Simon Hart

Simon Hart – parliamentarian, politician, speaker, and author of Ungovernable – The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip.

Simon Hart’s has political experience at the highest levels of government and party leadership. As Chief Whip of the Conservative Party he was responsible for party discipline, parliamentary strategy, and the day-to-day management of government business in the UK House of Commons. He was elevated to the House of Lords as Baron Hart of Tenby in Rishi Sunak’s resignation honours list. Elected as an MP in 2010 he has held senior roles over more than a decade in public office. In addition to time as Chief Whip, Simon Hart served as Secretary of State for Wales, giving him cabinet-level insight into devolved government, intergovernmental relations, and national policy delivery. And Simon’s writing and speaking now offer a rare insight into how political decisions are often made.

Simon Hart‘s remarkable book, Ungovernable, is a candid memoir, drawn from his diaries, and offering a rare insider’s view of British politics during one of the most turbulent periods in its recent history. Drawing on his front-row seat experience from Brexit and Partygate to the 49 day Liz Truss premiership and the later Rishi Sunak era, he lifts the lid on the chaotic world of Westminster and the often misunderstood role of the chief whip. The book blends astonishing anecdotes, from MPs lost in brothels to explosive reshuffles and suspended colleagues, with reflections on party discipline, political dysfunction and the grim pressures of leadership. Equal parts revealing, it’s very funny, and at times somewaht troubling. Ungovernable portrays both the absurdities and strains of managing a fractious parliamentary party in crisis and offers a vividly personal description of life at the heart of British government.

Today Simon Hart speaks on managing crises and leadership transitions to navigating complex stakeholder relationships all whilst under intense media scrutiny. His speaking draws on first-hand experience of negotiation, leadership under pressure, and the realities of power, accountability, and compromise.

Simon is a compelling and candid speaker on topics including political leadership, decision-making in high-pressure environments, government–business relations, and the future of UK politics.

‘Hart has a brilliant eye for moments of high farce’ – Gaby Hinsliff

‘A remarkable insight into a critical moment. Hart’s wit and tolerance makes his record of a system in crisis all the more convincing and troubling’ Rory Stewart

‘He is the insiders’ insider and shows how Government works – or actually doesn’t. This is a balls-up-to-break-down account of how the Tories managed to get through multiple Prime Ministers and a large majority to fall flat on their faces. You couldn’t make it up’ Michael Dobbs