Mr Matthew Lloyd, Political Science BA (University of Birmingham); International Political Economy MA (Kings College London)

Profile

Academic Research Background:

Matthew Lloyd is completing his PhD in Political Science at Queen Mary University of London, supervised by Professor Patrick Diamond and Professor Ray Kiely. His thesis examines the Labour Party’s economic policy through 58 elite interviews with key economic advisors and politicians from the New Labour, Miliband, Corbyn, and Starmer periods. His research applies historical and discursive institutionalism to explore how British governments can create economic institutional change to transform the UK’s liberal market variety of capitalism.

Matthew’s research on varieties of capitalism and new institutionalism informs his working papers and book projects on Labour’s economic policy and economic policymaking in opposition. He is also co-authoring a paper with Dr Isabelle Hertner (King’s College London) titled ‘LGBTQ+ liberation: When and why have political parties in the UK modernised their policy positions?’. Matthew has conducted elite interviews with key politicians, advisors, and activists from the Labour Party, Conservative Party, and Liberal Democrats as part of this research.

He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Birmingham, where his dissertation focused on the UK Labour Party’s 2015 electoral defeat (supervised by Professor Colin Thain). He completed an MA in International Political Economy at King’s College London, writing his dissertation on Labour’s economic policy from 2007 to 2017 under the supervision of Dr Isabelle Hertner.

He has also been a research associate for Open Britain and the think tanks Policy Network (Presided over by Lord Peter Madelson) and Progress. He has been mentored by and worked with leading UK political strategists including Matthew Doyle (Downing Street Director of Communications), Morgan McSweeney (Downing Street Chief of Staff), Richard Angell (CEO Terrence Higgins Trust & Former Director of Progress Thinktank) and Caroline Badley (Senior Political Strategist Consultant).

Political Background:

Alongside his academic work, Matthew is a political strategist consultant. He has worked for and with Labour parliamentarians including Jess Phillips MP (Under Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls), Rt Hon. Baroness Gisela Stuart MP (First Civil Service Commissioner), Jack Dromey MP, and Lord Rodger Liddle (Director Progressive Britain), Shabana Mahmood MP (Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice & Labour Together Founder), Peter Kyle (Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology) and Wes Streeting (Secretary of Health & Social Care & Labour Together Founder). He has managed elections across the UK in London and the Midlands, including in his role as Lambeth Labour Campaign Manager (managed by Leader of Lambeth Council Cllr Claire Holland & Nathan Yeowell, Director of the Future Governance Forum think tank). He also managed a council by-election campaign (as political strategist consultant) in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s constituency in Camden, working with the leader of the council at the time, Georgia Gould MP (now Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office). Matthew’s clients have also included Brown-Lloyd-James public relations company (Chair: Sir Nicholas Lloyd).

As National Co-Chair of LGBT+ Labour, Matthew co-edited the LGBT+ National Policy Submission, which directly influenced Labour Party policy and shaped the substance of Labour’s manifesto. In this role, he worked closely with Angela Eagle MP (Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum), Stephen Doughty MP (Minister of State for North America & Overseas Territories), Suzy (formerly Eddie) Izzard, Maria Exall (former President of the Trades Union Congress), the LGBTQ+ Parliamentary Labour Party caucus, ‘Trans in the City’, Galop, Switchboard, Stonewall, Terrence Higgins Trust and a number of ‘pink pound’ LGBTQ+ businesses.

Matthew was a campaign manager in the Midlands for Liz Kendall’s Labour leadership campaign in 2015 and Owen Smith MP’s leadership campaign in 2016. He also served as a campaign manager for the 'Labour IN' campaign in the West Midlands during the EU referendum. Matthew was a regional campaign manager for The People’s Vote Campaign, overseeing thousands of activists across the Midlands and Wales. In these roles, he worked closely with Patrick Heneghan (Frm Labour Party Executive Director of Elections, Organisations and Campaigns) and James McGory (Frm Director, Open Britain) in close collaboration with the UK European Movement.

Queer Domestic Abuse/Violence Advocacy:

Matthew is also a committed advocate for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse/violence. He has represented survivors of abuse at Inclusive Gathering Birmingham and has secured significant media coverage in local, regional, national, and religious press. His work has raised awareness of safeguarding failures and institutional accountability within faith communities, contributing to wider discussions on LGBTQ+ inclusion and survivor support.

To find out more about Matthew Lloyd visit: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/

Teaching

Current Teaching:  POL249 Foreign Policy Analysis & POL254 US Politics

Guest Lectures:

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘The Role of the Market - a Force for Queer Liberation? Tracing the relationship between the role of the state and the role of the market in queer liberation in the UK‘ Guest Lecture, October 2022, on a third year undergraduate module, hosted by Royal Holloway University and convened by Professor Jeff Frank.

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘The Role of Agency in Changing Structures: How can agents change structural constraints?’, Guest Lecture, March 2022, on Political Analysis first year undergraduate module, hosted by Queen Mary University London, School of Politics and International Relations.

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘Structure & Agency in liberal market democracies: Why the the Labour Party / leftwing parties lose elections in liberal market democracies’, Guest Lecture, February 2022, on Political Analysis first year undergraduate module, hosted by Queen Mary University London, School of Politics and International Relations.

Lloyd, M. (2020) ‘Queer Domestic Violence and the Policy Response’, Guest Lecture, March 2020, on Sexual orientation, gender issues and gender third year undergraduate module, hosted by Royal Holloway University and convened by Professor Jeff Frank.

Academic Teaching Training

QMUL Teaching Associate Training 2021

QMUL POL113 Politics in Action Facilitator Training 2022

Previous Teaching Experience:

POL105 Political Analysis, POL113 Politics in Action, POL243 British Politics, POL249 Foreign Policy Analysis, POL259 The Politics of International Law, POL254 US Politics

Research

Research Interests:

Research Interests:

• British Politics
• Political Economy
• Political Parties (The politics of economic policy making; policy change; party organisation & intra-party democracy)
• Queer Theory & LGBTQIA+ Liberation Policy
• Political Analysis - I examine questions of structure and agency using historical and ideational institutionalism.

My interdisciplinary research employs a mixed-methods comparative analysis of case studies, encompassing political parties, economic systems, historical periods, and policy developments. Drawing on my professional background in politics, I have conducted elite interviews with key politicians, advisors, activists, party members, and other political actors, leveraging my political connections to gain valuable insights and test political theory.

Past areas of research: Brexit, the UK and the European Union relationship, post-war Britain, 2008 Financial Crisis, Austerity under the UK Coalition Government, Theories of Power and Discourse Analysis.

Read Matthew Lloyd’s blog posts on these subjects: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/

Subscribe to Matthew Lloyd’s newsletter for new blog post alerts: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/join-the-email-list/

Examples of research funding:

Funded Graduate Teaching Associate Studentship position used to support my thesis research and support professional teaching development. I have secured funding from the QMUL POLSIS department to attend conferences and workshops. I also secured funding to attend and help host the COST workshop and conference on LGBTQ+ Methodology Studies. I secured funding to attend the QUEST LGBTQ+ conference.

Publications

Working Papers or Under Preparation Publications: 

Current Publications - Books:

‘From New Labour to Corbynomics: The UK Labour Party’s historical political economic tradition’ book {Under Negotiation - Future Post PhD Publication}

Current Publications - Journal Articles:

‘LGBTQ+ liberation: When and why have political parties in the UK modernised their policy positions?’ journal article. Matthew is co-authoring this paper with Dr Isabelle Hertner (KCL). Drawing on original elite interviews with LGBTQ+ MPs from the Labour Party, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party {Research Ongoing}

‘An historical institutionalist analysis of the Labour Party’s organisational and ideological changes since 2007’ - Examining the link between ideological and organisational change {Drafting}

‘The emergence of Starmer’s “Securonomics” political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for the labour party’s political economy?’ journal article. Examining changing constraints and internal perceptions of limitations on Labour’s economic policy 1997-present {Drafting}

Future Planned Publications - Books:

‘The Road to Starmerism’ book {Future Planned Publication}

Future Planned Publications - Journal Articles:

‘Structure & Agency all over again: How the left and right of the UK Labour Party perceive constraints on economic policy’ journal article {Future Planned Publication}

‘Queering Bourdieu's Types of Capital’ journal article. Examining how Bourdieu’s types of capital can be used to examine capital within the LGBTQ+ community using original focus groups {Future Planned Publication}

‘Going for broke: How Birmingham City Council went broke’ journal article. Examining the reasons and consequences of Birmingham City Council’s 114 notice using original elite interviews {Future Planned Publication}

‘Labour Wars: Labour’s economic policy making in opposition’. Examining why the Labour Party’s economic policy shifts perceptively to the left after leaving office {Future Planned Publication}

‘Shifting Sands of Blame: A discursive analysis comparison of the portrayal of economic structural constraints in opposition and government’. Examining how political parties change their portrayal of economic structural constraints when moving from opposition to government. {Future Planned Publication}

To stay up to date with Matthew Lloyd’s research subscribe to his newsletter: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/join-the-email-list/

Presented Conference Papers:

Lloyd, M. (2024) ‘The emergence of Starmer’s “Securonomics” political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for the labour party’s political economy?’ at the Political Science Association 2024 Conference at University of Strathclyde.

Lloyd, M. (2023) ‘The emergence of Starmer’s “everyday” political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for the labour party’s political economy?’ at the Political Science Association 2023 Conference at University of Liverpool. 

Lloyd, M. (2023) ‘Labour Wars: Labour’s economic policy making in opposition and the role of Labour’s forgotten internal institutional structures’ at the Political Science Association 2023 Conference at University of Liverpool. 

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘Queering Bourdieu's Types of Capital’ at the COST LGBTQ+ Methods Workshop 2022 at Royal Holloway University London

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘Labour Wars: Labour’s economic policy making in opposition and the role of Labour’s forgotten internal institutional structures’ at the Opposition Studies Conference at King’s College London.

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘The emergence of Starmer’s “everyday” political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for the labour party’s political economy?’ at the UK in a Changing Europe Conference at The University of Manchester.

Lloyd, M. (2022) ‘The emergence of Starmer’s “everyday” political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for the labour party’s political economy?’ at the Political Science Association 2021 Conference at University of York.

Crines, A. & Lloyd, M. (2021) ‘Theresa May and the Rhetoric of Global Britain: A Paper Commemorating Dr Judi Atkins’ ‘The UK and the World’ Conference at Anglo American University.

Lloyd, M. (2018) ‘Why has there been a shift in the UK Labour Party’s economic policy since 2007?’ at ‘Future of the Left’ Conference, University of Birmingham.

Papers Presented to University Departments:

Presented at the Faculty of Arts & Humanities staff research seminar at Coventry University: The emergence of Starmer’s ‘everyday’ political economy - the heir to Blair? Economic Structural Constraints - historical perceptions or everyday realities for labour party political economy?

Presented at Queen Mary University of London LGBTQ+ History Month Showcase: LGBTQ+ liberation: When and why have political parties in the UK modernised their policy positions?

Public Engagement

Invited Academic Speaking Events

Convener and speaker (2025) ‘Christianity & Capitalism - Privatising God’, January 2025, hosted by Queer Church Birmingham.

Panel speaker and convener (2022) ‘'Less Tweeting. More Talking' How can LGBT+ Labour influence the Labour Party? This House Believes That LGBT+ groups hold more influence working within political parties rather than against them’, October 2022, with Ian Thomas (Rainbow Rose), Sarah Kerton (University College Birmingham) and Katy Hanson (LGBT+ Labour) jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Chair and co-convener (2022) with Dr Peter Kerr (University of Birmingham) of ‘The Future of the UK Conservative Party Panel panel, September 2022, hosted by the University of Birmingham and Queen Mary University of London, with Dr David Jeffery (University of Liverpool), Dr Neema Begum (University of Nottingham), Dr Stuart McAnulla (University of Leeds) and Dr Peter Kerr (University of Birmingham)

Discussant (2022) ‘Progressive Britain Thinktank Oxford Conference: Future of the Centre Left’, July 2022, hosted by Oxford University. I was one of two doctorate research students invited alongside other senior academics, politicians and journalists from both the UK and across Europe.

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘Updating hegemonic femininity in British broadsheet newspapers: The appropriation of trans-exclusionary “feminism”’, June 2022, in conversation with Camila Montinel McCann (University of Liverpool), jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘LGBTQ+ Health in the Medical Curriculum: A Call for Change’ June 2022, in conversation with the LGBTQ+ Inclusive Medical Alliance (LIMA), jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘To what extent and in what ways is marriage an economic institution as well as a sexual one?’ May 2022, roundtable discussion in conversation with Dr Nicola Smith (University of Birmingham) about their recent book Capitalism’s Sexual History, jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Chair of ‘Conservatism’ panel, (April 2022), PSA 2022 Conservative Studies Specialist Group at PSA 2022 Conference hosted by the University of York, with Mr Lenon Maschette (University of São Paulo), Dr. Andrew Roe-Crines (University of Liverpool), Dr. Ben Wellings (Monash University), Dr. Matteo Bonitti (Monash University),  Dr. Maria Rost Rublee (Monash), Dr. Steven Zech (Monash University) and Dr. Kostas Maronitis (Leeds Trinity University).

Chair and convener (2021) ‘Participating in and Defending British Democracy’, November 2021, seminar with Rt Hon. Baroness Gisela Stuart as guest speaker speaking about their upcoming pamphlet on democracy, hosted by Queen Mary University London, School of Politics and International Relations with guest discussant Dr Richard Johnson.

Chair and convener (2021) ‘The Lessons of New Labour’, October 2021, panel with Lord Andrew Adonis as guest speaker with Professor Jeff Frank sponsored by Royal Holloway University of London, Economics department with guest discussant Dr Richard Johnson.

Discussant (2021) ‘Wilton Park Dialogue Roundtable: Germany and the UK - Facing The Future’, October 2021, roundtable. I was one of two doctorate research students invited alongside 33 other senior academics, politicians and business leaders from both the UK and Germany.

Discussant (2021) book launch of Crines, A. (2021) ‘Corbynism in Perspective: The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn - Building Progressive Alternatives’, London, Agenda Publishing, September 2021, hosted by University of Liverpool, Politics Department.

Chair (2021) ‘Approaches to Power and Leadership’ panel, July 2021, The Thatcher Network Annual Conference, hosted by Newcastle University and the Political Science Association History & Politics Group. 

Discussant (2020) ‘Bringing About Political Change’, May 2020, panel hosted by University of Birmingham and chaired by Dr Julian Paenke. 

Academic Research Training

COST Queer Theory Methodology Workshop 2022

Introduction to Inferential Statistics 2023 ECPR Methods School https://ecpr.eu/Events/Event/PanelDetails/14408

Introduction to social science 2: Quantitative Methods and Data POLM083 QMUL Quantitative Methods Training 2021

Introduction to social science 1: Qualitative Methods - QMUL Qualitative Methods Training 2021

RESEARCH IMPACT

My research has already informed work with several think tanks, where I have drawn on my findings to shape discussions on economic policy. I have held initial discussions with think tanks about how my thesis can directly contribute to their work with the Labour Party. I aim to produce several think tank pamphlets or a report from my thesis, offering strategic recommendations on economic policy for both the Labour and Conservative parties.

I have conducted elite interviews with senior Labour Party politicians and economic advisors from the New Labour, Miliband, Corbyn, and Starmer periods. Several interviewees have agreed to speak at outreach and impact events, as well as academic conferences and workshops, helping to bridge the gap between research and policy. After completing my thesis, I plan to brief key interviewees—many of whom are influential economic actors, senior Labour MPs, and current economic advisors—on the findings to support future policymaking.

My work on queer theory has informed engagement with LGBT+ Labour and cross-party LGBTQ+ groups, contributing to discussions on LGBTQ+ policy within British political parties. I am also assembling an impact panel of current and former politicians, political researchers, and advisors to promote and disseminate my research. As National Co-Chair of LGBT+ Labour, I co-edited the LGBT+ National Policy Submission, which directly influenced Labour Party policy and shaped the substance of Labour’s manifesto.

To broaden the reach of his work, Matthew Lloyd has launched ‘The Politics Bubble’ podcast based on his research interests, featuring political actors, fellow academics, and activists in panel discussions. The podcast explores key political and economic issues, fostering cross-party dialogue and contributing to wider public and policy debates beyond academia.

Listen to podcast episodes: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/

Sign up for alerts on new podcasts, blog posts, impact events or research updates: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/join-the-email-list/

RESEARCH IMPACT EVENTS

Convener and speaker (2025) ‘Remembering the Holocaust & Sophie Scholl - Faith & Fascism’, February 2025, hosted by Queer Church Birmingham.

Convened and speaker (2023) ‘PLP Parliamentary Reception for LGBT+ History Month’ on the LGBT+ Movement's impact on politics. Speakers included Keir Starmer (now Prime Minister), Angela Rayner (now Deputy Prime Minister), and Anneliese Dodds MP. The event was co-hosted by the Opposition Office and LGBT+ Labour and attended by a full room of LGBTQ+ MPs and Lords.

Chair and convener (2023) ‘Queer, Religious and Leftwing - Oh My!’, April 2023, panel with Danielle Nichols Wilson (Inclusive Gathering Birmingham Pastor and Former Co-CEO & Editor at Red Letter Christians UK) and Pat Nimmo (Former Minister at Carrs Lane Church Birmingham) jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Guest speaker and co-convener (2023) ‘Queer Theory - Examining the problem through structure & agency theory’, March 2023 hosted by Inclusive Gathering Birmingham Methodist Church. 

Guest speaker and co-convener (2023) ‘Queer Theory - Christian Prayer and the problem of structure & agency’, February 2023 hosted by Inclusive Gathering Birmingham Methodist Church. 

Chair and convener (2023) ‘LGBTQ+ History: How we continue to campaign to protect and extended LGBTQ+ rights today’, March 2023, guest speaker Dame Angela Eagle MP DBE (Co-Chair of the APPG on Global LGBT+ Rights and Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party LGBT+ Caucus), jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Panel speaker and convener (2022) ‘Queer Economics Discussion: The Role of the Market in Strengthening Queer Rights and Freedom’ ’ December 2022,speakers included Evie Brooks (LGBT+ Labour), Lilly Soaper (LGBT+ Labour), Dr Ian Burn (The University of Liverpool) and Professor Jeff Frank, jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Panel speaker (2022) ‘Banning Conversion Therapy’ September 2022, panel at Labour Party Conference jointly hosted by LGBT+ Labour and Stonewall. 

Panel speaker (2022) ‘Out of the EU but firmly in Europe: Fighting For Equality At Home And Abroad’ September 2022, panel at Labour Party Conference jointly hosted by LGBT+ Labour and Rainbow Rose. 

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘Queer Domestic Violence: How do we identify it? How do we stop it?’, June 2022, panel with Thomas Labrune (Galop charity), Savannah Stanislaus (Oxford University LGBTQ+ Association), Alice McKimm (Cambridge University) and Dr Alexander Maine (University of Leicester), jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘Co-operative spaces run by and for members of the LGBTQ+ Community. What role do these spaces play? How can we expand these spaces?’, June 2022, in discussion with the Chair of the Scottish Co-Operative Party Ben Procter, jointly hosted by The Political Science Thought Bubble & LGBT+ Labour.

Convened and chaired (2022) ‘How can academic research support front line LGBTQI+ community groups and

public policy?’, June 2022, in discussion with Richard Angell (Terrence Higgins Trust CEO), Stephanie Fuller (General Manager Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline) and Lisa Harrington (GALOP Training Manager), COST LGBTQI+ Research Methodologies Conference at Royal Holloway University London.

Co-chair and convener (2022) ‘LGBTQ+ Rights in British Politics - History & Future’, February 2022, panel hosted by University of Birmingham, School of Government Student Experience. The event was co-chaired by Associate Professor Charlotte Galpin. 

Panel speaker (2022) ‘LGBTQ+ History & Future’ February 2022 hosted by Wadham College, University of Oxford. I was one of four speakers including Angela Eagle MP, Anneliese Dodds MP & Chair of the Labour Party and Savannah Stanislaus LGBTQ+ Oxford Association Committee.

Policy Impact Training

Mile End Institute Research Impact Training 2023

KCL Policy Institute Research Impact Training 2021 

Published Thinktank Blog Articles

Matthew is the editor of ‘The Political Science Thought Bubble’ blog, where you can find all his blog articles that have been published: https://politicsbubble.co.uk/

Matthew also writes regularly for ‘The Mile End Institute’, ‘UK in a Changing Europe’ thinktank, and ‘Gay45 - The Journal for Queer Freedom and Creativity’ and ‘Progressive Britain’ Centre Left thinktank. Sample blog articles include:

‘International Political Economy: Russian aggression triggers the return of the political’ UK in a Changing Europe Thinktank https://ukandeu.ac.uk/international-political-economy-russian-aggression-triggers-the-return-of-the-political/

‘Labour and Wars’ Mile End Institute Thinktank

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/mei/news-and-opinion/items/labour-wars.html

‘Inflating Labour’ Progressive Britain Thinktank

https://www.progressivebritain.org/inflating-labour-blog/

‘In a world of populist ‘culture wars’ the liberal challenge just got harder’ https://gay45.eu/in-a-world-of-populist-culture-wars-the-liberal-challenge-just-got-harder/

‘A lesson to the left on both sides of the Atlantic. Economic credibility is essential to winning and retaining power’ Mile End Institute Thinktank

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/mei/news-and-opinion/items/a-lesson-to-the-left-on-both-sides-of-the-atlantic-economic-credibility-is-essential-to-winning-and-retaining-power--matthew-lloyd.html