Sir Vince Cable

Sir Vince Cable is a distinguished British politician, economist, and author. He is the former Leader of the Liberal Democrats and Member of Parliament for Twickenham.

Vince first became involved in politics in the 1970s as a Labour councillor. In 1982, however, he switched to the newly formed Social Democratic Party, which later amalgamated with the Liberal Party to form the Liberal Democrats.

Sir Vince’s influence within the Liberal Democrats was significant. He served as an MP from 1997 to 2015 and then again from 2017 to 2019. He was the party’s Treasury spokesperson and in 2006 was elected as Deputy Leader. In 2010, he was appointed as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills in the coalition government with the Conservative Party, a position he held for five years.

In 2017, Sir Vince became the Leader of the Liberal Democrats and two years later led them to their best national electoral performance since 2010. He stood down as Leader in 2019 and retired from Parliament at the 2019 general election.

Renowned for his critical stance on banks and his accurate prediction of the financial crisis, he is a leading voice in British and European economic affairs. His influence is further demonstrated through his several books and regular appearances in broadcast media and print, as well as his role as a columnist for the Economist and the Independent.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book economist, former MP and Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable for your next event.

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More About Sir Vince Cable

Sir Vince was born in York to a working-class Conservative-supporting family. His father was a craftsman for Rowntree’s, and his mother packed chocolates for Terry’s. He attended a grammar school and later attended Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, where he studied Natural Sciences before switching to Economics.

Sir Vince graduated in 1973 with a PhD in Economics from the University of Glasgow on economic integration and industrialisation.

has written several books on trade policy and international finance, as well as a study of international telecommunications, and the acclaimed The Storm: The World Economic Crisis & what it means. A regular guest on broadcast media and in print, Vince has also been also a regular columnist for the Economist and the Independent.

Positions Held by Sir Vince Cable

Outside of his political career, Sir Vince Cable held significant positions showcasing his expertise in economics and international development. Here are some of the notable roles he undertook:

Lecturer in Economics at the University of Glasgow:

– Sir Vince began his professional career in academia by teaching economics. He lectured in economics at the University of Glasgow and was a visiting research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at the London School of Economics.

Economic Advisor to the Government of Kenya:

– Early in his career, Sir Vince served as an economic advisor to the Kenyan government.

Chief Economist at Shell International:

– Sir Vince’s role at Shell involved analysing global economic trends and contributing to the company’s strategic planning.

Special Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary-General:

– Sir Vince also served as a special adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Sir Vince Cable | Books and Media

Sir Vince has published and co-authored several books, including:

– How to be a Politician: 2,000 Years of Good (and Bad) Advice

– After the Storm: The World Economy and Britain’s Economic Future

– Free Radical: A Memoir

– Money and Power: The World Leaders Who Changed Economics

– China: Engage!: Avoid The New Cold War

– He co-authored Partnership and Politics in a Divided Decade

Sir Vince has regularly written columns and op-eds in prominent newspapers and magazines, including The Guardian, The Economist, The Financial Times, and The New Statesman. His columns and op-eds frequently address current economic issues, political developments, and public policy debates.

Why Book Sir Vince Cable?

Sir Vince’s journey from economist and academic to key figure in British politics is a testament to his dedication, intellect, and vision. He has left an indelible mark on the UK’s economic policies and political discourse. Sir Vince remains a respected voice in discussions on economic policy and political strategy, continuing to influence the landscape long after his formal departure from political leadership.

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