On 10 November 2026, Professor Edward Brooks and Neil Unsworth of the Oxford Character Project joined a discussion hosted by the Institute for Government on one of the most pressing questions facing democracies today: How can democratic countries develop better political leaders?
Against a backdrop of rising populism, declining trust in government, and growing concerns about the ability of democratic institutions to address complex challenges, the event brought together experts to consider how political leadership can be strengthened.
Discussions centred on how democracies can attract talented individuals into politics, equip them with the skills and qualities needed to govern effectively, and create pathways into political leadership for people from diverse backgrounds. Participants also considered what citizens expect from their political leaders and how aspiring politicians can be better supported to succeed in public office.
The event brought together an expert panel including Dr Hannah White, Dr Susan Close, Isabel Hardman, Jorrit de Jong, and Jay Weatherill AO.
The discussion connects closely with the Oxford Character Project’s work on character and leadership development, where researchers explore how qualities such as integrity, courage, and practical wisdom can be cultivated to help leaders exercise good judgement, navigate complex challenges, and serve the public good.