He is a member of the House of Lords, broadcaster, and business adviser, and previously served as a Government Minister and Member of Parliament. Ed was the MP for Wantage from 2005 to 2019, and held the role of Culture and Digital Minister from 2010 to 2016. He was appointed a Privy Councillor in 2016.

During his ministerial career, Ed was responsible for the rollout of rural broadband to over 4 million homes, the introduction of 4G, and tax credits that helped position the UK’s creative industries as a global leader. He played a key role in securing major inward investment to the UK tech and film sectors—most famously persuading Lucasfilm to film Star Wars in the UK, earning an on-screen credit.

Ed also introduced coding to the national school curriculum, launched a national music education programme, published the UK’s first White Paper on culture in 50 years, and established English Heritage as a standalone charity.

Ed presents a weekly show on Times Radio and is a regular political commentator across national media. He also advises companies, technology funds, and start-ups, and holds roles as chairman of the UK-ASEAN Business Council, trustee of Tate, and governor of St Paul’s School, London.