Andrew Mitchell Keynote Speaker

Andrew Mitchell is a leading British politician and former cabinet member. He is best known for his leadership of the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID), and is an internationally respected expert on the challenges facing global development and the fight against poverty. He served as Government Chief Whip in 2012.

Prior to his time in Prime Minister David Cameron’s Government, Andrew served as Shadow Secretary of State for International Development (2005-10), Shadow Home Office Minister (2004), and Shadow Economic Affairs Minister (2003). He served as a Government Whip and as Minister for Social Security in Prime Minister John Major’s Government and was Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Party (1992-1993).

Before going into politics, Andrew served as an officer in the Royal Tank Regiment (1975) and worked for the investment bank Lazard, where he served on the London, Indian & Asian boards.

He is a Freeman of the City of London, has worked as a Senior Strategy Advisor for Accenture and is a trustee on the board of International Inspiration – the post 2012 London Olympic legacy charity. In addition to this, he was elected President of the Cambridge Union in 1978.

Andrew has been MP for Sutton Coldfield since 2001; he is very active in addressing issues of local development.