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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 09/19/2024

    Cllr Rich Potter - the Invictus Games athlete taking on the World's toughest trek

    Send us Fan Mail Hailing from the West of Ireland, Rich’s vibrant childhood was filled with sports and weekend fun with his grandparents. After an ankle injury and subsequent loss of his left leg due to sepsis, Rich found a new path in athletics and indoor rowing. His resilience shone at the 2023 Invictus Games, where he claimed gold in the 100m, silver in table tennis, and bronze in the relay. And this is where our host Jonny Ball met him, on the same team for the UK. In their side bar conversations over Invictus, they soon learnt that they had politics in common too, so it's a delight to be able to share this side of his story.  Moreover, it's a chance to talk about Rich's next challenge: The Limbitless Expedition: Conquering the Full Snowman Trek!  He is doing this alongside another one of our team mates, Rich 'Dickie' Davies.   To support their exped in support of amazing military charities go to their page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rich-potter-1707920143406 And please share with a friend!  Good luck boys! 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 Rich Potter - the Invictus Games athlete taking on the World's toughest trek

  6. 09/14/2024

    The Rt Hon James Cleverly TD VR MP - Conservative Leadership contender exclusive

    Send us Fan Mail We return this week during Season 10 of the podcast to the Conservative Leadership race with former Secretary of State, Rt Hon James Cleverly MP.   Our host Jonny Ball first met James back in the Noughties when they were both active in London Party Politics.  Since then, James has gone on to great things, but in this episode, Jonny recalls an early moment from a Party Conference in 2008, to demonstrate perhaps that James hasn't really changed that much! Alongside a busy political career, James has also served as an Army Reservist in the Royal Artillery. James Cleverly was Secretary of State for the Home Department between 13 November 2023 and 5 July 2024. He was previously Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs between 6 September 2022 and 13 November 2023. He was Secretary of State for Education from July 2022 to September 2022. Before that, James was Minister of State for Europe and North America in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) from February to July 2022. He was also Minister for Middle East, North Africa and North America from September 2020 to February 2022. James was first appointed as a joint Minister of State for Middle East and North Africa in the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development on 13 February 2020. James was Minister without Portfolio from July 2019 to February 2020, and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Exiting the European Union from April 2019 to July 2019. He was first elected as the Conservative MP for Braintree in May 2015. To follow James's journey, see here: Homepage | Rt Hon James Cleverly (cleverly4braintree.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

    The Rt Hon James Cleverly TD VR MP - Conservative Leadership contender exclusive

  7. 09/07/2024

    The Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP - Exclusive interview with Conservative Leadership contender

    Send us Fan Mail We kick off season 10 of the Veterans In Politics Podcast with Conservative Leadership hopeful, Tom Tugendhat!  This is a fantastic start to the season, and you wont be surprised to learn that our host Jonny and Tom (whom share the same cap badge from their time in the army) talk about leadership... a lot! Tom was Minister of State (Minister for Security) between 6 September 2022 and 5 July 2024 and attended cabinet. He previously served as the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee from 2017 to 2022 and was first elected the MP for Tonbridge and Malling in 2015. Before being elected as an MP, Tom served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked for the Foreign Office, helping to set up the National Security Council of Afghanistan and the government in Helmand Province. On returning to the UK, Tom served as the military assistant and principal adviser to the Chief of the Defence Staff to the British Army, Lord Richards, and we talk about how he has inspired his leadership style in politics. Tom studied Theology at the University of Bristol, followed by a Master’s degree in Islamic studies at Cambridge University, which included learning Arabic in Yemen. After graduating, Tom worked in Beirut as a journalist, and soon after established one of Lebanon’s first public relations companies. On his return to the UK, Tom joined the Territorial Army. When the Iraq War broke out in 2003, he was mobilised as an Arabic-speaking intelligence officer to serve with the Royal Marines. In 2005, Tom was asked by the Foreign Office to travel to Afghanistan to establish the National Security Council. After two years in Afghanistan and a brief return to the UK, Tom was mobilised and served operationally for a further two years with the Royal Marines, for which he received an MBE, coming off his last patrol in July 2009. Tom went on to work on the Army Strategy Team helping to prepare for the Strategic Defence and Security Review. He later served as the Chief of the Defence Staff’s military assistant and principal adviser. He remains an Army Reserve officer. For more on Tom, see here: https://www.tomtugendhat.org/aboutom 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

    The Rt Hon Tom Tugendhat MBE VR MP - Exclusive interview with Conservative Leadership contender

  8. 05/09/2024

    Cllr Gareth Staples-Jones- the Army Reservist on why young people should be in politics

    Send us Fan Mail 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
    93
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Veterans In Politics Podcast
  • Show Website
    Veterans In Politics Podcast