James Cleverly

James Cleverly is a former Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary who helps leaders navigate high-stakes decision making, geopolitical risk and strategic judgement under pressure. Having served at the highest levels of British government, including leading UK diplomacy through Russia's invasion of Ukraine and regional conflicts across the Middle East, he combines rare ministerial experience with a military background as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army and a career in business and publishing. His sessions equip audiences with practical frameworks for assessing risk, leading through uncertainty and making confident decisions when the stakes are highest and information is incomplete.

James Cleverly stepped away from the Conservative shadow cabinet in August 2026 to launch his campaign for Mayor of London, marking a decisive shift from national politics to leading one of Europe's most complex cities. His candidacy follows a ministerial career that saw him serve as both Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, roles that placed him at the intersection of global diplomacy and domestic security during some of the most turbulent years in recent British history. From coordinating the UK's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine to managing conflicts across Sudan and the Middle East, he operated in environments where decisions carried immediate consequences and strategic misjudgement could reshape international relationships.

His political trajectory spans local government through to the highest levels of ministerial office. As Chair of the London Fire Authority, he led reforms that improved operational performance whilst reducing costs, demonstrating an early commitment to making public services more effective without compromising delivery. His role as co-chair of the 2019 General Election campaign gave him insight into political strategy at scale, whilst his time as Shadow Housing Secretary focused his attention on urban development, planning reform and the housing challenges facing major cities. Beyond Westminster, James served for nearly two decades in the Territorial Army, rising to Lieutenant Colonel and later becoming President of the Ulysses Trust, supporting reservists in adventurous training and community projects. His career also includes founding and running his own business in magazine and digital publishing, giving him direct experience of entrepreneurship, commercial risk and building organisations from the ground up.

As a speaker, James offers audiences a rare perspective on leadership across military, business and government contexts, particularly when decisions must be made under scrutiny, with imperfect information and real-world consequences. His sessions explore how leaders assess geopolitical risk, navigate political complexity and maintain strategic clarity when pressure is unrelenting. Drawing on direct experience managing crises, reforming institutions and building coalitions, he equips leaders with practical tools for decision making in volatile environments. Audiences leave with sharper instincts for evaluating risk, greater confidence in their judgement and a clearer understanding of how to lead effectively when certainty is impossible and outcomes genuinely matter.