Matthew Hanney

Matthew is an Intellectual Forum Senior Research Associate.

Matthew Hanney is a Senior Partner at the Business Advisory firm Flint Global. He leads Flint’s work advising clients on policy and regulatory risks across a range of sectors including tech, digital, and life sciences.

Before joining Flint, Matthew was a Special Adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in the UK coalition government, covering constitutional reform, managing parliamentary relations, and leading briefing teams for high-profile events such as PMQs and Select Committee appearances. Earlier in his career Matthew worked on Barack Obama’s 2008 Presidential election campaign and wrote for The Economist on European politics.

What are you working on now?

Alongside the day to day work I do on advising business on evolving regulation, especially in the tech field, I’m increasingly thinking about what the constitutional reform agenda of the next British government could and should be. Scotland, Northern Ireland, English Devolution, Lords Reform, and the UK’s relationship with the EU are all areas that the next government will have to grapple with (whether it wishes to or not!) – and the status quo is unlikely to be a viable option in any of these.

How has your career led to this?

I’ve had a career of two parts, first advising in politics and second growing a start-up company advising companies on politics and government. I have some unfinished business in the first part!  

What one thing would you most want someone to learn from what you've done or are doing right now?

That politicians and government need to get much better at understanding the priorities and language of businesses (small, medium, and large) and vice versa.  

What do you think of Jesus College and the Intellectual Forum?

I loved my undergraduate years at Jesus, and was very fortunate to have the chance to study at a college which blends a real sense of history with a love of learning and a friendly environment. So I’m keen to use my involvement with the Intellectual Forum as a chance to stay in touch with the College.

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