Bright Blue is an independent think tank for liberal conservatism. We defend and improve liberal society.
Our primary role is to create and vet government policy.
Established by Ryan Shorthouse in 2014, we are today a respected and leading think tank – as well as a membership organisation – which delivers an extensive programme of research, publications and events. Our thinking and ideas have had significant influence on public debate and government policy.

Optimism about human potential

All individuals, no matter their background or identity, can flourish in life with the right support.

Evidence not ideology

We should be open-minded to new thinking, applying solutions to public policy problems on the basis of good ideas rather than tired ideology.

Pro-market not free-market

Markets are the best way of allocating resources, but they can be inefficient and inequitable, so government and social institutions can help correct market problems.

Social justice

Politicians and policymakers should focus attention and resources on supporting and empowering the most vulnerable, here and abroad.

Rewarding contribution

Supporting the vulnerable should always be the priority, but hard work and both economic and social contribution should be praised and rewarded.

Individual success and communal responsibility

Free and flourishing individuals and businesses also need to be environmentally, socially and economically responsible.

Open and integrated societies

People should be free to be themselves and pursue their dreams, but we also need to build a society where there are opportunities to relate to and support others.

The importance of institutions

Individuals learn from and are supported and protected by enduring democratic and social institutions, which need defending and modernising.

Positive about politics

Democratic politics and government has been and is fundamental for reducing conflict and injustice.

Powerful citizens

We need to create and revive routes for citizens to take greater control of the politics that affects their lives, locally and nationally.

Team

Ryan Shorthouse

Executive Chair

Bartek Staniszewski

Senior Researcher

Will Prescott

Researcher

Thomas Nurcombe

Researcher

Emily Taylor

Emily Taylor

Communications Officer

Sarah Kuszynski

Sarah Kuszynski

Research Assistant

Hailey Pitcher

Hailey Pitcher

Events and Communications Intern

Alexandra Jezeph

Non-Executive Director

Richard Mabey

Non-Executive Director

Diane Banks

Non-Executive Director

Phil Clarke

Non-Executive Director

Max Anderson

Associate Fellow

Ben Gadsby

Associate Fellow

Michael Johnson

Associate Fellow

Michael Stephens

Associate Fellow

Dr Rakib Ehsan

Associate Fellow

David Thomas OBE

Associate Fellow

Ryan Henson

Associate Fellow

Isabella Wallersteiner

Associate Fellow

James Cowling

Associate Fellow

Kieran Cooke

Associate Fellow

John Oxley

Associate Fellow

John Cope

Associate Fellow

Joe Tetlow

Associate Fellow

Phoebe Arslanagić-Little

Associate Fellow