Ed Balls
Hire Ed Balls
Ed Balls is well-known for his various roles within UK government. His vast political history and acute intelligence on issues such as financial markets, the global economy and the future of Britain. He is a current and insightful choice as a keynote speaker and Awards host. Making his dancing debut in 2016 by appearing on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing. Ed received warm applause as he demonstrated sheer determination and perseverance. He often refers to this experience on the speaking circuit.
Beginnings & Political career
After a period teaching at Harvard, Ed Balls returned to the UK and joined the Financial Times as a leader writer. He remained at the FT until then Shadow Chancellor Gordon Brown employed him as an advisor. When Labour entered government in the 1997 election Ed became Chief Economic Advisor to the Treasury. Upon election to Parliament, he became Economic Secretary to the Treasury, continuing his working relationship with Chancellor Gordon Brown. Ed Balls served as Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Shadow Chancellor in a political career spanning over two decades.
After Politics
Having left politics, Ed has found himself with a new public role. Alongside his prestigious positions as a Senior Fellow at Harvard and a Visiting Professor at King’s College London. He was able to show a lighter side to his character with performances on The Great Sport Relief Bake Off and Strictly Come Dancing. Open, self-deprecating and entertainingly honest, he has been frank about life after politics, his personal passions (including Norwich City FC, of which he is Chairman), and his struggle with a stammer. As well as providing a serious look at areas such as populism, social media and dealing with crises, and an analysis of the economic and political outlook at home and abroad, Ed also reveals behind the scenes of Westminster, Strictly, and how he marks Ed Balls Day.
Ed is married to Yvette Cooper MP, the Shadow Home Secretary, the couple have three children. He is a member of the Privy Council and an Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford.
TV & Presenter
Ed has presented a number of BBC documentaries, and has appeared on various shows such as The Andrew Marr Show, Newsnight, Question Time, Daily Politics, Have I Got News For You, QI and Would I Lie To You?
Keynote speaker & Awards Host
Ed Balls is an ideal choice for the corporate circuit. His economic expertise makes him well-placed deliver a keynote speech on the future of Britain after Brexit or deliver an amazing awards presentation. His speaking subjects include: British politics and the future of the UK, Financial markets, Government spending cuts and taxes, The global economy and Strictly Come Dancing.
Table of Contents
Energy Networks Association –
Good match for conference attendees- good mixture of “serious funny” and “silly funny” stories. Managed to involve top table attendees which makes them feel special. Would definitely recommend for similar conferences. His approach of 70% humour and insight and 30% broad/high level politics was a great mix for our crowd, so much so that groups of tables wanted to mingle with him after the speeches.
Association of Corporate Treasurers –
Very down to earth, charming, engaging, knowledgeable and a great speaker… Ed is definitely up there with the nicest people we’ve ever had the pleasure to work with – an absolute joy!
James Hay Partnership –
Clearly a very skilled speaker, and we are really grateful for the additional time he spent with us before and after his speech. He was well received by our audience. An inspired choice!
MV Credit Conference –
Thanks for a super contribution – the feedback we have had is wonderful. As well as your professionalism you were also most generous with your time and availability for people and this was greatly appreciated.
Manchester City Council Leadership Summit 2023 –
Ed was amazing! Such a good speaker, so many stories, great sense of humour – it really made our event.
The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) Annual Dinner 2023 –
Excellent – perfectly pitched at the audience, engaging and entertaining.
Franklin Templeton UK Investment Conference –
Ed’s session was fantastic and touched on all the topics they wanted to discuss. It was nice to include some fun, light-hearted questions as well, which kept the audience engaged.