Alan Milburn

former Cabinet Minister at UK Government

Speaker

Alan was an MP for 18 years and served for five years in Tony Blair’s Cabinet, first as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 1998 to 1999, and subsequently as Secretary of State for Health until 2003 and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 2004-5. At the Department of Health, Alan led a radical reform programme of health and social care services including the creation of autonomous NHS Foundation Trusts, choice for patients and devolution of decision-making. He served as the Chair of the Social Mobility Commission under both David Cameron and Theresa May. His business advises governments and corporations across the world and he serves on a number of global boards, is Chancellor of Lancaster University and Chair of The Social Mobility Foundation. In October 2025, Alan was asked by the PM and Chancellor to review youth unemployment and economic inactivity among 16- to 24-year-olds.