Daniel Finkelstein

Daniel Finkelstein is an award-winning journalist and politician. He is Associate Editor, a Columnist and Leader Writer for The Times. Daniel is also a former chairman of Policy Exchange. Showing an early and active interest in politics, he joined the National Committee of the Social Democratic Party from 1981 – 1990, and moved to the Conservative Party from 1990 after the dissolution of SDP. Here, he quickly rose through the ranks. He began the first of the three main jobs of his career in 1992, becoming the Director of the Social Market Foundation, a social policy think tank which did pioneering work in public service reform.

Daniel’s first role in the Conservative party was adviser to John Major in his time as Prime Minister. His brilliant work for John prompted him to be awarded an OBE in John Major’s resignation honours list. Staying with the conservatives, he became a close adviser and speech-writer to the then new party leader, Hon William Hague. Daniel Finkelstein continues to work closely with the leading Conservatives in Westminster, drawing on his many years in political service.

After the 2001 general election, Daniel was recruited by The Times as associate editor and lead writer. He has, at various times, been comment editor, chief leader writer and executive editor with responsibility for digital publications. He writes a weekly column for the paper on public policy and social affairs, and has been named Political Commentator of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2013 and Journalist of the Year 2011 by the Political Studies Association. He also writes a popular weekly column on football for which he was made Journalist of the Year by the Royal Statistical Society in 2013.

In 2013, Lord Finkelstein was granted a peerage and sits in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer.

Daniel Finkelstein is both informative and funny whether executing a keynote or after dinner speech. He shares stories from his time in politics and newspapers, bringing the latest news from the political frontline and providing his audiences with witty examples of how politicians influence people. Daniel never fails to impress with his wealth of knowledge and political insight.