Best of the Spectator cover image

Best of the Spectator

Women With Balls: Katie Lam

Apr 7, 2025
Katie Lam, the newly elected Conservative MP for Weald of Kent and a former special advisor, shares her journey from music to politics. She reflects on the cutthroat nature of investment banking compared to political life. Katie opens up about her family history, including her great-great grandfather's escape from persecution, which shaped her values. She discusses the intense moments during Brexit negotiations and the challenges of the pandemic, along with a humorous encounter involving Dilyn the dog. Her perspective offers a candid look at political ambitions and personal insights.
28:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Katie Lam's political career is profoundly shaped by her family's history of activism and their experiences with authoritarianism, influencing her conservative values.
  • Her journey illustrates a unique blend of privilege, dedication, and the importance of leadership experiences in shaping her commitment to public service.

Deep dives

Navigating Economic Crises

The discussion highlights the resilience of Alliance Witton, a financial institution that has consistently paid increased dividends to shareholders despite numerous economic challenges, including the OPEC oil crisis, the 2008 financial crash, and the Covid pandemic. This ability to navigate such crises signals a robust business model that has stood the test of time since the company's founding in 1888. The notion of managing around £5 billion in assets reinforces the idea that well-structured financial strategies can withstand turbulent market conditions. Such consistency offers a reassuring perspective for investors looking for stable opportunities in volatile times.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner