On 4 July we welcomed broadcaster, writer and economist Ed Balls for our annual Lucy in London event.
On 4 July we welcomed broadcaster, writer and economist Ed Balls for the annual Lucy in London event, bringing together over eighty Lucy members and friends from across London for a vibrant exchange of ideas.
Ed spoke with Jackie Ashley, Honorary Fellow and former President of the College. During the evening he shared his views on the current political landscape, from Brexit and the Conservative leadership election, to the future of the Labour Party – and, of course, dancing on Strictly Come Dancing. As well as engaging with the audience for the more formal part of the evening, Ed spoke with guests over drinks. This was a great chance for Lucians, Fellows, friends and staff to catch up with each other too.
Lucy in London was revived in 2018 with John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, who spoke about his historic role. Lucy in London takes place at The Athenaeum Club in Central London, thanks to Dr Ann Limb, a Fellow Commoner of the College.
College President Professor Dame Madeleine Atkins said:
“This year’s Lucy in London was a wonderful event. It was great to see so many old friends of the College and to meet new ones. Hearing from Ed was entertaining and thought-provoking... I’d like to thank everyone who made the evening happen – particularly Dr Ann Limb."
College alumna Elinor George (BA English, 2012) said:
“The Athenaeum, with all its history of great writers and philosophers, was the perfect environment to hear from one of the key political figures of the early 21st century. Ed was a real personality and it was fascinating to hear his tales, from election disappointment to Strictly stardom.”
Lucy in London is just one of several regional events for Lucy alumnae and friends, including events taking place in Oxford (4 October) and Manchester (8 November). For more information about any of our upcoming events, please contact the Development Office or visit our events webpages.
About Ed Balls
Ed Balls in a broadcaster, writer and economist. He is best known as a former Labour MP, who was Shadow Chancellor from 2011 – 2015. He also served as the UK Minister for Financial Services, Chief Economic Advisor to the Treasury, and Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in the UK Cabinet. Now, Ed is a Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and Visiting Professor at King’s College London; his popular BBC TV series, Travels in Trumpland: with Ed Balls, aired in 2018, with a second series coming this year. In February, he and eight others climbed Kilimanjaro, raising over £2m for Comic Relief. Ed lives in London and Castleford his wife, Yvette Cooper MP, and their three children.