Contributors
Thank you for your interest in Comment Central.
We only accept original comment pieces and ask that all submissions comply with the following guidelines:
- Pieces should not exceed 750 words
- Spell out names rather than using acronyms
- Links to further reading are permissible provided they are not commercial in nature
- Generic press releases are not accepted
- Product promotion is not accepted
- Comments about events, such as budgets, sporting occasions and international gatherings, need to be submitted during or very shortly after those events to be considered
What topics do Comment Central cover?
We are keen to hear a wide range of views and are particularly interested in comment pieces on the following topics:
- Politics and current affairs
- Environment
- Health and social care
- Education
- Business & technology
Author biography
- All submissions should be attached with your full name, headshot and a short biography
- We are happy to link to a personal or organisation website in the biography
All submissions should be sent to our Editorial team: editor@commentcentral.co.uk
Finlay Thacker-McPherson is a current postgraduate student of Public Policy at the University of Edinburgh and a graduate of Politics and International Relations from the University of Reading. He has a keen interest in institutional reform, state capacity, and innovation policy.
Fiorenzo Manganiello is the co-founder and managing partner of LIAN Group. He is an outspoken commentator across the media, previously featuring as a guest author in the likes of Digital Frontier and CoinDesk. You can follow more updates from him on LinkedIn and X.
Fran Heathcote is a British trade unionist who has served as General Secretary of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) since 1 February 2024, when she succeeded Mark Serwotka following his retirement. Before ascending to the top position, Heathcote held the role of president within the union. Her leadership of PCS comes after more than three decades of employment with the Department for Work and Pensions and the government departments that preceded it, giving her extensive firsthand experience of the public service workforce she now represents.
As head of one of Britain's largest civil service unions, Heathcote is a prominent voice on issues affecting public sector workers, including pay, working conditions, and the delivery of government services. Her long career in the Department for Work and Pensions has positioned her as an advocate for those working at the frontline of the welfare system. Fran Heathcote writes commentary for Comment Central.
Frances O'Grady, Baroness O'Grady of Upper Holloway, is a British former trade unionist leader and member of the House of Lords, who served as the General Secretary of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC) from 2013 to 2022, being the first woman to hold the position.
Francisco is a University of Bristol History graduate and strategic communicator, specialising in translating complex policy into accessible narratives.
Fred Cyrus Roeder is a German Health Economist and Managing Director of the Consumer Choice Center.
Gareth Richard Thomas is a British Labour and Co-operative politician who has represented Harrow West as Member of Parliament since 1997. Born on 15 July 1967, he has held several ministerial positions during his parliamentary career, serving as Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State for Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs between 2008 and 2010. Most recently, he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Services, Small Business and Exports from July 2024 to September 2025.
Beyond his ministerial roles, Thomas played a significant leadership role within the co-operative movement, chairing the Co-operative Party for nearly two decades from 2001 until 2019. His political career has focused on areas including international development, trade policy, consumer affairs, and support for small businesses and the co-operative sector. He writes commentary for Comment Central.
