An Insider’s Look at Political Campaigning: A Masterclass with Isaac Levido OBE
Seth Reece is a first year History and Politics BA student at the University of Warwick with a strong interest in international relations, the global economy and domestic politics. He has developed his own political experience through interning at PA consulting, campaigning alongside local MPs and co-heading student-ran academic blogs. Seth works alongside academic staff at the University of Warwick in the Student Voice body and has taken part in debates at the University of Cambridge, heightening his understanding of the importance of individual voices in politics.
Like many of my fellow Patchworkers, I jumped at the opportunity to attend this masterclass with Isaac Levido OBE. Having previously attended a masterclass with MP Natasha Irons, I was looking forward to another enlightening experience, and I was not disappointed.
Mr Levido OBE is an Australian political strategist who led the British Conservative Party’s campaigns during the 2019 and 2024 General Elections in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he has gained a wealth of experience from his time in both Australia and the United States of America.
Drawing from a rich history of campaigning and lobbying, we explored Mr Levido’s career in detail. He highlighted the numerous roles he has held across various sectors, from an internship at the National Republican Electoral Committee to leading the British Conservative Party’s general election campaigns. This particularly stood out to me, as his early career mirrored my own in many ways. It reminded me that even those with the highest political seniority all started somewhere. From this, I gained invaluable insights into my own career journey and the persistence required to achieve it.
To Patchworkers, Mr Levido spoke about the value of mentorship, discipline and confidence growth, encouraging us never to let something go unsaid. These lessons were drawn from his own personal experiences as a standout leader in politics. He also reminded us of the intricate networks of people within institutions, encouraging us to think beyond the surface when considering the inner workings of political parties and governments as a whole.
Unsurprisingly, by the end of Mr Levido’s discussion, there were countless eager questions waiting to be answered. These thoughtful inquiries allowed us to delve deeper into aspects of his career that had been discussed. In response, Mr Levido urged young people to remain engaged and proactive in politics, while reminding us to stay confident in our abilities. He also spoke about what it takes to create a successful campaign strategy and how to build a strong, supportive network.
Furthermore, Mr Levido reminded us that although failure can be daunting, it is vital for growth and progression. He touched on this through his experience during the 2024 election, where the Conservative Party faced a difficult loss. This discussion showed me not only how to recover after setbacks, but also how to stay determined in the face of challenges.
He also discussed the changing landscape of politics and how this varies depending on where you are. This was an unexpected highlight of the masterclass, and something I will take with me moving forward. He spoke particularly about success and the importance of striving towards it, regardless of the reactions you may receive, whether backlash or support. Additionally, he commented on the rise of social media and how it is transforming the way we view politics, especially during election periods, contributing to the rise of populism and a more cynical view of today’s leaders.
On behalf of the Mavericks cohort, I want to thank Mr Levido for taking the time to enlighten us on how to navigate the political world. The masterclass not only taught us how to embrace a diversity of opinions, but also how to respond to failure and ensure our voices are heard. This is something none of us have taken for granted.
