Peter Cardwell

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Peter Cardwell
Born(1984-06-01)June 1, 1984
Education St Hugh’s College, Oxford
Columbia University School of Journalism (Fulbright Scholar)
Occupations Journalist, Broadcaster, Author, Political adviser
Notable work The Secret Life of Special Advisers
Political Animals
Political party Conservative (2016-)

Peter Cardwell is a Northern Irish journalist, broadcaster, author and former political adviser. He has worked for BBC, Sky News, and ITV, and is currently a presenter and chief political commentator at TalkTV and TalkRadio. Cardwell served as a Special adviser in the UK government for three and a half years, advising four Cabinet ministers under Prime Ministers Theresa May and Boris Johnson. [1]

Contents

Early life and education

Cardwell was born and raised in Northern Ireland. He studied Modern History at St Hugh’s College, Oxford, and later won a Fulbright scholarship to attend the Columbia School of Journalism in New York.

Career

Journalism

Cardwell began his career as a broadcaster, working for the BBC, Sky News, and ITV, reporting from three continents. He contributed to publications including The Times , the Sunday Independent , and Your Cat magazine.

In 2023, News UK appointed him presenter and chief political commentator at TalkTV, where he covers Westminster politics and hosts weekend programmes. He also presents on TalkRadio and occasionally on Times Radio Weekend Breakfast.

Political adviser

From 2016 to 2020, Cardwell served as a Special adviser in the UK government. He was appointed by two successive Conservative Prime Ministers to advise four Cabinet ministers across four departments:

His responsibilities included tactical and strategic advice, crisis management, media handling, and briefing senior figures including the Prime Minister.

Books

Cardwell has written two books:

Other roles

Cardwell has worked as Associate Director at Bradshaw Advisory, a public affairs consultancy. He is also a public speaker, events moderator, and has volunteered as a mentor to a child in the care system.

Personal life

Cardwell lives in London with his rescue cat, Jack. He has spoken about his love of literature, particularly Roald Dahl’s Matilda , which he re‑reads annually. In 2025, he made headlines after collapsing at his GP surgery and being rushed to hospital, later confirming his recovery and continued work at TalkTV.

References

  1. Cardwell, Peter (17 July 2025). "About Peter Cardwell". Peter Cardwell. Retrieved 4 December 2025.