2025 Festival Event

Simon Hart
Photo Credit: Conservative Party

Ungovernable – The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip

Former Chief Whip and MP Simon Hart made headlines with his political diaries earlier this year, a front-row account of one of the most turbulent times in British politics. In conversation with Channel 4 News Presenter Matt Frei, Simon recounts the dramas and the fallout – from Brexit negotiations and Liz Truss’s premiership to seeing fifteen Conservative MPs fall by the wayside, including three resignations, two defections and ten suspensions. And not forgetting the famous 2.45am panic call from an MP – ‘I’m stuck in a brothel in Bayswater.’

Matt Frei
Matt Frei is the Europe Editor and Presenter for Channel 4 News, known for his powerful news reporting and commentary.
Tickets cost £12 / £18 / £20 depending on the event.
There is a 25% saving on all festival books pre-ordered with event tickets.

Other events on the same day

Jonathan Sumption -

The former Supreme Court judge questions the current crisis in democracy and asks how and why did this happen?

Christina Lamb -

Christina Lamb talks to Matt Frei about the writer Victoria Amelina, her work as a war crimes researcher in Ukraine and her death in 2023.

Hallie Rubenhold -

Hallie Rubenhold analyses the infamous case of wife-murderer Dr Crippen and the women who brought him to trial.

Mishal Husain -

Acclaimed broadcaster Mishal Husain traces her family history through empire, independence and the 1947 partition.

Aled Jones -

BBC Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones discusses the inspiration for his new book of blessings.

Nussaibah Younis -

Debut author Dr Nussaibah Younis discusses her novel Fundamentally - shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025.

Trevor McDonald -

Sir Trevor discusses his Caribbean childhood and his enduring passion for the game of cricket.

2025 Festival Schedule

4pm

6pm

8pm

10.00am

11.30am

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

12n

2pm

4pm

6pm

8pm

A printed festival programme is available at the Barnes Bookshop, 98 Church Road.