London, England, United Kingdom
A communications, public affairs and policy leader experienced in managing teams to deliver successful, strategic campaigns in high-profile, complex organisations.
Deputy head of the busy Government Relations team in the Mayor of London’s Office, advising on political engagement and working closely with the Mayor, Deputy Mayors and senior officers on proactive strategies to secure manifesto commitments and legislative change. Project-managed lobbying on devolution, finance, environment, housing, transport and infrastructure and secured important amendments to legislation. Responsible for sign-off of correspondence with ministers and parliamentarians, and drafting agendas and briefing the Mayor and Deputy Mayors for ministerial and stakeholder meetings. Advising the Press Office on quick, accurate lines on breaking news, identifying media opportunities to highlight mayoral objectives and successes. Seconded to the Press Office during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, drafting and placing press releases, building press relationships, and briefing the Mayor for media appearances. Writing speeches and presentations, and organising and managing Mayoral events from roundtables to party conference activity, including high-impact fringe events and meetings. Managing mayoral visits across London, providing briefings, speeches and support, and delivering successful stakeholder and parliamentary receptions. Managing senior stakeholder relations strategies and creating and maintaining close relationships with ministers, civil servants, MPs and Peers, council leaders, think tank officers and key influencers including senior representatives of membership and business groups. Managing procurement and recruitment, and led on internal communications including website and intranet presence.
Managing public affairs and campaigning strategies in this high-profile membership organisation, including on the critical Localism Bill. Developing policy, writing briefings and presentating to varied audiences including councillors and MPs, drafting amendments and getting them tabled, writing speeches, and influencing politicians to gain support, delivering multiple wins for the sector. Primary political support for the Chairman, writing speeches and providing briefing in advance of ministerial and stakeholder meetings, select committee appearances and other keynote events. Creating and managing a network of active Parliamentary Vice Presidents and building new relationships with private and public sector stakeholders, gaining support for lobbying priorities. Managed all Parliamentary monitoring and the organisation's wider communications grid, horizon-scanning and communicating information internally and externally. Managing events including in-house debates, cross-country roadshows, and team activities and overseeing the LGA's presence at multiple conferences, securing speaking slots for LGA representatives, briefing panellists and drafting speaking notes, using social media to increase profile and visibility, and providing feedback on events to internal audiences.
Head of the Parliamentary office, supporting all the MP’s Parliamentary activity, including his work with the Shadow Home Affairs Team. Drafted speeches and briefings, questions and EDMs, attended meetings on the MP’s behalf, answered constituents’ concerns, and worked with MPs and shadow ministers, building up an excellent knowledge of Parliament and strong contacts and partnerships. Managed the MP’s media presence, writing and placing press releases, as well as maintaining the website, managing the budget and running an interns programme.