Penny Mordaunt

Dame Penny Mordaunt is a former British politician with a high-profile career at the centre of UK government during a turbulent political era. She served as Member of Parliament for Portsmouth North from 2010 to 2024 and became one of the most recognisable figures of modern Conservatism. In 2022, she ran for the Conservative Party leadership, reaching the final stages before losing to Liz Truss. Her parliamentary career came to an end at the 2024 general election, when she lost her seat to Labour’s Amanda Martin during the party’s landslide victory.

Penny entered the House of Commons in 2010 and rose steadily through ministerial ranks. Under David Cameron’s coalition government, she served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Decentralisation before being promoted to Minister of State for the Armed Forces in 2015, becoming the first woman to hold the role. Under Theresa May, she took on responsibility for Disabled People, Work and Health, then moved into the Cabinet as Secretary of State for International Development and Minister for Women and Equalities. In 2019, she made history again as the first female Secretary of State for Defence, a role she held briefly before returning to the backbenches.

Her later government career reflected both resilience and breadth. She returned to office as Paymaster General in 2020, became Minister of State for Trade Policy in 2021, and was appointed Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons in 2022, serving until 2024. Beyond Westminster, Penny has combined public service with cultural and civic roles. She carried the Sword of State at the coronation of King Charles III, appeared on the television programme Splash!, and served in the Royal Naval Reserve, later receiving honorary promotions to commander and captain. She is also a published author, co-writing Greater: Britain After the Storm and Pomp & Circumstance: Why Britain’s Traditions Matter.

Dame Penny Mordaunt is now in demand as a keynote speaker because she brings first-hand insight from the highest levels of government, defence, trade, and national leadership. Audiences value her clarity on decision-making under pressure, institutional resilience, and the reality of leadership during political instability. Her experience spans Cabinet crises, leadership contests, military oversight, and constitutional ceremonies, offering a rare perspective. Her authority, presence, and ability to connect policy with people make her a compelling choice for conferences focused on leadership, governance, national identity, and change.