Sir Edward Lister

The chief strategic advisor to PM Boris Johnson who thrives on getting things done and who was once regarded as Margaret Thatcher's favourite council leader.

A former alarms company executive, Edward Lister's political career began in the London Borough of Wandsworth which was at the forefront of Thatcherism at the turn of the 1980s.

A council leader for nearly two decades, he made the leap to City Hall when Boris Johnson made him his deputy - and he's been a trusted aide and fixer ever since.

Despite his position, Sir Edward has kept a low public profile, working behind the scenes resolving recent Brexit stalemates.

This week he's been the go-between in the negotiations between the government and city mayors in the North of England in the debate over the financial cost of Covid-19.

Mark Coles profiles the life of the man described as the 'grown-up' at Number 10 who thrives on solving problems.

Producers: Richard Fenton-Smith & Ben Crighton