An Evening With Tom Watson | How To Academy

Wed, 29 January 2020

6:45 pm - 8:00 pm GMT

4-12 Little Titchfield Street, London

An Evening With Tom Watson

In Conversation With Hannah MacInnes

The former deputy leader of the Labour Party joins us for reflections on a life and career in the highest echelons of British politics.

Best known today as the Labour Party’s most passionate and persuasive voice for Remain, Tom Watson has accomplished something exceedingly rare in his two decades as a member of parliament – rising to power to make a meaningful impact on life in Britain while staying outspoken, authentic and principled.

As a Minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown and former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Tom took on the tabloid newspapers and Rupert Murdoch during the phone hacking scandal, fought for reform to the gambling industry, championed greater access to the arts and advocated tighter regulation of the tech giants.

But as he helped shape the national agenda, his own body shape deteriorated. His penchant for anything sweet, fat or fizzy took its toll on his health, and by the age of 50 he weighed 22 stone and was heavily medicated for type 2 diabetes.

But as he turned 50, he vowed to turn his life around. By taking control of his diet and exercise he lost 8 stone, reversed his diabetes and became fit enough to climb Mt. Snowdon. He’s regained his health and happiness and discovered a new lease of life. Now he works in parliament to fight obesity and diabetes and reform our food systems.

In this In Conversation event, Tom will look back on his life and work, sharing insights and stories from the front benches – and providing inspiration and guidance to anyone looking to follow in his footsteps and reclaim their health, whatever their politics.

 

Tom Watson

Tom Watson was elected Labour MP for West Bromwich East in 2001 and served as a Minister for Tony Blair and with Gordon Brown. In September 2015, he was elected as Labour’s Deputy Leader. In 2016 he took the post of Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. He has established several […]

Tom Watson was elected Labour MP for West Bromwich East in 2001 and served as a Minister for Tony Blair and with Gordon Brown. In September 2015, he was elected as Labour’s Deputy Leader. In 2016 he took the post of Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. He has established several major projects, including the Future of Work Commission, the Gambling Addiction Review, which has led public policy reform around the betting industry, and is currently setting up an independent commission into tackling obesity and stemming the rise of type 2 diabetes.

Hannah MacInnes

Presenter, Podcaster and Host of How To Academy’s live programmes.

Hannah MacInnes is a broadcaster and journalist. Alongside hosting How To Academy’s live programmes and podcast, she presents a cultural show on Times Radio and interviews on-stage at a number of other major literary events. She is the host of The Klosters Forum Podcast series and has written for the Radio Times, the Evening Standard and TLS. Before going freelance she worked for 8 years at BBC Newsnight, as Planning Editor and as a Producer / Filmmaker.