John Humphrys Chairman of Question Time

As anchor on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Today Programme’, John Humphrys is one of the most distinctive and best-loved voices on Radio. He also presents Radio 4’s ‘On The Ropes’, and BBC Television’s long-running quiz ‘Mastermind’.

John was once the BBC's youngest ever Foreign Correspondent. He set up a Bureau in South Africa and the US, covering President Nixon's resignation and the birth of Zimbabwe. He went on to present the Nine O'Clock News and the BBC’s flagship political discussion programme, ‘On The Record’.

John became a controversial figure when he was attacked for his style of interviewing by Jonathan Aitken, then a Cabinet Minister. The BBC was swamped with letters and phone calls, more than 90% of which were in support of Humphrys. Other politicians and public figures rose to his defence, as did newspapers of all persuasions.

Outside his broadcasting career, John Humphrys has published numerous books. In BBC Radio 4’s programme, ‘Devil's Advocate’, he looked at the social climate and future scenarios for the nation's growth. ‘The Great Food Gamble’ stemmed from his interest in organic farming. He also writes extensively on another subject very close to his heart - the misuse and abuse of the English language.

John is a highly experienced conference chair. He also offers audiences the chance to turn the tables and grill him as part of his after dinner speech, in which he may also reveal how the Queen has repeatedly declined his requests for an interview.

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