Future Leaders Programme 2027

Application Form

CGP’s Future Leaders programme is the foreign policy network for the next generation of politicians.

This exclusive cross-party programme is aimed at future leaders in politics from all parties who have an interest in foreign affairs and who would like to develop their understanding of the UK’s role internationally. The programme combines networking opportunities with a residential policy retreat, bringing participants together with leaders from the worlds of politics, defence and foreign affairs. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in an overseas visit to the Middle East or Africa. The programme is designed to set you up with the knowledge, connections and confidence to speak with authority on foreign policy ahead of your political careers.

You will hear from senior political figures on development, defence and diplomacy to discuss security, geopolitics and the changing world order and share experiences with your fellow candidates. Past speakers have included:

  • Sir John Sawers

    Former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and former British Permanent Representative to the United Nations

  • Field Marshal the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL

    Former Chief of the Defence Staff

  • Rt Hon Baroness Harriet Harman

    Former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party and current UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls

  • The Rt Hon the Lord Howard of Lympne CH KC

    Former Leader of the Conservative Party

  • Major General Jonathan Shaw CB CBE

    The first and former Head of Cybersecurity for the British Army

  • Alastair Campbell

    Tony Blair’s former spokesman and strategist

  • Baroness Manningham-Buller

    Former Director-General of MI5

  • The Rt Hon. Lord George Robertson of Port Ellen KT

    Former Secretary General of NATO and Lead Reviewer of the Strategic Defence Review

The programme will begin with a welcome reception in London and the residential policy retreat will be held in January/February 2027, with further details to be announced soon.

We understand that you will have busy schedules and may be balancing other responsibilities outside of work, and we will do our best to be mindful of this. However, if you are successful in your application, we ask that you commit the necessary time to attend the policy residential retreat, barring exceptional circumstances.

The Future Leaders Programme is proudly funded by CGP’s donor organisations, and therefore participation comes at no cost to the candidates, we only ask that you make your own journey to the events.

More information about the previous cohorts can be found here.

Applications close on 31 October 2026.

Application for the Future Leaders Programme 2027