Former editor-in-chief of the Observer to give Ebor lecture

Will Hutton, former editor-in-chief of the Observer and current principal of Hertford College at Oxford University, will be the guest speaker at the next Ebor lecture on Wednesday 2 May at York Minster.

His lecture, entitled ‘It was bad capitalism that got us into this mess – good capitalism that will get us out’, will examine arguments for political change based on a firm moral framework in the context of this year’s series theme, ‘The Good Society? Re-invigorating Public Life’.

Speaking in advance of the lecture, Will said:

"Britain is at a crucial juncture in its economic history. For the first time in over two hundred years the country has to think determinedly and self-consciously about it makes its economic living in the world and whether the institutions and practices inherited from the past are any longer useful. I hope this lecture will contribute to that debate."

Alongside his role as Principal of Hertford College, Oxford University, Will is also the Chair of the Big Innovation Centre at The Work Foundation – the most influential voice on work, employment and organisation issues in the UK. Regularly called on to advise senior political and business figures and comment in the national and international media, Will is one of the pre-eminent economics commentators in the country.

He began his career in the City, as a stockbroker and investment analyst, before moving to the BBC, where he worked both on radio, as a producer and reporter, and on TV as economics correspondent for Newsnight. Prior to joining The Work Foundation, Will spent four years as editor-in-chief of the Observer, for which he continues to write a weekly column. He also regularly contributes to the Guardian and the Financial Times.

The 2011-12 Ebor lectures are organised by York St John University, York Minster, The Order of Carmelites, The Churches Regional Commission for Yorkshire & the Humber, York Institute for Community Theology and The Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

Since their launch in 2006, the Lectures have established an enviable reputation with prestigious speakers, promoting debate on topical issues and broadening discussion. Held annually, past speakers have included the Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Rt Revd. and the Rt Hon Richard Harries, Former Bishop of Oxford; Mr Peter Taylor, journalist and BBC Presenter; Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury; Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York; Robert Peston, the BBC’s Business Editor; the Rt Hon Tony Benn, legendary parliamentarian; and Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregation of the Commonwealth, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks.

Admission by ticket only begins at 6.30pm, and the lectures start at 7.00pm. Each lecture is followed by a short question and answer session with an anticipated end time of 8.30pm. Tickets are free and can be booked  by contacting the Ebor Lectures Co-ordinator on T: 01904 876474 or E:eborlectures@yorksj.ac.uk