Tim Shipman

Tim Shipman has been a national newspaper journalist since 1997 and has more than a decade of experience reporting on British and American politics and international relations.

He has been shortlisted six times for his journalism at the British Press Awards and in 2019 was named both political reporter and political commentator of the year – a unique double win. He was the London Press Club’s print journalist of the year for 2017.

In October 2021, Tim Shipman was promoted to Chief Political Commentator for the Sunday Times, having previously been the broadsheet’s Political Editor. Prior to that he was the Deputy Political Editor of the Daily Mail, Washington Correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph and held several posts, both Political and Foreign, at the Daily and Sunday Express.

Tim’s experience is diverse and has seen him report on a wide range of news, from the war in Kosovo to Bill Clinton's impeachment, as well as writing extensively on security issues. He was the main anchorman for the Express’s coverage of the Iraq War, reporting from the US Central Command in Doha.

Tim has covered more British General Elections than he'd care to remember, as well as three American elections from the US, including as Washington Correspondent for the Sunday Telegraph during Barack Obama’s historic first election campaign. Well known in the Westminster political mix, he is a trusted confidant of politicians from all political parties. As Political Editor of The Sunday Times, he has been at the forefront of it all.

His insights mean he is a regular guest on the Today Programme and in demand by Newsnight, Sky News and This Week. His humorous approach to politics also led to him appearing on Have I Got News for You, Radio 4’s The News Quiz and The Now Show.

Tim has written for The Spectator, The New Statesman and Total Politics and has a large following as a witty and irascible observer of the political scene on Twitter.

His first book, All Out War: The Full Story of How Brexit Sank Britain's Political Class, was published by Harper Collins in 2016 and is a #1 Sunday Times Bestseller — offering his inside view on the Brexit upheaval and juicy insight into the events leading up to the referendum; it was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize 2017.

With unprecedented access to all key players on all sides, the book was hailed on publication as ‘unquestionably, the book of the year’ and ‘stonkingly good’, it is ‘hard to imagine a better first draft of history’. Tim’s writing is noted for its grasp of human drama as well as his intimate understanding of the political arguments and differences at stake.

His follow-up book, Fall Out: A Year of Political Mayhem, was published a year later in November 2017, documenting Theresa May’s battle for a Brexit deal.

During his tenure as parliamentary press gallery chairman, Tim Shipman honed his public speaking skills and was lauded for securing both David Cameron and Tony Blair to address the gallery in the same month.

Tim is an excellent event host, chair and conference moderator as well as an authoritative speaker on politics, either about a specific issue or in general. Renowned for his humour, he is both insightful and entertaining in equal measure.

Tim Shipman’s popular speaking topics include:
• General overview of the domestic political landscape
• Impact of international political and economic issues on the UK
• International relations and diplomacy
• EU referendum
• US elections

Clients often ask about purchasing books for giveaways and delegate packs. Below you’ll find a selection of products by Tim Shipman. Click the images to view on Amazon's website. For bulk orders, please speak with your Booking Agent.