Ruth Davidson to host radio show and podcast with Tony Blair as first guest

Ruth Davidson is to host a new radio show and podcast for broadcasters LBC.

The Tory MSP, who will step down from Holyrood to join the House of Lords next year, will present the show, titled An Inconvenient Ruth, on Sunday nights.

Former prime minister Tony Blair has been named as her first guest.

Leader of the Conservative party in the Scottish Parliament, @RuthDavidsonMSP – also joins LBC to host a new Sunday night show

An Inconvenient Ruth will see her interview some of the UK’s most notable figures. First to face Ruth will be former Prime Minister Tony Blair. pic.twitter.com/SxmimyQl8T

— LBC (@LBC) September 9, 2020

Profits from the show, which airs for the first time this Sunday at 9pm, will go to the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre in Edinburgh.

It will also be available as a podcast on the Global Player.

The show is part of LBC’s autumn line-up featuring new presenters, including Labour MP and shadow justice secretary David Lammy.

Ms Davidson said: “Some politicians take time out at weekends by hitting the gym, reading books or going hillwalking. I’m excited to spend an hour on LBC talking to fascinating people about their life, their work and the change they’re making to the world.

“From scientists to celebrities, artists to athletes and all sorts of world-beating figures in between, I’ll be asking them to share their story – the hard times as well as the good.

“As someone who used to work in radio before they entered politics, I’m looking forward to getting back behind a microphone. Podcasts are new to me, and a bit different, but I hope this one sees lots of downloads so we can raise money for Maggie’s in Edinburgh.

“Covid has been so hard on people suffering from cancer – and on the charities which support them – and every little bit of fundraising help can make a difference.”

Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre, said: “We are delighted that Ruth Davidson continues to be such a strong supporter of Maggie’s Edinburgh.

“Maggie’s will be a beneficiary of Ruth’s fee for this great new show on LBC.”