On Thursday 9th November 2023, we were delighted to host the Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson’s inaugural lecture as Chancellor of the University of Hull. The talk was given in the form of an in conversation event with University of Hull academic and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Becky Huxley-Binns posing the questions that invited the Chancellor to revisit some of the key events in his life and career.

Below, you can see the video of the talk and take a fascinating trip through Alan’s personal story which was told with the verve, humour and personality you would expect from the author of This Boy, Please, Mr Postman and The Long and Winding Road. From the Beatles, through the inspiring story of his sister who brought him up after early tragedy, to stories of his greatest political achievements, you can enjoy a really great conversation with a charismatic and fascinating former politician who remains a key figure in the region.

The Rt. Hon Alan Johnson was MP for Hull West and Hessle from 1997 to 2017. He enjoyed an exceptional career in British politics, having served as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2004 to 2005, and as President of the Board of Trade from 2005 to 2006. He was Secretary of State for Health from 2007 to 2009, Home Secretary from 2009 to 2010, and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer from 2010 to 2011.
 
He has also authored three prize-winning memoirs and two successful thrillers with a third due to be published next March. Since 2017, he has been the independent Chair of Citycare, a public-private partnership between the NHS and Sewell Group which built and maintains the 15 Health Centres in Hull.