Renowned Guardian Parliamentary Sketch Writer, Political Commentator, British Journalist, Author, Digested Read Columnist, Corporate Speaker

John Crace is a renowned Political Commentator and humorous speaker from The Guardian. He is also a celebrated British journalist and author, widely recognized as The Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer. Known for his sharp wit and incisive humour, John Crace has become one of the most influential political commentators in modern British media. His satirical writing style and engaging perspectives consistently captivate readers and audiences alike.

Born in 1956, John graduated from the University of Exeter before establishing his career in journalism. Since joining The Guardian, his contributions have included the popular “Digested Read” column, where he hilariously condenses books into short summaries. In 2014, John became the newspaper’s parliamentary sketch writer, following in the footsteps of Simon Hoggart. His role has since defined his reputation for blending humour and deep political insights.

John Crace’s engaging commentary extends beyond print media. He is highly sought after as a political speaker for corporate events, offering insightful and humorous takes on the current political landscape. His speeches combine laughter with expert analysis, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

As an accomplished author, John Crace has published several acclaimed books, including I, Maybot: The Rise and Fall and Decline and Fail: Read in Case of Political Apocalypse. These works showcase his unique ability to turn political absurdities into compelling narratives, earning both critical and commercial success.

His most recent books are Taking the Lead. This book is John Crace’s satirical chronicle of Keir Starmer’s rise to Labour leadership and his path toward becoming Prime Minister. Even more recent is The Bonfire of the Insanities: How Does This Government Thing Work Again? Released in November 2025.

Outside of his professional achievements, John Crace has been a devoted, season ticket holder of Spurs for decades despite being ground down into despair and at risk of relegation in 2026.  Not quite so gloomy but he is also an avid collector of ceramic pots.

John has shown remarkable openness in discussing his personal journey. This includes his recovery from heroin addiction—a topic he has shared with candor to help others.

John Crace’s impact as a journalist, author, and speaker is significant. His unmatched ability to deliver humour-laden insights into British politics ensures his enduring popularity. For corporate events, he offers a unique blend of comedic storytelling and expert political commentary. John leaves his audiences both entertained and enlightened.

Why Hire John Crace?