Episode 11

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Published on:

26th Feb 2024

Inside the restoration of Parliament

There are few buildings as iconic as the Houses of Parliament. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Gothic style building is around 150 years and for many is the image that comes to mind with even the mention of the word Parliament.

Parliament is home to the UK legislature, both the House of Commons and House of Lords with around 3, 000 people supporting the working of the place daily. Running this iconic institution is a mammoth task and one made harder by the restoration needed to a building that hasn’t seen a major refurbishment for over 80 years. 

Joining us to discuss the upkeep of such a special building we have Nigel Evans MP. Nigel is a familiar face to many in Westminster having represented Rible Valley for more than 30 years. Nigel became Deputy Speaker in 2020 and second deputy chairman of the ways and means committee, having also previously held this role for 3 years. Nigel is also chairman of the Restoration and Renewal (R&R) Programme Board which made him the perfect guest to understand more about this crucial process. 

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About the Podcast

Inside Whitehall
Inside Whitehall demystifies many of the aspects we hear and read about in politics coverage every day. What really happens inside a Cabinet meeting? How is legislation made? What are Special Advisors?

Hosted by former Special Advisor James Starkie, and current MP Jonathan Gullis, Inside Whitehall interviews people across the political divide and beyond to provide a unique perspective on modern British Politics.

Follow and comment on Twitter @WhitehallPodUK

About your hosts

James Starkie

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Co-host James Starkie previously served as a senior political adviser to Secretaries of State including Michael Gove, Dominic Raab and Priti Patel as well as working on the EU Referendum and two General Election campaigns.

James is a Founding Partner at 5654 & Co, a corporate communications agency. You can find out more about 5654 & Co at www.5654.co.uk. James is also an advisory board member at the Centre for Progressive Change and runs the www.notimetowait.co.uk mental health campaign.

Jonathan Gullis

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Co-host Jonathan Gullis is the current Member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove & Talke.

During his time in Parliament, Jonathan has been a member of the Education Select Committee, Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Minister for School Standards.

Before entering Parliament, Jonathan was a secondary school teacher, Head of Year, and trade union representative for the NASUWT.