Libby Purves OBE

Libby Purves OBE is one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters, writers and event hosts. Known for her sharp intellect, natural humour and perceptive interviewing style, she has enjoyed a distinguished career across radio, journalism and publishing.

She made broadcasting history as the first female presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme and went on to present Midweek for more than 30 years, alongside The Learning Curve and numerous documentaries for Radio 4. Her thoughtful and engaging approach has made her one of the most recognisable voices in British broadcasting.

Alongside her radio career, Libby is an award-winning columnist who has written for The Times, Daily Mail and numerous other national publications. She was awarded an OBE for services to journalism in 1999, the same year she was named Columnist of the Year.

A prolific author, Libby has written widely on family life, education and parenting, as well as publishing several acclaimed novels, a memoir on broadcasting and a celebrated account of sailing around Britain. Educated across the world as the daughter of a diplomat, she later graduated with a First-Class degree in English Language and Literature from Oxford University.

An accomplished conference host, interviewer and after-dinner speaker, Libby combines intelligence, warmth and humour to captivate audiences on subjects ranging from media and education to leadership, culture and modern society.

To book Keynote Speaker Libby Purves OBE, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com