MLD Advisory Ltd
From September 2012
After more than fifteen years working in political communications at home and abroad, I decided to establish my own business so that I could put that experience to work for a range of clients and individuals.
As a consultant, I bring unrivalled experience of both strategic and crisis communications, gained in some of the most testing media environments. I believe I have repeatedly shown an ability to handle high profile issues and individuals and deliver clear strategic thinking and positive results under pressure.
Previous experience:
Communications Director, Join In Local Sport
April 2012 – September 2012
‘Join In Local Sport’ is an idea that started within London 2012 and is now being run as an independent organisation with the specific aim of getting as many people as possible to turn up, take part and join in at their local sports facilities on 18th / 19th August – the first weekend between the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
My role was to develop community-based campaigns for sports clubs to create a shop window within their local area for the opportunities there are for people inspired by the Games to help out, give time, support, watch or play sport.
Political Director, The Office of Tony Blair
June 2007 – February 2012
From a team of four the day he left Downing Street, to an operation that now employs more than 120 people around the world, I was at the centre of Tony Blair’s political and business activities, reporting directly to the former Prime Minister.
I had responsibility for: providing strategic counsel; developing and managing his programme of political involvement and initiatives across the world; leading on all communications and reputation management issues; and acting as Tony Blair’s principal media spokesman.
The largest proportion of Tony Blair’s time, and therefore my time, was spent in the Middle East and visiting capitals in his role as Representative of the Quartet, consisting of the UN, USA, EU and Russia.
I oversaw the strategic communications work for his three charities: the Tony Blair Faith Foundation; the Tony Blair Sports Foundation; and the Tony Blair Africa Governance Initiative. In addition, he has set up a consultancy to manage his other commercial advisory roles, called Tony Blair Associates, for which I advised as required.
Special Adviser to Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP, Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street
November 2005 – June 2007
Special Adviser to Rt. Hon David Blunkett MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
May 2005 – November 2005
The Labour Party
November 1998 – May 2005, April – May 2010
Extensive experience of working for the Labour Party in government concluding as Head of Press and Broadcasting and Taskforce Leader for Labour’s 2005 General Election campaign, including management of the messaging and presentation of Labour’s annual conferences.
I returned as TV Debates Media Director for Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP in the 2010 General Election.
