Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth is a prolific broadcaster and author whose diverse career spans the heights of British politics and entertainment. A former Member of Parliament for the City of Chester, he served as a Government Whip and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury under John Major. Currently the Chancellor of the University of Chester, he is a familiar presence on television and radio, appearing on flagship programmes such as Have I Got News for You, QI, and Pointless, while remaining a permanent fixture on BBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute since the 1980s. His literary contributions include best-selling Sunday Times titles such as The 7 Secrets of Happiness and acclaimed royal biographies including Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait. In the digital space, he co-hosts the award-winning podcast Something Rhymes With Purple alongside Susie Dent and the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast with his daughter, Aphra. He also delves into the formative years of public figures on his weekly interview podcast, Rosebud. Drawing on his vast experiences in Westminster and the West End, Brandreth provides audiences with a unique perspective on leadership and communication. Known for his wit and an extensive collection of personal anecdotes featuring world leaders from Margaret Thatcher to Bill Clinton, he is booked for his captivating storytelling and his ability to resonate with diverse corporate and public audiences. On stage, Gyles Brandreth is best known for talks on Politics & Geopolitics. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Entertainment, Media & Broadcasting and Politics & Government, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. Gyles Brandreth is regularly booked for After Dinner Speaker, Performers and Entertainer and Awards Hosts, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Gyles Brandreth travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Gyles Brandreth would approach your audience.