Dr Huw Macartney
Associate Professor in Political Economy
Political Science and International Studies
Dr Huw Macartney is a political economist whose work is broadly concerned with the politics of banking and financial services.
The Assetocracy
To mark the publication of The Assetocracy, this panel explores the connections between wealth, political influence and democracy in Britain.
- DateThursday, 29 October 2026 (19:30 - 21:00) (UK)
- LocationLecture Theatre 1, G03, Alan Walters Building, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SB
ESRC Festival of Social Science 2026
A panel discussion drawing on Dr Huw Macartney’s book “The Assetocracy”, due to be published with Edinburgh University Press in October 2026. the panel will explore the relationship between wealth, inequality and political power in Britain. Bringing together perspectives from academia, journalism and the House of Lords, we will ask who holds influence in British politics, how wealth shapes political decision-making, and what this means for democracy. Attendees will benefit from a behind-the-scenes look at the connections between wealth and politics - in both Westminster and at the local level.
The discussion will be chaired by Professor Matthew Flinders, one of the UK's leading political scientists and a renowned commentator on democracy and governance. He will be joined by Baroness Natalie Bennett, former Leader of the Green Party and current member of the House of Lords, bringing first-hand experience of policymaking and political debate at the highest levels. Together with Dr Huw Macartney, the panel will offer unique insights into how wealth, power and influence shape political life in contemporary Britain.
Event leaders
Matthew Flinders
125th Anniversary Chair
Department of Public Administration and Policy
Professor Matthew Flinders teaches Politics and Public Policy in the Department of Public Administration and Policy, in the School of Government within the College of Social Sciences at University of Birmingham.
Location
Address
Lecture Theatre 1G03Alan Walters BuildingUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2SB