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. 10h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jul 29

    Dr Neil Shastri Hurst MP- on political and personal resilience and how family is an anchor

    Send us Fan Mail This week, our host Jonny Ball catches up with an old friend, Dr Neil Shastri Hurst MP, who came on the show under very different circumstances in a previous season! *Warning- we cover the subject of suicide in this episode.  Details on how you can find help are below. Neil was elected as the Member of Parliament for Solihull West and Shirley in July 2024. Born and raised in South Birmingham, Neil knows the values that make our community strong – hard work, compassion, and a deep sense of service to others. His parents both worked for the NHS – his mother a nurse, his father a GP – caring for families across our region. Their example of compassion, duty, and public service shaped his values from an early age. Following in their footsteps, Neil trained as a doctor and went on to serve in the British Army as a Medical Officer, supporting our Armed Forces both at home and overseas. After leaving the Army, Neil joined the NHS working at a number of hospitals across the West Midlands. His final medical post was with the Major Trauma Service at University Hospitals Birmingham, one of the most advanced trauma centres in the country, delivering world-class care for patients across our region, including here in Solihull West & Shirley. When a medical condition ended his surgical career, Neil retrained as a barrister, specialising in healthcare law. It was this blend of frontline experience – as a soldier, a surgeon, and a lawyer – that drove Neil to seek public office. He has seen first-hand the impact government and national policy can have on people’s lives – and he wanted to bring real-world experience to Westminster to shape that impact for the better. He believes that public service is about standing up for what is right – whether that is fighting for better local services, supporting those who serve our country, or ensuring that the next generation has the opportunities it deserves. Neil’s priority is simple: to listen, to serve, and to deliver for our community. He brings with him a commitment to integrity, service, and putting people first. As your Member of Parliament, Neil will always stand up for Solihull West & Shirley – and for the country he is proud to serve. call 116 123 to talk to Samaritanshttps://www.thecalmzone.net/get-supporthttps://giveusashout.org/https://www.gov.uk/guidance/managing-your-mental-health-as-a-veteranTo sign up to Neil's Resilience Report find the link here: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-resilience-report-7386717617627242497/ 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. Jul 22

    Andrew Bowie MP- How an impromptu conversation turned the Royal Navy Veteran into a national political figure

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Jonny Ball meets Royal Navy Veteran Andrew Bowie MP. Andrew grew up in Aberdeenshire spending the first years of his life in Alford, a village within the constituency of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.  Andrew moved at a young age to the town of Inverurie. Upon leaving school Andrew joined the Royal Navy in which he served as an officer for 3 years, a career that took him around the world to Brazil, Bahrain, Gibraltar and The Falklands. His duties back home included work for the ceremonial events commemoration team.  Following this Andrew returned to the North East, studying politics and history at the University of Aberdeen. Andrew began his political career in 2014 when he became the Conservative campaign manager for the North of Scotland, organising the 2014 European Election, the Scottish Independence Referendum and 2015 General Election.  Andrew then worked for Conservative MEP Ian Duncan as his Parliamentary Assistant and Rural Affairs Policy Adviser.  Andrew was recruited by Liam Kerr MSP following his election to the Scottish Parliament in 2016 where he was Head of Office based in the Scottish Parliament. In 2017 Andrew was selected as the Conservative and Unionist candidate for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine.  Andrew was elected with a total of 24,704 votes, a majority of 7,949.  Andrew became the first Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine since its creation in 1997. Since June 2017 Andrew has represented the people of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine as their Member of Parliament in Westminster.  In March 2018 he became the first new Scottish MP and the first of the 2017 intake, to be promoted when he was appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In January 2019 Andrew was promoted to Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. In August 2019 Andrew was appointed Vice Chair of the Conservative Party, covering the Union and Youth within the party. Following a snap election in December 2019 Andrew was re-elected by the residents of West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine to represent them once again and was again re-elected in July 2024. Andrew was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exports in October 2022 until February 2023. That month he was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Following the election on the 4th July 2024 Andrew was appointed Shadow Minister for Veterans and Shadow Minister for Energy. Since the election of Kemi Badenoch as Leader of the Conservative Party Andrew has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Shadow Minister for Energy. There are many way to support our show, including leaving a review or subscribing, becoming a sponsor, or you can give via the links below. This podcast is produced by The Great Campaigns Company Ltd- delivering great campaigns for great people. 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. 10/10/2024

    Danny Kinahan- The FORMER Veterans' Commissioner for Northern Ireland

    Send us Fan Mail Note- this was recorded prior to Danny's resignation. Danny Kinahan, is the first Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland and was appointed to this role by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in September 2020, as a result of the New Decade New Approach political agreement. He's a former Army officer, MLA and Member of Parliament. In this episode, our host Jonny Ball quizzes him about his military, civilian and political career as well as the role of Veterans' Commissioner. Danny's Key priorities: Ensuring the interests of veterans and their families are championed at all levels.Remembering, celebrating and promoting the contribution veterans have and continue to make to society.Ensuring that every veteran and their family living in Northern Ireland know where to turn, to access support, assistance or advice if they need it.Developing policy and improved services, in collaboration with government (both locally and across the UK) and other relevant organisations, to enhance veterans’ daily experiences.For more information, check out his website here: https://www.nivco.co.uk/about-the-ni-veterans-commissioner/ Dont forget to share with a friend, rate and leave a review. 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

    Danny Kinahan- The FORMER Veterans' Commissioner for Northern Ireland

  7. 10/02/2024

    Col (Retd) James Phillips- The Veterans' Commissioner for Wales

    Send us Fan Mail Colonel (Retd) James Phillips is the first veterans commissioner for Wales. James, who lives in Pembrokeshire, left the Army after serving 33 years, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Northern Ireland and the Balkans. He believes Wales has a "long tradition of service and sacrifice". His appointment means Wales joins Northern Ireland and Scotland in having a dedicated commissioner, though at the time of the recording, England is yet to appoint. This was recorded before the General Election and we thank James for his patience.  We had to delay due to the restrictions placed on appointed persons like James, but as you will hear, it was an amazing chat. We cover his lengthy military career as well as what a commissioner's role is.  Don't forget to listen to our host Jonny's 3 key takeaways at the end! Huge thanks to Bags at Bare Arms Support to Film & TV for the lend of the studio.  For more on their work, see here: Bare Arms – Military Advisers to the Theatrical Industries – Film, TV, Theatre, Games 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

    Col (Retd) James Phillips- The Veterans' Commissioner for Wales

  8. 09/25/2024

    Cllr Daniel McBirnie- The Bomb Disposal Officer in local politics

    Send us Fan Mail Daniel McBirnie is a Saffron Walden councillor and resident.  He has fought developers and won concessions for local people and is a former Army Lieutenant Colonel who’s provided MoD briefings to the government on Covid and Mental Health. Daniel began his military career at the Army's 6th Form College, Welbeck, which is sadly no longer open.  He went on to a full career in the Royal Logistics Corps' serving as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) which is more colloquially known as 'Bomb Disposal.' We talk Afghanistan, his journey into a demanding and highly pressurised role, as well as his transition into business and local politics. During the episode we touch on the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and Armed Forces Covenant which he advocates.  This is administered by MOD's Defence Relationship Management, and you can find out more about them here: Defence Relationship Management - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Don't forget to like, rate and follow the show! 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

    Cllr Daniel McBirnie- The Bomb Disposal Officer in local politics
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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
    97
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Veterans In Politics Podcast
  • Show Website
    Veterans In Politics Podcast

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