The Matrix Project is an effort to document personal factors that undermine powerful journalists’ claims of objectivity and impartiality. Are factors such as an elite education, establishment connections, personal wealth and interests in rival fields compatible with journalistic integrity? 

This page looks at Assistant Editor of the Spectator Isabel Hardman. For more information on the database click here.

Education

Learn about the significance of a private/Oxbridge education here

Isabel Hardman attended independent girl’s school St Catherine’s School, Bramley (source) and a non-Oxbridge university

Revolving Door

Learn about the significance of the Revolving Door here.

Isabel Hardman has no significant experience working in rival fields to the media

“Establishment” Connections

Learn about the significance of Establishment Connections here

Primary

Isabel Hardman’s father Michael Hardman, a founder of the Campaign for Real Ale, was awarded an MBE in 2009

Isabel Hardman is married to John Woodcock, Baron Walney, a former MP turned life peer. The marriage allowed Isabel to take the title Lady Walney, if she chose. Isabel and John were named in Politico’s 2017 list of Westminster power couples

Secondary

None

Salary/Indications of Wealth

Learn about the significance of journalists with an unusual level of wealth here

Neither Isabel Hardman nor The Spectator disclose her salary. As assistant editor of the Spectator and a regular columnist at the i paper and Evening Standard, Hardman is likely to earn significantly more than the average wage.

As a point of reference, the Office for National Statistics list the average UK salary for 2021 as £26,193.

Complaints / apologies / controversies

Learn about the significance of complaints/apologies here

None

Summary

Isabel Hardman was educated at an independent school, is the daughter of a businessman who earned an MBE and is married to someone in one of the primary fields journalists are meant to hold to account, a politician. She is entitled to the title, Lady Walney, wife of a baron.

Impartial? Independent? Holding the powerful to account?

Learn more about the Matrix Project here.

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