David Lammy: I’ve had imposter syndrome my whole life- until now

David Lammy: I’ve had imposter syndrome my whole life- until now

From a working-class childhood in Tottenham to the Cabinet table, David Lammy’s path to becoming Foreign Secretary was anything but straightforward. Raised by a single mother after his father disappeared when he was twelve, David’s early life was shaped by absence, ambition and a fierce sense of justice.

In this deeply personal conversation with James O’Brien, David opens up about the chaos of his childhood, the teachers and parish priests who changed his life, and the duality of growing up between two worlds- North London and a Peterborough choir school. He reflects on the trauma of police harassment, the fear of prison that haunted his youth, and the rage and hope that drove him to become a barrister and, eventually, an MP.

They discuss what it means to represent a place like Tottenham, the emotional toll of public service, and the long shadow of imposter syndrome- even as a Cabinet minister. With disarming honesty, David revisits his father's alcoholism, the moment he chose not to see him before he died, and how he finally shook off the feeling he didn’t belong- only when he became Foreign Secretary.

From LA Law dreams to Harvard halls, David charts the improbable course that brought him to Number 10. And he reveals why, despite the calls for him to run for PM, he’s convinced he’s exactly where he’s meant to be.

Now at the heart of British foreign policy during a time of global instability- from Ukraine, to Sudan and the continuing crisis in Gaza- David also shares the limits and frustrations of diplomacy, the responsibility of not being complicit, and the moral weight of trying to end a war that feels impossible to stop.

Avsnitt(315)

Mark Constantine: Homeless at 16 to Founding LUSH

Mark Constantine: Homeless at 16 to Founding LUSH

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Jonathan Pryce: I was told for years that I was worthless

Jonathan Pryce: I was told for years that I was worthless

From a small village in North Wales to some of the most iconic stages and screens in the world, Jonathan Pryce’s career has been shaped as much by doubt and accident as by talent and ambition.In this ...

30 Jan 59min

Rutger Bregman: What are we actually doing with our lives?

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From calling out billionaires at Davos to challenging institutions that would rather stay comfortable, Rutger Bregman has built a career around one simple question: what are we actually doing with our...

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From The Vault: Daniel Radcliffe

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From The Vault: Dawn French

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Full Disclosure 2025: The Year Reviewed

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A Boxing Day reflection on a standout year of Full Disclosure. James O’Brien revisits key guests and conversations from 2025, offering perspective on the ideas, stories and people that shaped the podc...

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Martin Shaw: The Professionals was a monster that swallowed my career

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From bomb sites in postwar Birmingham to the centre of British stage and screen, Martin Shaw’s life has been shaped by curiosity, kindness and a refusal to play the part he was expected to play.In thi...

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Sir Gareth Southgate: There were days I didn’t want to get out from under the duvet

Sir Gareth Southgate: There were days I didn’t want to get out from under the duvet

From missing the most famous penalty in English football to leading the national team into a new era, Gareth Southgate’s story is one of quiet resilience, modern leadership and emotional intelligence ...

12 Dec 202557min

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