Judith O'Brien, Mike Mayhew

Neil O'Brien, born November 6, 1978, is a British Conservative Party politician currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston since 2017. He holds a degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from Christ Church, Oxford. Before entering Parliament, O'Brien was involved in Eurosceptic campaigns and think tanks, including Open Europe and Policy Exchange. He also served as a special adviser to Chancellor George Osborne and later to Prime Minister Theresa May.

O'Brien's parliamentary career includes roles as Parliamentary Private Secretary and various ministerial positions, including Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and later for Primary Care and Public Health. He co-founded the think tank Onward and the China Research Group. His policy interests span economic strategy, housing reform, education, and public health. He has been a proponent of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic and an advocate for the government's "levelling up" agenda. O'Brien has also authored several reports and publications on these subjects.

Born in Huddersfield, Neil O'Brien pursued a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Christ Church, Oxford, graduating with a first-class honours degree. His early career involved work with homeless individuals and as a school governor. He was actively involved in the campaign against Britain joining the Euro and later led a group advocating for a referendum on the EU's proposed constitution. From 2005 to 2008, he directed the Eurosceptic think tank Open Europe. Subsequently, he became director of the centre-right Policy Exchange in August 2008. O'Brien's influence was recognized in various polls, including being named one of the "Top 100 Most Influential people on the Right" by The Daily Telegraph.

Elected as the MP for Harborough in 2017, O'Brien was re-elected with an increased majority in 2019. He has held several significant roles, including serving as a special adviser to Chancellor George Osborne and later to Prime Minister Theresa May on economic matters. He co-founded the think tank Onward in 2018 and the China Research Group. O'Brien's government service includes roles as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and subsequently for Primary Care and Public Health. He was appointed Shadow Minister for Policy Renewal and Development in July 2025.

O'Brien has authored or co-authored several notable publications. "The Renewal of Government" (2010) addressed wide-ranging policy issues. His report "Green, Pleasant and Affordable" (2018) focused on housing and planning reforms. In "A Question Of Degree" (2019), he co-authored a report proposing reforms to higher education funding. "Firing On All Cylinders" (2019) examined economic policy, advocating for investment in public services and tax reductions. He also published research on small schools and prolific criminals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he supported lockdowns but also promoted the "Eat Out to Help Out" scheme.

“We should steer people away from courses that don't lead to good outcomes.”