David Willetts

The brains (plural) of the Coalition’s higher education reforms, which is why, even out of office, he makes the top 10. The next election will determine whether he leaves a lasting legacy, or becomes a footnote in history should his reforms be swept away by a new government. Yet, there’s no doubting his current impact, with his personality and his policies imprinted firmly on the psyche of the sector. An intellectual giant in the Conservative Party, his parliamentary colleagues will miss his experience and expertise when he leaves the House of Commons next week to take up various roles in higher education.