IN CONVERSATION WITH
Sir Sajid Javid
(Economics and Politics, 1991)
“Had I not gone to university and had I not got the degree, I wouldn’t have also learnt how to build confidence, live away from home, make new friends and understand people from different backgrounds.”
A household name, Sir Sajid Javid’s highly successful career has spanned both private and public sectors, having held some of the most prominent roles in government, including Chancellor of the Exchequer, as well as enjoying international success as an investment banker working across the financial hubs of New York, London and Singapore.
We caught up with Sajid to learn more about his journey from student to statesman.
What inspired you to become a politician after a successful career in banking?
Well, I was always interested in politics at a very young age. My earliest memory is the election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979, I was 10 years old and I remember watching it on the television. I used to chat about politics with my dad but that didn’t mean I wanted to be a politician. However, after 20 years in finance, I started thinking that one day I might give politics a go, and then that day came in 2009, where I just thought, you know, if I don’t do it now, I’ll never do it. It’s a way to give back, to make a difference, to make sure to do your bit and to ensure people still have opportunities when it comes to social mobility in the country. So that was what really motivated me in the end.
You studied Economics and Politics at the University of Exeter. Why did you choose Exeter and how did your time at university shape your career?
Whilst I was doing my A-levels, my intention was not to go to university. I’m one of five boys, and I just assumed I’d go into work like they did at 18. But then I heard about this thing called university, and I didn’t really know what it was. Back in those days to research it I had to go to the library in Bristol to look at the prospectuses and, for me, Exeter ticked all the boxes. Had I not gone to university and had I not got the degree, I wouldn’t have also learnt how to build confidence, live away from home, make new friends and understand people from different backgrounds. All of that contributed to the person I have become.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
The biggest challenge in my government career was being the Health Secretary during the pandemic. I took over halfway through when the country was still in lockdown, everyone wanted to know when it was going to end, and it was tough. Everyone is looking to you for answers, but you haven’t got answers to everything.
How do you approach leadership in times of crisis, such as during the pandemic?
I think what I learnt was to be clear in your own mind about what your objective is, but also what your objective isn’t. Don’t be afraid to make decisions. It’s very different to working in the business sector. You need to have a very thick skin as a leader in politics and be clear in your mind what you want to do, and just do it.
What advice would you give to anyone who is currently aspiring to be a politician?
First of all, before you try to become a politician, do something that’s got nothing to do with politics. Get some other experience as you’ll have more to contribute if you’ve done something else before getting into parliament. Secondly, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Don’t do it for status or recognition, do it because you want to make a difference.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing British politics today – and what’s the solution?
The lack of trust in politics and institutions. That in turn makes everyone sceptical about politics which leads to people not voting or showing an interest in it. I also think the current financial situation of the country is a big challenge we’re all facing. The solution is having people in politics for the right reasons. We need better qualified and better motivated politicians.
You’ve recently been appointed Chair of the University of Exeter’s £150 million fundraising campaign, ahead of a public launch in 2026. What is your message to fellow alumni about supporting the campaign?
Exeter is doing very well and I’m very proud of it. But this doesn’t happen by accident, it takes a lot of effort and focus, and it also requires resources and funding. I’d say to alumni if you agree that Exeter was a pivotal moment in your life and it changed your life chances, whether that’s academically, professionally, or personally, then this campaign is about giving current and future students the same opportunities that you had.
What’s next for you personally – politics, business, or something else?
Not politics! I had a good innings of 14 years, but it was time for me to get back into business. I’m working in asset management, but I haven’t lost my desire to do good. I want to still help change lives, so that’s one of the reasons I’m doing the Exeter role, and I’m also chairman of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust. I’m also co-chair of a new independent commission on Community and Cohesion, working with former Labour MP Jon Cruddas. So, I’m certainly keeping busy!
Interested in learning more about Sajid’s life? He has just written a book called The Colour of Home, which provides more details. You can order the book via Waterstone:
