What was your highlight of 2024?
The way in which I saw civil servants and lawyers across Whitehall working right up to the wire to do their best for the last government, then demonstrate their impartiality and capability by immediately pivoting to give their all for a newly elected government of a different political stripe. This is the way mature democracies under the rule of law behave.
Having lived and worked in other countries and seen things done differently, I no longer ever take it for granted – and think our political leaders from all sides ought to be given more credit for it too.
What was the hardest part of being a leader in 2024?
Continuing to project positivity and "can-do" spirit while maintaining authenticity in the face of a difficult and uncertain economic and global climate.
What are the main challenges facing the AGO in the coming year – and how are you planning to meet them?
Our goal is to make law and politics work together, by supporting our law officers in driving forward an ambitious agenda across the government’s missions and priorities. To meet those challenges, it’s my privilege to lead a small crack team of professionals across AGO.
What was the best Christmas present you’ve ever given or received? And the worst?
One of my more memorable Christmas Days was when I was posted to Iraq in 2005. The catering team did their absolute best to put on a traditional British Christmas meal, which felt like an amazing gift to all of us stuck out there, far from friends or family.
In a personally risky but scientific test of the extent of Civil Service World’s readership, my worst gift is the woolly jumper I’m given every year by my lovely (but colour-blind) sister-in-law.