Political Thinking with Nick Robinson

Episode: From Sky Boss to Number 10: Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith
Date: March 13, 2026
Guest: Andrew Griffith, Shadow Business Secretary (Conservative Party)
Host: Nick Robinson

Episode Overview

This in-depth conversation explores Andrew Griffith's personal and political journey from Sky’s boardroom to the heart of Westminster. Nick Robinson delves into how Griffith’s business background shapes his political philosophy and approach as the Shadow Business Secretary, his thoughts on current economic turbulence, state intervention, and his reflections on political leadership, including his time with Boris Johnson. The episode provides rare insight into Griffith’s worldview and the direction of the current Conservative opposition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Impact of the Middle East War on Economy and Business

• Economic Shockwaves: Griffith discusses how the ongoing Middle East conflict has worsened existing economic fragility in the UK, elevating energy, fuel, and retail prices.
  • “It's making that cacophony of different headwinds for business even louder. ...We've all been living as an economy slightly beyond our means.” (Andrew Griffith, 02:55)
• Comparisons with Past Crises: He likens the current environment more to the Ukraine crisis than COVID-19, stressing ongoing uncertainty and the negative impact of policy on business costs.
  • “Feels more like Ukraine. COVID was the complete unknown.” (Andrew Griffith, 03:51)

2. Conservative Foreign Policy – Reaction to Recent Conflict

• Backing US-Led Military Action: Andrew stands by the Conservative position that the UK should have participated more fully in US/Israeli action against Iran, directly criticizing the government’s decision not to allow the US to use UK bases.
  • “We should not be found wanting. ...Our safety ...depends on that US umbrella.” (Andrew Griffith, 06:27)
• Perceived Embarrassment: Expresses embarrassment over the UK’s limited involvement, highlighting the importance of alliance solidarity.
  • “We feel a bit embarrassed about the lackadaisical contribution of our military assets.” (Andrew Griffith, 07:21)

3. Business Experience in Politics

• Value of Practical Business Insight: Griffith laments the lack of “real” business people in Parliament, arguing that this leads to poorly designed regulation that harms business, especially small enterprises.
  • “If anyone's listening and wants to join me, please come on in...If you have more people with business experience in politics.” (Andrew Griffith, 09:19)
• Unintended Consequences & Overregulation: He strongly criticizes the political tendency to legislate in response to every problem, promoting caution and resilience instead of constant state intervention.
  • “Sometimes the best answer...is not to do anything. ...The answer to not everything is always just pass another law.” (Andrew Griffith, 10:30)

4. Evolution of the Conservative Party & State Expansion

• Shift in Party Philosophy: Reflects on how even Conservatives expanded the state, particularly post-2019, due to cross-party pressure and the exceptional demands of COVID-19.
  • “Partly due to the dynamics of bringing in a big coalition...representing very different backgrounds.” (Andrew Griffith, 11:53)
• Desire for Smaller State: Returns repeatedly to the need for reducing red tape, aligning himself with Thatcherite principles.
  • “I want the state as a servant, not master. And we keep inviting it into these domains.” (Andrew Griffith, 12:43)

5. Thatcherite Roots & Social Mobility

• Personal Story of Opportunity: Shares how he lived the “British dream,” moving from humble beginnings through education and into a successful business career, attributing much to Thatcher’s reforms.
  • “I went to my local comprehensive school. ...First in my family to go to university when there was a premium for being a graduate.” (Andrew Griffith, 14:21)
• Restoring Opportunity: Wants to see a return to policies that allow young people to seize similar opportunities, particularly regarding home ownership and job growth.
  • “We were building 16,000 homes a year, which was a ladder of opportunity. I want that back for our country.” (Andrew Griffith, 15:12)

6. Political Awakening & University Days

• Roots of Political Belief: Attributes conservatism to exposure to leadership and national pride during the Thatcher era and witnessing the impact of the miners’ strike while at university in Nottingham.
  • “You saw that leadership mattered. You could change the trajectory of your country.” (Andrew Griffith, 16:26)

7. Business Lessons: From Sky to Public Service

• Company Culture and Leadership: Reflects positively on his business years, especially under Rupert Murdoch, whom he characterizes as a risk-taking, supportive boss.
  • “The best boss I ever had, ... created real psychological safety to take risks, but with a great degree of personal accountability.” (Andrew Griffith, 18:17)
• Motivation for Politics After Success: Claims his entry into politics was motivated by a desire to give back after significant financial success, driven by “Catholic guilt” and gratitude.
  • “One of the reasons why I'm doing this is...that slightly Catholic sense of putting something back.” (Andrew Griffith, 22:10)

8. Reflections on the Political System

• Political Risk vs. Entrepreneurial Risk: Notes that Parliament tends to attract personal risk-takers, in a different sense than business, leading to “incidents” not common in other professions.
  • “There's a certain amount of people that seek to put themselves out there. ...I'm much more excited about talking about cutting red tape...” (Andrew Griffith, 24:12)

9. Experience in Government & Loyalty to Leaders

• Why Support Boris Johnson?: Supported Johnson for his unifying leadership and positive vision, despite subsequent disillusionment as the government grew the state and taxes.
  • “I thought we do need some fresh leadership in this country. ...He did get Brexit done and lead us out of that particular morass...” (Andrew Griffith, 25:20)
• Reasons for State Growth Under Johnson: Attributes this to COVID pressures and lack of team unity in Parliament and Number 10.
  • “I think that Covid, that situation...drove a certain...character. ...That was not a united team.” (Andrew Griffith, 27:20)

10. Red Tape, Reform, and Scepticism

• Public Scepticism and Clear Plans: Admits voters are right to doubt promises to cut regulation, and that only detailed plans, not slogans, will make a difference.
  • “I don't think it's saying it. ...I think it's an actual plan. ...You've got to have a plan in advance.” (Andrew Griffith, 29:04)
• Cites Charlie Munger: Emphasizes the need to change incentives within government and reduce the systemic bias toward saying "no."
  • “Show me the incentives and I'll show you the outcome.” (Andrew Griffith, 30:25)

11. Net Zero and Energy Policy

• Changing World, Changing Policy: Explains his shift from net zero “business champion” to sceptic of government mandates, claiming global circumstances and policy costs have changed dramatically.
  • “A lot of the facts have changed, actually, Nick. ...If we weren't exporting jobs to China...” (Andrew Griffith, 31:53)
• Voluntary vs. Mandated Action: Still endorses voluntary business efforts but opposes forced government intervention given lack of global coordination.
  • “I'm not someone who believes in mandates or bans. You try and work with the grain of human nature.” (Andrew Griffith, 33:19)

12. The Mini-Budget Crisis Under Liz Truss

• Reflections on 2022 Budget: Distances himself from the details, while revealing concern about the scale of the energy support package and highlights a key role in managing the pension (LDI) crisis.
  • “When someone said we're going to pay everybody's electricity people bill for nearly two years as a small state Conservative, like, okay, that's quite bold.” (Andrew Griffith, 34:48)

13. Distinction with Reform Party & Vision for Conservatives

• Rebuilding the Conservative Brand: Focused on making the party “the best version of ourselves,” united and credible, especially on the economy, in contrast to Reform.
  • “We're working well as a shadow Cabinet team. ...Can we bring in a new generation of Conservative candidates?” (Andrew Griffith, 37:11)
• Honesty About Benefits Policy: Points to the party’s clarity on policies like the two-child benefit cap as proof of straight-talking conservatism.
  • "We've been very honest about it." (Andrew Griffith, 38:11)

14. Personal Quirks & Work habits

• Standing Desk Enthusiast: Reveals he has no chair in his office and stands at his desk to burn off “high nervous energy.”
  • “If you're standing up at your desk...your nervous energy dissipates as well.” (Andrew Griffith, 38:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On economic risk:

  "I'm fearful of the economy. ...We've all been living as an economy slightly beyond our means."
  (Andrew Griffith, 02:55)

• On state intervention:

  "Sometimes the best answer...is not to do anything."
  (Andrew Griffith, 10:30)

• On business in politics:

  “If anyone's listening and wants to join me, please come on in...If you have more people with business experience in politics.”
  (Andrew Griffith, 09:19)

• On government growth post-COVID:

  “I want the state as a servant, not master. And we keep inviting it into these domains.”
  (Andrew Griffith, 12:43)

• On opportunity and aspiration:

  “When I bought...my first flat, ...watching the petrol pump clock tick up 4 pound 99 before...you pull the nozzle out. ...Got on the housing ladder because at that time they were building...16,000 homes a year...I want that back for our country.”
  (Andrew Griffith, 15:12)

• On political risk:

  "There's a certain amount of people that seek to put themselves out there. ...I'm much more excited about talking about cutting red tape..."
  (Andrew Griffith, 24:12)

• On Boris Johnson and party unity:

  “All of the different political leaders I have served loyally ...have, to one degree or another, failed or let me down, as it were. But, you know, he's undoubtedly a good and strong communicator.”
  (Andrew Griffith, 25:20)

• On regulation and reform:

  “Show me the incentives and I'll show you the outcome.”
  (Andrew Griffith, 30:25)

• On shifting climate policy:

  "I'm not someone who believes in mandates or bans. ... Notwithstanding all of that, the world has changed very significantly. Others did not follow our lead."
  (Andrew Griffith, 33:19)

• On the mini-budget crisis:

  "When someone said we're going to pay everybody's electricity...bill for nearly two years as a small state Conservative, like, okay, that's quite bold."
  (Andrew Griffith, 34:48)

• On standing desks:

  "If you're standing up at your desk...your nervous energy dissipates as well."
  (Andrew Griffith, 38:37)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Impact of war on UK economy and policy response – 01:06–04:29
• Foreign policy stance and alliance with the US – 04:29–08:13
• Value of business experience in politics & regulation – 08:13–13:47
• Thatcherite roots and social mobility – 13:47–16:26
• Political awakening and university experience – 16:26–18:05
• Life and lessons in Sky and business ethos – 18:05–19:52
• Wealth, motivation for public service – 21:09–24:30
• Political risk, Johnson, and Conservative party changes – 24:30–29:04
• Red tape reduction and regulatory skepticism – 29:04–31:22
• Changing approach to net zero/climate policy – 31:22–34:11
• Liz Truss, the mini-budget, and fiscal irresponsibility – 34:11–36:19
• Distinction from Reform Party and party rebuilding – 36:19–38:11
• Work habits and standing desk – 38:32–39:12

Tone & Style

Andrew Griffith’s style throughout is candid, analytical, and often self-effacing—moving easily between personal anecdotes and broad political critiques. He remains consistently business-minded, skeptical of state overreach, and passionate about restoring opportunity through less regulation and more entrepreneurship.

This episode offers a deep dive into the Conservative opposition’s evolving priorities as articulated by one of its key thinkers—a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of politics and business in Britain’s future.