Brian Paddick

Former Police Commander for the London Borough of Lambeth, Lord Brian Paddick combines the academic rigour of an Oxford degree and an MBA from Warwick Business School with real experience on the ground.

Through his conference and keynote speeches , Brian captivates, challenges and informs, addressing his audiences from a pragmatic, rather than a moral, standpoint.

After 30 years as a police officer, rising to the most senior levels of the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, he has a wealth of experience to share - and a naturally engaging personality.

His integrity, his often innovative policies and his frankness have won the backing both of his staff and the public they serve - but sometimes brought him into conflict with his bosses. The most senior openly gay police officer in the UK, he succeeded in an organisation in which he did not easily fit, using his authority to challenge the Met's prevailing culture.

Having served on the front line of the Brixton riots, Brian attracted national attention when he returned to the area some years later as Borough Commander. Amidst a great deal of media scrutiny, he earned unprecedented community support and was subsequently promoted to Deputy Assistant Commissioner. Brian has since exercised day-to-day responsibility for 20,000 Metropolitan police officers and staff across the capital. As the official spokesman during the London bombings in 2005, his leadership brought tributes from around the world.

Brian stood as the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London in 2008 and in 2012. In 2013, he became Baron Paddick of Brixton in the London Borough of Lambeth and was introduced to the House of Lords.  He is currently the Front Bench Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords on Home Affairs, including policing, terrorism, extremism, drugs enforcement and immigration.

Brian defines leadership  simply as ‘getting people to want to do what you want them to do.' He also highlights the competitive advantages for any employer in public or private sectors in attracting employees and customers from the whole diverse spectrum of communities.

An accomplished public speaker and broadcaster, he frequently appears on television and radio current affairs programmes for the BBC, Sky News, ITN and independent radio stations.  He has written for the British press including the Guardian, Independent and the Mail on Sunday. He has also published an autobiography called ‘Line of Fire’ (2008), run the London Marathon, and appeared on ITV’s 'I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here'.

As well as a degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Warwick Business School, Brian has a Diploma in Applied Criminology and Policing from Cambridge University.

On a lighter note, Brian reflects on being the only policeman to be invited to Elton John's civil partnership celebration, successfully suing a tabloid for splashing false allegations about his private life, and what it would be like to live in a world without politicians.

His speaking topics include:

-          Leadership

-          Organisational and cultural change

-          Diversity

-          Risk-taking