Craig Mackinlay is a British politician, businessman and keynote speaker whose story of resilience has captured national attention. Known as ‘The Bionic Peer’, he has spent more than three decades in public life, serving as Member of Parliament for South Thanet before becoming Lord Mackinlay of Richborough. His remarkable recovery from quadruple amputation after sepsis in 2023 has made him a symbol of courage and determination.
Born and raised in Kent, Craig studied zoology and comparative physiology at the University of Birmingham before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Adviser. His political journey began in 1991 and, soon after, he became the founding Treasurer of the UK Independence Party and later its Deputy Leader. Those early years shaped his belief in accountability and national independence, values that would define his later work in Westminster.
Craig was elected to Medway Council in 2007, marking his first major step in public service. In 2015, he was elected MP for South Thanet, defeating Nigel Farage in one of the most high-profile contests of that general election. A committed Brexiteer, he was one of the 28 ‘Spartans’ who stood firm during the Brexit negotiations. Later, he founded the Net Zero Scrutiny Group and became Director of the Global Warming Policy Foundation, promoting open debate on environmental and energy policy. In 2023, Craig developed severe sepsis and spent 16 days in an induced coma. He later underwent a quadruple amputation at St Thomas' Hospital. Returning to Parliament in May 2024, he received a standing ovation and was later made a life peer, continuing his work in the House of Lords.
Audiences are drawn to Craig Mackinlay for his honesty, insight and humour. He speaks on leadership, resilience, political life and overcoming adversity, offering rare perspective from both personal and professional experience. His talks encourage people to face challenges with integrity and optimism, reminding audiences that determination and truth can overcome even the hardest of circumstances.
Craig Mackinlay’s official speaker topics are listed below:
- Courage, Determination and Personal Recovery
- Leadership and Public Service
- Lessons from Westminster
- Overcoming Adversity and Resilience
- Sepsis Awareness and Health Advocacy
- The Future of Net Zero and Energy Policy
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
"Craig is an engaging and thoughtful speaker. His willingness to share openly about his political career, experience with sepsis, advocacy work and ambitions for the future captivated our audience. He was a pleasure to work with, relaxed and responsive to our brief and committed to understanding who he was speaking to. We are grateful to him for leading an inspiring session." - Sara, Board Director, PLMR
"Lord Mackinlay gave us a very personal insight into how he overcame adversity, and in the most entertaining and self-deprecating way. His insights into the world of politics across his many years of experience were enlightening and a little shocking. Great entertainment, engaging, motivating, direct and honest." - Andrew, Chief Executive Officer, Khipu Networks
- 2024 - Created Baron Mackinlay of Richborough in the House of Lords
- 2024 - Returned to Parliament after quadruple amputation due to sepsis
- 2021 - Founded Net Zero Scrutiny Group
- 2015 - Elected Member of Parliament for South Thanet, defeating Nigel Farage
- 2012 - Conservative candidate for Kent Police and Crime Commissioner
- 2007 - Elected to Medway Council
- 1997 - Appointed Deputy Leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP)
- 1993 - Qualified as Chartered Accountant (FCA)
- 1993 - Qualified as Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA)
How to hire Craig Mackinlay
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Craig Mackinlay for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
