Many Brave Starts members are attracted to the idea of doing something more purposeful and meaningful. What could be more meaningful than getting involved in government? Helping shape the decisions that affect people's lives, representing your community, and putting decades of your skills, experience and insight into work where it counts.

We’re delighted to ​w​elcome ​Gillian Keegan (former Secretary of State for Education and MP for Chichester) for a candid look at what life as an MP actually involves: the reality behind the headlines, how she made the jump into politics from a career in business, and what it takes to build a career of public service later in working life.

We also welcome ​​​Baroness Jenkin​, who​, if you don’t know her, is one of the most influential women in government.  She knows how to spot and nurture talent​, and ​as she works behind the scenes​, she can also talk about roles and political involvement which may be less public facing.

What to expect:

• ​A frank panel conversation on the realities of political life: the workload, the scrutiny, the trade-offs and the money.
• ​An open Q&A. Rather than dictate an agenda, small groups allow you to help shape the questions and discussion.
• ​Networking afterwards over a drink.

Timings

5:30pm: Arrival & drinks

6:00pm: Panel discussion & Q&A

6:45–7:30pm​: Networking

Venue: Policy Exchange​, Westminster, London SW1

​We understand and ​welcome all members of any political persuasion. Yes, these two speakers happen to have a conservative background, but the nature of politics, the roles, the lifestyle will all be discussed openly and neutrally.  

Please only come to this event if you are genuinely interested in this as a potential career path – not a place to come and air grievances!

​About Gillian Keegan

​Gillian Keegan was the Conservative MP for Chichester from 2017 to 2024, and served as Secretary of State for Education from October 2022 under Rishi Sunak. Before entering politics, she spent almost 30 years working internationally in manufacturing, banking and technology — starting as an apprentice at Delco Electronics (a General Motors subsidiary) in Kirkby, and later becoming Chief Marketing Officer for a global travel technology company.

She made the switch into politics in 2014 through Women2Win, going on to hold ministerial roles including Minister for Africa and Minister of State for Care and Mental Health before her Cabinet appointment.

​About Baroness Jenkin of Kennington

Anne Jenkin has sat as a Conservative peer in the House of Lords since 2011. In 2005 she co-founded Women2Win with Theresa May to get more Conservative women into Parliament, and remains its co-chair today.

She also co-founded Conservative Friends of International Development, and sits on the House of Lords' Intergenerational Fairness and Provision Committee.