Andrew Neil

Andrew Neil made his name at The Sunday Times where he was editor for 11 years. In 1995, he was made editor-in-chief of the Press Holdings group of newspapers, owner of The Business, The Daily & Sunday Telegraph and The Spectator magazine.

His early career, following an MA in Political Science at Glasgow University, was political adviser to the Secretary of State for the Environment in Edward Heaths Conservative Government. He specialised in housing policy, regularly briefing ministers and members of parliament.

During this time, he started writing for The Economist, a magazine he ended up editing in the early 80s, and presenting a variety of programmes for both the BBC and ITV.

In 1983 he became editor of The Sunday Times and remained editor for 11 years. He developed the newspaper into the undisputed 10-section market leader, of which it remains today, breaking many scoops and putting the paper into the midst of many controversies in the process. It built a global reputation as one of the world’s foremost newspapers.

Between 1988 and 1990, he was Executive Chairman of Sky TV, overseeing its successful launch in the UK, and helping to cement his reputation as one Rupert Murdoch’s closest advisors.

As a business consultant, he is involved in European digital television developments and advising on the acquisition and development of a number of publications.

Since the mid 90’s he has been fixture of BBC political coverage, presenting the daily Politics Show and This Week, a weekly political round up co-hosted with Michael Portillo and Dianne Abbott.