Local Media to Westminster: Insights from Dan Bloom’s Masterclass
Yasmine is an incoming finalist reading Politics at the University of Exeter. She is currently gaining experience at the Conservative Environmental Network. She has completed legal and political internships in London and Hong Kong, including at Mishcon de Reya and the Government Legal Department. She has worked on a parliamentary campaign, shadowed in the House of Lords, and re-founded Women in Politics, leading events with MPs and researchers. Yasmine is also the Print Lifestyle Editor at Exeposé and a co-opted primary school governor. Her first engagement with the Patchwork Foundation was through the Party Conference Programme in 2024.
As someone who writes and serves as the Lifestyle Editor for Exeposé, I’ve spent a lot of time in the newsroom, editing articles, working with aspiring writers, and feeling the buzz of printing day. My love for storytelling and my academic interest in politics naturally drew me to this masterclass with Dan Bloom, the UK Political Editor at POLITICO. It felt like the perfect intersection of my interests: journalism and policy.
Our conversation with Dan Bloom offered an honest and insightful look into the world of political journalism. One of the most inspiring things he shared was that journalism had been his dream since childhood, and that he deliberately took steps throughout his life to make it a reality. From writing for his university paper to reporting for his local paper, and eventually making it to Westminster, Dan’s journey was a powerful reminder that clear goals, hard work, and consistency can take you exactly where you want to go.
He didn’t shy away from discussing the challenges, either. He spoke openly about the unpredictable nature of the industry and how he had to navigate setbacks and work his way back up, all while honing the skill of condensing complex political developments into accessible, engaging articles. Mr Bloom shared his insights on writing the famous London Playbook, the flagship tell-all for Westminster professionals. Along with sharing his perspective on how the media landscape has developed throughout his 15 years working in journalism, he shares his favourite news stories, along with sharing the importance of honing your craft, balancing both punchy quotes with political analysis. It’s no surprise that he was nominated for Scoop of the Year at the 2024 British Journalism Awards for his reporting on the Westminster honeytrap scandal, alongside Aggie Chambre.
More than anything, the session left me feeling inspired and reassured. It reminded me that ambition doesn’t require perfection; it requires commitment. As I continue to explore how I want to combine my love for writing with a career shaped by political engagement, this masterclass reaffirmed my belief in the value of putting in the work and trusting the process.
A Special Thank You
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dan Bloom for generously sharing his journey and the insights behind his remarkable career. His candid reflection on pursuing a lifelong dream in journalism, despite the hurdles along the way, has reenergised my passion and commitment to working on my goals. His words reminded me that with dedication, hard work, and a clear focus, every step taken is a step toward achieving one’s dreams. Thank you for inspiring not just me, but for other Patchworkers who had the pleasure of attending your masterclass.
