Isabel Hardman comes back to Godalming College

Isabel Hardman, a former student at Godalming College is an experienced journalist, covering UK Politics. She is the assistant editor of The Spectator and presenter of Radio 4’s The Week in Westminster.  

Isabel Hardman remembers her time at Godalming College well. “Make most of your time at the College”, she tells the students in her introduction, “I had a great time here and remember it well, better than some of my earlier jobs”.  

The Politics students at Godalming College gained a real insight into the ups and downs of Westminster during her talk. Like in her award-winning book, ‘Why we get the Wrong Politicians’, she delivered the truth of the UKs current political situation with humour and showed the students the limitations of the current system. She described the culture in Westminster as like "Playing rugby in a swamp" and argued that most people who get into Politics get into it for the right reasons, and that most politicians are simply wanting to get things done, but the systems inhibits them. It was a compelling and entertaining talk and really gave the students something to think about.  

"Hearing from Isabel Hardman about her experience covering Westminster as a lobby journalist was an invaluable, fascinating and eye-opening opportunity for our students. Isabel's insight into the complex and often febrile culture and atmosphere of Westminster really enhanced the student's understanding of UK Politics.", says Ed Sylvester, Teacher of History and Politics at the College. 

Isabel Hardman has written multiple books, ‘Why we get the Wrong Politicians’ and ‘The Natural Health Service’. Her latest book, a major history of the NHS , ‘Fighting for Life’ will be published ahead of the 75th anniversary of the NHS in the summer of 2023.