Since 2006 I have been advising clients facing the ordeal of a political selection interview. I like to keep my advice positive and upbeat but I’ve seen a lot of howlers committed, some more often than others. One error might not lose it for you but several together will guarantee you another rejection letter. The […]
Barndoor Strategy’s Roger Evans analyses Boris’ first speech as PM Intro There were some concerns that Boris had drifted a bit since his time at City Hall, that he had lost his edge and his mojo. As he strode into Downing Street last week, he will have known that these fears needed to be put […]
The recent formation of an Independent Group in Parliament drew considerable publicity but can it last? The breakaway group of 8 Labour and 3 Conservative MPs has many policy differences but is united by opposition to Brexit and a desire for a ‘new type of politics’ although this is more of a vision than a […]
Roger Evans sets out how aspiring politicians should plan for a turbulent 2019. The New Year stretches ahead, filled with excitement. 2019 promises to be as turbulent and unpredictable as its predecessors with Brexit expected in March if the current timetable can survive attempts to extend Article 50 or stage a second referendum. A period […]
Barndoor Strategy’s Roger Evans gives his advice on interview planning. Most interviewees don’t look forward to the ordeal. They view it as a series of hurdles – an opening presentation, an easy first question, a tough question, a sneaky question, some final questions, then they are over the finishing line. The problem with this approach […]
How many times have we heard speakers say that? It is easy to overlook key points or important arguments in the heat of debate, particularly if you are thinking about your body language and the reaction of the audience at the same time. Even when speeches are written it is all too common for pearls […]
Barndoor Strategy’s Roger Evans writes…. One of my first encounters with Boris Johnson came shortly after he was elected Mayor of London in 2008. In the absence of the then Conservative Group Leader, I was summoned to the top floor to brief the Mayor on the political views of colleagues. After I had been […]
Roger leads Barndoor Strategy’s executive coaching team. He has advised government ministers, senior managers and clients facing tough interviews, critical presentations and crisis management situations. How did you develop your own skills? In my early twenties I had a sales job in the City. To be frank, I wasn’t a very strong salesman but I […]
London is now over half way through Sadiq Khan’s term of office. The months have flown by, the Mayor has racked up lots of photo opportunities with celebrities but his record looks less glamorous. Transport for London struggles with a deficit caused by falling passenger numbers and an ill- considered fares freeze. Housebuilding figures remain […]