing during the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the evacuation of 14,000 people from Kabul during Operation Pitting where he made the critical decision to double the number of passengers taken per flight, recognising that the risk of overloading the aircraft was outweighed by the risk to the lives of those who would have been left behind. Calvin became a junior minister in Keir Starmer's government when he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People on 12 June 2026. A role he kept during the Burnham reshuffle. See more here: https://www.calvinbailey.co.uk/ Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

  8. Aug 5

    David Reed MP- the Former Royal Marine Commando in UK Parliament

    Send us Fan Mail This week Jonny Ball chats to former Royal Marine David Reed MP, who started his political journey listening to this podcast! David is the Conservative Member of Parliament for Exmouth & Exeter East. He serves on the opposition front bench as Shadow Defence Whip, is a member of the International Development Committee, and Vice Chair of the APPG for Foreign Affairs. David began his career in the Royal Marines and Special Forces Support Group, serving in multiple conflict zones over seven years. He was also part of the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and was selected for the Team GB Wingsuit Skydiving Squad. After leaving the military, he earned a First-Class degree in Business and a Master’s in International Security. Before entering Parliament in 2024, David led major cyberspace development portfolios across the public and private sectors, co-founded a software engineering company, and held a senior role at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence. To find out more about him check out his website here: https://www.davidreed.uk/ Support the show ✅Support The Show Help Us Grow! Help us reach more veterans by donating the cost of a cup of coffee today...💳A small donation helps us pay our publishing fees & expenses and enables us to reach even more people by creating the content you love! You can do this for just a few pounds (or contact us about becoming a sponsor by emailing jonny@greatcampaigns.co.uk) Easy ways now are here: PAYPAL👉https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/ZKMAHSTCH2RNJ REGULAR GIVING 👉https://www.buzzsprout.com/1394725/support

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About

Veterans In Politics is a set of interviews that sets out to explore how the military community can help make our politics a better place. We sit down with individuals from across the world of politics, sharing secrets, giving tips and advice and inspiring the next generation. Veterans In Politics podcast's mission is to inspire, enable and empower the Armed Forces community to stand up and serve again!

Information

  • Creator
    Jonny Ball
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Veterans In Politics Podcast
  • Show Website
    Veterans In Politics Podcast

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