James Cleverly

18/11/2023 14 min

Listen "James Cleverly"

Episode Synopsis

Born and raised in south east London, James Cleverly once dreamed of being an artist, then opted for an army career. But never expected to become a politician. Yet now, after swiftly climbing the cabinet ladder, the high-flying statesman has made the step up from Foreign Secretary to Home Secretary. But with a bulging in-tray - including the government's troubled plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda - can he rise to the challenge? Charismatic, convivial and sometimes cautious, does James Cleverly have the skills needed for the job? Paul Connolly talks to friends and colleagues about Cleverly's fast political ascent, his ability to stay the course and his passion for spicy food. Presenter: Paul Connolly
Producers: Sally Abrahams, Kirsteen Knight, Julie Ball
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound Engineer: James Beard
Editor: Bridget Harney

More episodes of the podcast Profile

Karl Bushby 27/12/2025
Mary Berry 20/12/2025
David Harewood 13/12/2025
Zak Brown 06/12/2025
Zarah Sultana 29/11/2025
David Hockney 15/11/2025
Afua Kyei 08/11/2025
Andy Burnham 01/11/2025
Sanae Takaichi 27/10/2025