Daniel Finkelstein

Daniel Finkelstein is a distinguished British journalist, author, and politician, known for his political commentary and advisory roles in government. After joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1981, Daniel Finkelstein quickly rose to serve as Chair of the Young Social Democrats in 1983. He became a parliamentary candidate for Brent East in the 1987 general election. Following the proposed SDP-Liberal Party merger, he joined the ‘continuing’ SDP, eventually moving to the Conservative Party in 1992 after David Owen’s resignation.

He was appointed Comment Editor in 2004 and elevated to Chief Leader Writer in 2008. His impactful commentary earned him multiple accolades, including the Political Commentator of the Year at the Editorial Intelligence Comment Awards in 2010, 2011, and 2013, as well as the ‘PSA 2011 Journalist of the Year Award’. For his contributions to public life, he was awarded an OBE in 1997 and an honorary Doctor of Science degree by City University London in 2011. Since 2010, Finkelstein has maintained a regular column at The Jewish Chronicle, in addition to his weekly political column for The Times.

His significant public service was further recognized in 2013 with his appointment as a working life peer, becoming Baron Finkelstein of Pinner in the House of Lords. In 2023, he expanded his literary contributions with the publication of his acclaimed memoir, ‘Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad: A Family Memoir of Miraculous Survival.’ Daniel Finkelstein currently serves as Chairman of Onward, a prominent centre-right public policy think tank, a role he commenced in 2018. He also holds a directorship at Chelsea Football Club. Looking ahead, Finkelstein is appointed Trustee of the British Museum, commencing in 2025, further solidifying his influence in cultural and public institutions.