Oliver Dowden

Published: Dec. 10, 2022, 7:15 p.m.

Oliver Dowden, the MP for Hertsmere, has worked closely with four Prime Ministers, David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and now Rishi Sunak, one of his best friends in parliament. He's made his mark quietly, mainly behind the scenes - but as Culture Secretary during the pandemic, he managed to secure extra funding to support the arts.

As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, some might argue Oliver Dowden is now the second most powerful person in government. He's been given the key job of organising the government response to the current wave of strike action.

Away from work, Dowden is a patriot, a monarchist and a man who enjoys pub lunches and walks in the countryside with his family and pet dog, Betsy.

Adrian Goldberg speaks to friends and colleagues who give us an insight into a man whose nicknames run from Olive to The Undertaker.

Contributors

George Osborne, Chair, British Museum; Former Chancellor of the Exchequer.\nSir John Hayes, MP for South Holland and The Deepings.\nAnnabelle Dickson, Political Correspondent, Politico.\nAndrew Gimson, Biographer, Boris Johnson.\nSir Nicholas Coleridge, Chairman, Victoria and Albert Museum.\nSean Worth, Director, WPI Strategy, Communications Consultancy.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Presenter: Adrian Goldberg\nProducers: Diane Richardson and Julie Ball \nEditor: Simon Watts\nProduction Co-ordinators: Maria Ogundele and Helena Warwick-Cross\nSound Production: Neil Churchill