The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the UK’s leading free-market think tank, has announced the appointment of Matthew Lesh as Head of Public Policy.

Matthew is currently Head of Research at the Adam Smith Institute, where he leads the research agenda and publications, undertaken original research and extensive commentary, and hosts ‘The Pin Factory’ podcast.

He regularly appears across television and radio, including the BBC, Sky News and GB News, and has been published in the Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Spectator, The Wall Street Journal, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian. He is also the author of Democracy in a Divided Australia (2018), the first empirically grounded study of the new political divides in Australia.

Matthew is an Adjunct Fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs (Australia) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts (Degree with Honours) and completed a Masters in Public Policy and Administration at the London School of Economics where he received the Peter Self Prize for Best Overall Result.

Matthew’s policy interests include emerging technologies, online speech regulation, and the regulatory state.

Commenting on his appointment, Matthew Lesh said:

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the Institute of Economic Affairs. The IEA kept the flame of liberty and classical economics alive against the stagnant post-war consensus. It became a beacon of hope and inspiration to millions seeking freedom across the world. I look forward to joining the team to playing a part in once again making the optimistic, forward-looking case for a liberal society.”

Mark Littlewood, the IEA’s Director General, said:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Matthew to the Institute as our new Head of Public Policy. In his time at the Adam Smith Institute he has emerged as one of the most incisive, informed and erudite advocates for freer markets and freer people. With his extensive policy knowledge and blossoming public profile, I look forward to him continuing his great work when he joins us at the IEA in January.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Contact: Emily Carver, Head of Media, 07715 942 731

Matthew Lesh will take up his position at the Institute of Economic Affairs on Monday 3^rd January 2022. A full list of current IEA staff is available here.