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Charles Kennedy Biography
Until early 2006, Charles Kennedy was Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party.
Charles Kennedy
is a widely experienced speaker whose ability spans business and political seminars through to light-hearted after-dinner speaking. He has established himself as a broadcaster with a regular parliamentary sketch on the BBC World Service as well as occasional slots on Radio 2 and Radio 4.
Charles is also a regular television guest participant in an eclectic mix of programmes - from the usual political, news and current affairs diet through to "Cluedo", "Through the Keyhole", "Masterchef" and "Have I Got News for You!”
Charles Kennedy's Career
Charles was brought up and educated just outside Fort William, before attending Glasgow University. Following his graduation in 1982, he worked as a journalist with the BBC Highland Unit, before winning a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Indiana University in the United States.
In 1983 he was working towards a PhD at Indiana when the opportunity arose to seek the SDP nomination for the newly former Ross, Cromarty and Skye seat. He made a flying visit home, won the ballot and returned full time to the UK. The general election followed and - less than six weeks later - he was elected to the House of Commons, defeating the sitting Government Minister to become the youngest MP of the time.
During his term in parliament, Charles acted as a spokesperson on issues ranging from the welfare state to Europe, agriculture and rural affairs. He served on the All-Party Select Committee that introduced the televising of the chamber. He was the first SDP MP to back the merger with the Liberals after the 1987 general election, and moved a successful motion to this effect at the party conference that year.
Leader of the Liberal Democrats
Charles was elected the UK Liberal Democrats' Party President, the equivalent of party chairman, in 1990, and served in that post until 1994. In August 1999 he was elected as the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and he was appointed to the Privy Council in October 1999.
In his six years as Leader, he took the Liberal Democrats to their most successful election performance for some 80 years when they won 62 seats in May 2005. He stood down as Leader of the Party in January 2006.
In September 2007 Charles Kennedy was unanimously elected President of the European Movement in Britain. Following a keenly fought election, he was elected as Rector of Glasgow University early in 2008.
He is the author of The Future of Politics (2001) and is presently researching a project on youth and minority issues, arising from his period as a Visiting Parliamentary Fellow at St Antony's College, Oxford.
For further information or to book Charles Kennedy, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Charles Kennedy News
A selection of relevant news related to Charles Kennedy, After Dinner Speakers, Keynote Speakers and Motivational Speakers, Political Speakers stories. For more information on Charles Kennedy or details as to how to book Charles Kennedy for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Anthony Hilton, James Naughtie and Robert Peston Examine the 2011 Budget
24th March 2011
As the Prime Minister sets out to sell the 2011 Budget, Speakers Corner’s best economic speakers take to the screen, the press and the airwaves to analyze Britain’s monetary future. Anthony Hilton tells Evening Standard readers that “it's time to stop bashing bankers” whilst James Naughtie and Nick Robinson quizzes the Chancellor on Radio 4.
Self-Help Books; A Billion Dollar Industry
30th April 2013
Self-help books are increasingly popular among the British public than ever before and an increased number of us are turning to self help books in the hope that they will solve lives problems.
Jo Johnson Appointed Policy Role
29th April 2013
MP and Keynote speaker, Jo Johnson has been appointed as the head of David Cameron’s new policy unit.
Noreena Hertz Finishes New Book
4th April 2013
Keynote speaker and leading futurist, Noreena Hertz has finished her most recent book, which will be published in the US and the UK in September 2013.
Rory Bremner Investigates Scottish Politics
1st April 2013
Awards host and impressionist, Rory Bremner is going to present a TV programme about the Scottish referendum.
George Alagiah Comes to the Rescue on London Underground
26th March 2013
BBC news presenter and awards host, George Alagiah, came to the rescue of a woman who collapsed on the London Underground.
George Osborne Announces Plans for Budget 2013
21st March 2013
The budget 2013 was unveiled in the House of Commons among a crowd of rowdy members of Parliament, where the Chancellor stated that, "we are, slowly but surely, fixing our country's economic problems".
Anatole Kaletsky Joins Reuters
1st March 2013
Award winning journalist, economist and keynote speaker, Anatole Kaletsky, has joined Reuters after 22 years writing for The Times.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones Plans To Extend Business
20th February 2013
Farmer and after dinner speaker, Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, plans to sell his well known, high end meat to Jamaican supermarkets and extend his clothing range.
Roger Martin Speaking at World Economic Forum
16th January 2013
Roger Martin is due to speak at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, along with Joseph Stiglitz and Tim Berners-Lee.
For further information or to book Charles Kennedy, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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