Bright Blue – the independent, centre-right think tank for defending and improving liberal society – has today announced its new post-election strategic plan, including the appointment of new high-profile and cross-party Advisory Council members and Associate Fellows to guide its work in this parliament.
The three strategic priorities of Bright Blue are now:
- Shape and lead a new centre-right, providing a fresh policy prospectus.
- Moderate the Labour Government, persuading them to achieve their ambitious goals by being more pro-enterprise and respectful of individual rights and responsibilities.
- Create and improve government policy, influencing not only ministers, but also officials and regulators, as policies evolve and are implemented.
You can view the full Bright Blue strategic plan here.
Bright Blue has appointed a collection of leading decision makers and opinion formers from different political parties to its refreshed Advisory Council, including:
- Sir Vince Cable, Former Secretary of State for Business.
- Dame Margaret Hodge, Former Chair of Public Accounts Committee.
- Jake Richards MP, Labour MP for Rother Valley.
- Lord Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley.
- Professor Marc Stears, Former Chief Speechwriter to the Labour Leader of the Opposition.
- Andrew Bowie MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland.
- Professor John Denham, Former Labour Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
- Mike Clancy, General Secretary, Prospect Trade Union.
- David Simmonds MP, Shadow Minister for Housing and Communities.
Our Advisory Council members are from different political and professional backgrounds. They do not necessarily share our philosophy or all of our policy ideas.
Bright Blue has appointed new Associate Fellows from different political parties to contribute to the intellectual capital of the think tank, including:
- John Penrose, Former Conservative MP and PM’s Anti-Corruption Tsar.
- Anthony Painter, Former Chief Research & Impact Officer, RSA, and Author, Left without a future?
- Cllr Carl Cashman, Leader of the Liberal Democrats in Liverpool.
- Duncan Brack, Former Special Adviser at the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change.
- Conrad Bannister, Former Member of Boston Consulting Group’s public sector practice.
Bright Blue’s post-election work is based around five key research themes: economic, employment, environmental, educational and social policy. Bright Blue has launched new 7 new research projects for 2025 – 2027:
- Reduce intergenerational inequality. Improve the outcomes of young adults in regards to work, housing, finances, education and families.
- Boost asset acquisition among those on low-to-middle incomes. Design policy that ensures the state, the market and families can better support those on modest means to build up assets, from property to business ownership.
- Family-friendly Britain. Reform policies so that people have the choices, resources and time to start and sustain family life.
- Encouraging entrepreneurialism. Ensure that the UK has the talent and resources to start and scale innovative companies that will be transformative.
- An effective and popular immigration system. Create and champion reforms to all types of entry to the UK – work, student, family and refugee – so that we have an immigration system guided by the principles of control, contribution, cohesion and compassion.
- Increase support for and action on decarbonisation. Build innovative, effective and popular policies to accelerate the transition to net zero, especially in economic sectors such as power, buildings, agriculture and transport.
- Tackling unhealthy habits. Outlining innovative approaches, consistent principles and a clear roadmap for tackling various public health problems, including smoking, drug abuse, chronic pain, poor mental health, alcohol addiction, ultra-processed foods and air pollution.
Ryan Shorthouse, Executive Chair of Bright Blue, commented:
“In recent years, political leaders in this country have drifted away from liberal, meritocratic, pro-market, internationalist and institutionalist ideals.
“Traditional liberal ideas – the bedrock of the progress and prosperity that Western countries enjoyed in recent centuries – are increasingly attacked and highjacked by the reactionary right and the communalist left. Bright Blue is the home for members of all political parties and none who want to defend and improve liberal society.
“The lasting impact of Bright Blue is down to two main features of the organisation. First, that we have always stood for a particular set of principles rather than people. Second, that we prioritise quality over quantity in our research. In an age of instantaneity, it is tempting to repeatedly and rapidly produce work which is grabbing but fleeting. But we try to resist this, instead crafting work patiently, thoroughly and collaboratively with detailed and creative policy ideas. If you really want to change attitudes and how systems work, which typically takes many years, this approach is much more impactful.”
Professor John Denham, Former Labour Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, commented:
“I’m delighted to be joining Bright Blue’s advisory council. At a time of polarised politics and difficult choices it is always also valuable to explore where common ground can be found.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
To arrange an interview with a Bright Blue spokesperson or for further media enquiries, please contact Ryan Shorthouse at ryan@brightblue.org.uk or 07754 672233.
- Bright Blue is the independent think tank and pressure group for defending and improving liberal society.
- Our advisory council can be found here. Members of our advisory council do not necessarily endorse all our policy recommendations.
- Bright Blue’s Board includes Diane Banks, Philip Clarke, Alexandra Jezeph, Richard Mabey and Ryan Shorthouse.
