The Power Hours series seeks to examine different aspects of power in politics and public life in the UK and beyond.
From the role of special advisers to opposition backbench MPs, to Government Ministers and think tank directors, we spend 60 minutes with key decision-makers looking at their early careers, the big issues they’ve grappled with and their hopes and fear for the future.
Below you will find our full archive of the Power Hour series, with the likes of David Lammy MP and Baroness Grey-Thompson. Plus, Director’s Cuts where the host Kezia Dugdale summarises the key points and insights from the Power Hours.
Director’s Cuts
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC – The Director’s Cuts
23/05/2023
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC is one of Britain's most distinguished lawyers. She has spent her professional life giving voice to those who have least power within the system, championing civil liberties and promoting human rights.
Sen. Sarah McBride Power Hour – The Director’s Cut
22/02/2021
When Sarah McBride was elected in November 2020 to the first state senate district of Delaware, she became the first openly transgender state senator in American history.
Mo is now the Public Affairs Director of leading PR and Marketing firm PLMR, but prior to that he worked in communications in the heart of the Conservative UK government.
Introduced by University of Glasgow Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, David joined Centre Director Kezia Dugdale in conversation discussing his early life, his book "Tribes" and how he’s used the role of a MP to secure justice for the Windrush Generation and victims of the Grenfell fire.
In conversation with Kezia Dugdale, Tanni discusses her work in the House of Lords, looking at the Duty of Care in sport after high profile incidents of abuse, bullying, racism and discriminations, as well as her hopes and fears for the future.
She has been involved in community advocacy for most of her life, including working for former Governor Jack Markell, the late Attorney General Beau Biden, and as a White House intern during the Obama Administration. Most recently, she served as a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, the United States of America’s largest LGBTQ equal rights organization.
He was part of David Cameron’s communications team in 10 Downing Street for four years and has also worked as Media Advisor to the British Forces in Afghanistan. He’s now the Director of Public Affairs for the London based PR agency PLMR.
Power Hour – The Briefing Room: Do TV Debates Matter?
29/09/2020
The first John Smith Centre Power Hour - The Briefing Room event looked at TV Debates and whether they matter, on the eve of the first US Presidential head to head.
Torsten joined Kezia Dugdale to explore his background and career to date, what COVID-19 means for our economy and our living standards, and what he thinks the government should do next.
Wendy joined John Smith Centre Director Kezia Dugdale to discuss her background and entry into politics, her election as an MP for the first time in December 2019 and her work on the Scottish Affairs Select Committee.
Born and raised in the West Midlands, Preet was a social worker and a Councillor and Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection prior to entering Parliament.
Following the 2017 General Election, he was named the Scottish National Party’s Defence Spokesperson and has sat on the Foreign Affairs Select Committee since 2019.