Harriet Harman was one of the longest-serving MPs in Parliamentary history. She spent over 40 years in the Commons, becoming a leading voice for women in politics, and campaigning for a range of reforms in areas including equality legislation, social justice, law and welfare. Now a Peer, Harriet remains active... Read more
Harriet Harman was one of the longest-serving MPs in Parliamentary history. She spent over 40 years in the Commons, becoming a leading voice for women in politics, and campaigning for a range of reforms in areas including equality legislation, social justice, law and welfare. Now a Peer, Harriet remains active in politics, and as a co-host of the Electoral Dysfunction podcast she provides an insider’s view of events in Westminster and beyond.
After qualifying as a solicitor, Harriet worked for the Brent Law Centre, representing workers and tenants, before joining the National Council for Civil Liberties (later known as Liberty) directly tackling issues from equal pay and discrimination to prisoners’ rights. Having campaigned for greater female representation within the Labour Party, Harriet stood in the 1982 peckham by-election. When she first entered the House, she was one of only a handful of women in the Commons, was half the age of the average MP, and the only one that was pregnant. She soon joined the shadow cabinet and over the subsequent 15 years would hold briefs including health, employment, and social security. Harriet also led the campaign for women-only candidate shortlists which saw over 100 women elected to the Labour benches in 1997.
After the 1997 Labour landslide, Harriet retained the social security brief as Secretary of State. She was also appointed the first ever Minister for Women. After a decade in government, she was elected Deputy Leader, and soon after also became Leader of the House of Commons, Lord Privy Seal and Minister for Women and Equality. She was a key figure in government policies including the minimum wage, winter fuel payments, and improvements to childcare and maternity leave provisions. Throughout her time in government, Harriet was consistently seen as a leader in fighting for equality in employment, rights and law.
In her role as Deputy Leader, Harriet twice served briefly as Leader of the Labour Party before standing down from the role. She continued to be an active parliamentarian and was appointed to chair the Privileges Select Committee, which oversees MPs’ duties and ethics. In its highest profile investigation for many years, Harriet led scrutiny into Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statements to the House related to the so-called Partygate scandal. The resultant report was damning, finding Johnson guilty of contempt of Parliament, and was seen as instrumental in his ultimate resignation from the Commons. Respected by all sides of politics, Harriet became the longest continuously serving woman MP, and the first to be known as the Mother of the House.
Now a Labour Peer, Baroness Harman of Peckham serves as the UK government’s Special Envoy for Women and Girls, and she carried out the Bar Council’s review into bullying and harassment. A leader and campaigner for over 50 years, Harriet continues to observe, influence and analyse politics, policy and society. She considers her career – the successes and challenges, and the lessons around leadership, diversity, decision making, and the realities of politics.
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You can book Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Rt Hon Baroness Harriet's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Rt Hon Baroness Harriet tailored to your event.
Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC speaks on Diversity, Geopolitics, Government & Politics, Leadership, Society & Education. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Rt Hon Baroness Harriet to align the content with your delegates and goals.
London Speaker Bureau can book Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC for events worldwide, subject to Rt Hon Baroness Harriet's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.
Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).
Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Rt Hon Baroness Harriet can accommodate.
London Speaker Bureau will brief Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Rt Hon Baroness Harriet can offer.
Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.
Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC's areas of expertise include Diversity, Geopolitics, Government & Politics, Leadership, Society & Education. To get a clear sense of Rt Hon Baroness Harriet's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.
Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Diversity, Geopolitics, Government & Politics, Leadership, Society & Education is relevant. Details of Rt Hon Baroness Harriet's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.
Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman KC, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Rt Hon Baroness Harriet's current availability for your dates.