Think-tank Demos unveils Prospect magazine’s founding editor as new director

Online news

At the think-tank he will succeed ex-Labour Treasury minister Kitty Ussher, who Public Affairs Newsreported last month (Sep edition)is aiming to launch a ‘social enterprise’ in south London.
Goodhart, who set up Prospect 16 years ago, is a regular contributor to the Guardian, Independent, Times and Financial Times. He was succeeded as the magazine’s editor at the end of last year bv Bronwen Maddox but continues to be involved with the title as editor-at-large, mainly in a writing capacity. As editor of Prospect, he founded the 'Prospect Think Tank Awards', the first awards ceremony for think-tanks.
Goodhart – who is currently working on a book, The British Dream, about ‘multi-culturalism, national identity and immigration’ - said: “I am delighted to be taking up the position of director of Demos at this critical juncture for British politics. Having been at the centre of intellectual debate in British politics for over 15 years, Demos is the ideal place to continue intelligent and informed interrogation of Britain’s future.
“I extend warm thanks to Kitty Ussher whose hard work has put Demos on a strong footing, and look forward to working with staff to produce the ground-breaking research that Demos is famed for. As well as championing Demos’s long-standing research programmes I will build on its reputation as a centre of engaged but critical thought that transcends party dogma and take forward a programme of research on cultural identity, diversity and citizenship - a field where the normal signposts of left and right don’t usually apply. I very much look forward to leading Demos through this exciting time with research that is socially grounded, intellectually rigorous and responsive to public concern.”
Goodhart will officially start in his new job in December but will join Demos at this autumn’s party conferences, hosting receptions at Labour and Conservative get-togethers.

19th September 2011 by PAN staff