Inside Number Ten

RIPON Grammar School students gained a fascinating insight into the turbulent period of our recent politics from a past pupil who works inside Number 10, Downing Street.

Hugh McHale-Maughan, who left RGS in 2013, has worked as assistant private secretary to four prime ministers: Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer.

He returned to his old school to talk with members of the history and politics societies about the journey which led to him working at the heart of government.

Grateful for everything RGS – which he described as extolling academic excellence and rigour - gave him, Hugh said he felt strongly even when he was at school, that public service, and giving back, was important.

Following A-levels in English literature, history, Latin and maths, the former head boy went on to study at the University of Oxford, where he gained a first class degree in philosophy, politics and economics.

He worked as a policy advisor in the Treasury for seven years before moving to 10, Downing Street in September 2022.

Unusually, he ended up working for four prime ministers in the space of just two years, a reflection of the tumultuous period we have lived through.

From Brexit to the pandemic and war in the Ukraine, we’ve lived through an extraordinary period of crisis, he reflected: “We’ve seen governments tested in the last few years.”

He described all four prime ministers as incredibly impressive and very talented people, with different strengths and flaws, who gave up so much to take on the role.

It’s not a role he would relish, he said: “A whole nation’s hopes and dreams rest on your shoulders, everyone is invested in what you do.

“It’s an unforgiving job to wake up and be criticised in every newspaper and everybody in the country thinks they can do a better job than you can.”

Hugh, who covers domestic policy in areas such as the treasury portfolio, tax and ministerial reshuffles, worked longest for Rishi Sunak, whom he describes as very funny behind the scenes and incredibly hardworking.

He’s soon due to return to the Treasury, where he previously covered public spending, tax and financial services, but outlined his typical working day as he spends his last few weeks in No 10 with Kier Starmer.

Sixth form history student Adam Dickinson said Hugh provided amazing insights into what it’s really like to be at the centre of Number 10, where decisions are made.

“I found it fascinating to have my previous outsider misconceptions completely altered and I gained a new insight into the pressures and challenges of Number 10.

“I really valued the chance to ask political questions and the whole meeting engaged in interesting discussions on subjects from COVID to the rising geopolitical tensions we’re experiencing.

“Furthermore, Hugh talked to us about university and how that’s helped him in his career, a discussion I’ll definitely hold in mind when going to university myself.”

Hugh also enjoyed meeting up with three of his former history teachers, Mrs Fell, Mr Spiers and Mr Bruce, whom he described as ‘the best teachers’.