Tom Clougherty has stepped down as the IEA’s executive director, leaving a vacancy at the top of one of Westminster’s most influential free market think tanks. Whoever fills the spot will need a mix of serious policy nous and plenty of media experience. Someone who knows how to attract eyeballs to the IEA…
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of potential candidates. The IEA hasn’t yet opened its application portal, although the board is currently having informal conversations with potential candidates. Any wonk who fancies a punt still has time to polish their CV. It is, as usual, in no particular order…
Matthew Lesh – The Country Manager for Freshwater Strategy. A familiar face in wonk world, including at the IEA itself, where he rose to become Director of Public Policy and Communications. Still has one foot in the door as an IEA public policy fellow. Could he take that extra step?
David Frost – Understood to have narrowly missed out last time round, and expected to apply once again. Benefits from a high profile in SW1 and the requisite policy know-how…
Callum Price – Currently the IEA’s Director of Communications and a former SpAd across several briefs under the Tories, including the Home Office. Leading the IEA’s comms already is certainly helpful…
John King – The IEA’s Director of External Relations. Knows the place like the back of his hand, having first joined 13 years ago as an intern. Has useful experience in financial services…
Syed Kamall – Professor of Politics and International Relations at St Mary’s University and a shadow minister sitting in the Lords. An ex-MEP, government minister, and crucially the IEA’s former Academic and Research Director. A long resumé – does he fancy adding one more role to the list?
The likes of Steve Baker, Victoria Hewson, Chris Snowdon and Emma Revell have also circulated as potential candidates in Westminster gossip circles. Guido understands all four aren’t considering it. Though things can change…
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