4Ayesha Hazarika has enjoyed a uniquely rich and varied career, making a name for herself in comedy, broadcasting, and journalism, and also serving at the heart of British politics as an advisor within the Labour Party. Hazarika’s career began as a press officer at the Department of Trade and Industry, but it was while here that she embarked on a course in stand-up comedy. She started to perform in the evenings after work, and went on to become a semi-finalist in Channel 4’s So You Think You’re Funny.

Between 2007 and 2015, Hazarika served as a political advisor to senior Labour figures such as Ed Miliband and Harriet Harman, both in government and in opposition. Her insider knowledge and expertise has since seen her become a regular commentator and media figure. She is a frequent guest on BBC Two’s Newsnight, and has appeared on shows including Have I Got News For You, Sky News, The Today Programme and Good Morning Britain. She writes extensively, contributing to The Guardian, Grazia and The New Statesman, and has been a columnist for the London Evening Standard and The Scotsman. With fellow special advisor Tom Hamilton, she co-wrote the book Punch and Judy Politics: An Insider’s Guide to Prime Minister’s Questions.

In the past few years, Hazarika has returned to stand-up, performing several successful Edinburgh Festival Fringe runs and touring the country. Her shows include 2017’s State of the Nation, and 2018’s Girl on Girl, which explores the fight for feminism in a post-#MeToo age. Hazarika was awarded an MBE for political service in 2016, and has been listed in annual 100 Most Influential People on the Left by LBC’s Iain Dale.