Former Father of the House of Commons Ken Clarke in conversation with Meg Russell

Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke QC has had a unique parliamentary career. First elected to the House of Commons in 1970, he finally stepped down as an MP in December 2019 after 49 years, holding the status of Father of the House (i.e. longest serving member). During his time in the Commons he served as a minister under Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron, holding posts including Secretary of State for Health, Home Secretary, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lord Chancellor.

Always a passionate European, his last years in parliament saw him take a rebel stand on key occasions over Brexit, and he was ultimately among the 21 members who lost the Conservative Party whip in September 2019.

In this session, kindly hosted by the Lord Speaker, Ken Clarke reflects on his parliamentary career in conversation with the Constitution Unit’s Meg Russell. 

This event was organised jointly with the Study of Parliament Group.