Sajid Javid on racism, Britishness and social cohesion

This week The Rundown is breaking with the usual format and host Alain Tolhurst and producer Ewan head out of Westminster to meet with someone who was secretary of state in six different departments, including two of the great offices of state, during a decade-long ministerial career serving three Conservative Prime Ministers, before stepping down as an MP in 2024.Those listeners of a more anorak nature will have already worked out that person is Sajid Javid, who has a new book out called The Colour of Home, about his life growing up in 1970s Britain, the racism he and his family faced, and how he left a childhood of poverty behind to end up at the heart of British politics, and how his story maps onto the big social changes this country has gone through in the past few decades.In his office in St James’s in central London during a fascinating chat he spoke about what he learned writing his memoir, the state of race relations and social cohesion in 2026, and the travails of the Tory party now it’s out of office.To sign up for our newsletters click hereThis year's Women in Westminster: The 100 is out for 2026. Supported by Lloyds Banking Group, it is a celebration recognising the outstanding achievements of women and the vital role they play in shaping public life. Click here to see who has made this year's listPresented by Alain Tolhurst, produced by Nick Hilton and edited by Ewan Cameron for Podot