Roger Liddle
Encyclopedia
Roger John Liddle, Lord Liddle (born 14 June 1947) is a British
political adviser and consultant who is principally known for being Special Adviser on European matters to Tony Blair
and for working together with Peter Mandelson
on books outlining the political philosophy of the Labour Party
under Blair's leadership. He is now a member of the House of Lords
and Chairman of the International Think Tank Policy Network.
, former Labour Member of Parliament for Dundee East
. She is currently Chief Operating Officer
of the BBC
, having pursued a career in journalism. They have one son, the Hon. Andrew Benjamin Thomson-Liddle who studies at the University of St Andrews (b.1988).
, Secretary of State for Transport
.
From there he became Director of the Public Policy Centre, undertaking pioneering work on the regulation of privatised industries, exchange rate policy, regional policy, science and industrial policy, employee participation and wage determination, and choice in public services.
Liddle then moved into the private sector for 10 years, taking the position of Managing Director of Prima Europe Ltd – a consultancy company advising on the impact of politics and regulation at European and national level.
. During a seven year spell in this role he developed a new UK policy of positive engagement in the European Union
, focusing on economic reform, innovation and enterprise promotion; modernisation of Welfare States and labour market reform; as well as institutional issues, the Constitutional Treaty, and European Defence. He was also responsible for liaison with business and trade unions on European issues.
Advancing from Number 10
, he became a Member of the Cabinet of the European Union Trade Commissioner
, where he advised on EU policy and their impact on the UK. In 2006 he moved on to become Principal Adviser to the President of the European Commission
, leading a team of economists and experts in the Bureau of European Policy Advisers advising on the economic and social challenges facing Europe.
Liddle is currently Chairman of Policy Network
– an international think tank bringing together academics, policymakers and politicians across the progressive centre left; responsible for major projects on the future of the European Social Model, public service reform, immigration and integration, flexicurity, and globalisation and social justice. He is also a visiting fellow of the European Institute at the London School of Economics
.
He is also former chair of the UK government’s New Industry, New Jobs, Universities and Skills advisory panel, which reported directly to Lord Mandelson
, who was then Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
in the House of Lords on 21 June 2010, supported by Lord Mandelson
and Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank
.
and Lambeth London Borough Council
. He was a founding member of the Social Democratic Party
in 1981 and a member of the party’s national committee until 1986, during which time he contested a number of parliamentary seats, including the 1986 Fulham byelection
.
Liddle has written four books, all focusing firmly on European issues. Most recently Global Europe, Social Europe with Anthony Giddens
and Patrick Diamond
. Together with Peter Mandelson
he wrote The Blair Revolution: Can New Labour Deliver? in 1996. His thoughts on the future of Europe, made during his time in the Commission, were published in a Fabian Ideas pamphlet in 2005.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
political adviser and consultant who is principally known for being Special Adviser on European matters to Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
and for working together with Peter Mandelson
Peter Mandelson
Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, served in a number of Cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and was a European Commissioner...
on books outlining the political philosophy of the Labour Party
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
under Blair's leadership. He is now a member of the House of Lords
House of Lords
The House of Lords is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster....
and Chairman of the International Think Tank Policy Network.
Family
Liddle was the s/o John Thwaites Liddle & Elizabeth nee Temple. He was born 14 Jun 1947 in Carlisle and attended Carlisle Grammar School. He undertook the Wyndham Scholarship at Queen's College, Oxford, where he also received degrees in Modern History and Management Studies. In 1983 he married the Hon. Caroline Thomson - daughter of Lord Thomson of MonifiethGeorge Thomson, Baron Thomson of Monifieth
George Morgan Thomson, Baron Thomson of Monifieth, KT, PC, DL, FRSE, was a journalist and British politician belonging to the Labour Party. In the 1980s, he joined the Social Democratic Party. Following the SDP's merger with the Liberal Party, he became a Liberal Democrat and sat as a Liberal...
, former Labour Member of Parliament for Dundee East
Dundee East (UK Parliament constituency)
-Elections in the 2000s:-Elections in the 1990s:-Elections in the 1980s:-Elections in the 1970s:-Elections in the 1950s:...
. She is currently Chief Operating Officer
Chief operating officer
A Chief Operating Officer or Director of Operations can be one of the highest-ranking executives in an organization and comprises part of the "C-Suite"...
of the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
, having pursued a career in journalism. They have one son, the Hon. Andrew Benjamin Thomson-Liddle who studies at the University of St Andrews (b.1988).
Career
After completing his degrees Liddle worked in research for the Oxford School of Social and Administrative Studies and as an industrial relations Officer for The Electricity Council. In 1976 he moved into politics by becoming Special Adviser to William RodgersWilliam Rodgers, Baron Rodgers of Quarry Bank
William Thomas Rodgers, Baron Rodgers of Quarry Bank, PC , usually known as William Rodgers but also often known as Bill Rodgers, was one of the "Gang of Four" of senior British Labour Party politicians who defected to form the Social Democratic Party...
, Secretary of State for Transport
Secretary of State for Transport
The Secretary of State for Transport is the member of the cabinet responsible for the British Department for Transport. The role has had a high turnover as new appointments are blamed for the failures of decades of their predecessors...
.
From there he became Director of the Public Policy Centre, undertaking pioneering work on the regulation of privatised industries, exchange rate policy, regional policy, science and industrial policy, employee participation and wage determination, and choice in public services.
Liddle then moved into the private sector for 10 years, taking the position of Managing Director of Prima Europe Ltd – a consultancy company advising on the impact of politics and regulation at European and national level.
Government
In 1997 he moved back into politics to become Special Adviser on European matters to Prime Minister Tony BlairTony Blair
Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007...
. During a seven year spell in this role he developed a new UK policy of positive engagement in the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
, focusing on economic reform, innovation and enterprise promotion; modernisation of Welfare States and labour market reform; as well as institutional issues, the Constitutional Treaty, and European Defence. He was also responsible for liaison with business and trade unions on European issues.
Advancing from Number 10
10 Downing Street
10 Downing Street, colloquially known in the United Kingdom as "Number 10", is the headquarters of Her Majesty's Government and the official residence and office of the First Lord of the Treasury, who is now always the Prime Minister....
, he became a Member of the Cabinet of the European Union Trade Commissioner
European Commissioner for Trade
The European Commissioner for Trade is the member of the European Commission responsible for the European Union's common commercial policy...
, where he advised on EU policy and their impact on the UK. In 2006 he moved on to become Principal Adviser to the President of the European Commission
President of the European Commission
The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission ― the executive branch of the :European Union ― the most powerful officeholder in the EU. The President is responsible for allocating portfolios to members of the Commission and can reshuffle or dismiss them if needed...
, leading a team of economists and experts in the Bureau of European Policy Advisers advising on the economic and social challenges facing Europe.
Liddle is currently Chairman of Policy Network
Policy Network
Policy Network is a London-based centre-left international think tank. It is leading platform for long-term strategic thinking, policymaking and international best practice, influencing policy debates in the UK, Europe and internationally...
– an international think tank bringing together academics, policymakers and politicians across the progressive centre left; responsible for major projects on the future of the European Social Model, public service reform, immigration and integration, flexicurity, and globalisation and social justice. He is also a visiting fellow of the European Institute at the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
The London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research university specialised in the social sciences located in London, United Kingdom, and a constituent college of the federal University of London...
.
He is also former chair of the UK government’s New Industry, New Jobs, Universities and Skills advisory panel, which reported directly to Lord Mandelson
Peter Mandelson
Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, served in a number of Cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and was a European Commissioner...
, who was then Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Peerage
It was announced that Liddle would be awarded a peerage in the 2010 Dissolution Honours List. He was created a life peer on 19 June 2010 as Lord Liddle, of Carlisle in the County of Cumbria, and was introducedIntroduction (House of Lords)
Introduction is a ceremony in the House of Lords whereby new members are "introduced" to the existing membership. Introductions in the Lords are more elaborate than those in the House of Commons.-Origins:...
in the House of Lords on 21 June 2010, supported by Lord Mandelson
Peter Mandelson
Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, served in a number of Cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and was a European Commissioner...
and Lord Rodgers of Quarry Bank
William Rodgers, Baron Rodgers of Quarry Bank
William Thomas Rodgers, Baron Rodgers of Quarry Bank, PC , usually known as William Rodgers but also often known as Bill Rodgers, was one of the "Gang of Four" of senior British Labour Party politicians who defected to form the Social Democratic Party...
.
Political approach
Liddle has also played a direct role in elected politics, as a councillor on Oxford City CouncilOxford City Council
The Oxford City Council provides local government for the city of Oxford in England.- Overview :Between the 2004 local elections, and 2010 the council was in minority administration, first by councillors from the Labour Party, with the Liberal Democrats being the official opposition...
and Lambeth London Borough Council
Lambeth London Borough Council
Lambeth London Borough Council is the local authority for the London Borough of Lambeth in Greater London, England. It is a London borough council, one of 32 in the United Kingdom capital of London...
. He was a founding member of the Social Democratic Party
Social Democratic Party (UK)
The Social Democratic Party was a political party in the United Kingdom that was created on 26 March 1981 and existed until 1988. It was founded by four senior Labour Party 'moderates', dubbed the 'Gang of Four': Roy Jenkins, David Owen, Bill Rodgers and Shirley Williams...
in 1981 and a member of the party’s national committee until 1986, during which time he contested a number of parliamentary seats, including the 1986 Fulham byelection
Fulham by-election, 1986
The Fulham by-election, in Fulham, on 10 April 1986 was held following the death of the Conservative Member of Parliament Martin Stevens on 10 January that year...
.
Liddle has written four books, all focusing firmly on European issues. Most recently Global Europe, Social Europe with Anthony Giddens
Anthony Giddens
Anthony Giddens, Baron Giddens is a British sociologist who is known for his theory of structuration and his holistic view of modern societies. He is considered to be one of the most prominent modern contributors in the field of sociology, the author of at least 34 books, published in at least 29...
and Patrick Diamond
Patrick Diamond
Patrick Diamond worked as a policy advisor under the Labour Party government of the United Kingdom in a role covering policy and strategy. He was previously a Senior Research Fellow at the International Think Tank Policy Network, where he had been previously the Director. He has previously worked...
. Together with Peter Mandelson
Peter Mandelson
Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson, PC is a British Labour Party politician, who was the Member of Parliament for Hartlepool from 1992 to 2004, served in a number of Cabinet positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and was a European Commissioner...
he wrote The Blair Revolution: Can New Labour Deliver? in 1996. His thoughts on the future of Europe, made during his time in the Commission, were published in a Fabian Ideas pamphlet in 2005.
Publications
- Challenging the politics of evasion: the only way to renew European social democracy, Policy Network, December 2009, http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=3486
- After the crisis: A new socio-economic settlement for the EU, Policy Network, November 2009.http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=3338
- Beyond New Labour: the future of social democracy in Britain, Politicos, 2009. http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=3250
- Building a low-carbon future: the politics of climate change, Policy Network, June 2007 http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=3136
- Social pessimism: the new social reality of Europe, Policy Network, October 2008. http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=2662
- Progressive governance 2008: the path to a global progressive consensus, April 2008 http://www.policy-network.net/uploadedFiles/Publications/Publications/Roger_Liddle.pdf
- Creating a culture of fairness: a progressive response to income inequality in Britain, January 2008 http://www.policy-network.net/uploadedFiles/Publications/Publications/Creating_a_culture_of_fairness.pdf
- A new social Europe, September 2007 http://www.policy-network.net/uploadedFiles/Publications/Publications/A%20New%20Social%20Europe.pdf
- The social reality of Europe, March 2007 http://www.policy-network.net/uploadedFiles/Europe's%20Social%20Reaity%20-%20FINAL.pdf
- Global Europe Social Europe, October 2006 http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=398
- Economic Reform in Europe: Priorities for the next five years, November 2004 http://www.policy-network.net/publications/publications.aspx?id=494