Government relations

Gareth has a deep understanding of UK politics and media and extensive experience in helping businesses leverage policy opportunities or minimize risks to operations and brand reputation. He has over 20 years experience providing strategic counsel to multinational clients including Starbucks, Google, Infosys and Amex GBT. A specialist in Labour politics he is a veteran of numerous internal selection battles and election campaigns. Gareth is responsible for Government Relations and Corporate Communications work within Cavendish.

James is a seasoned integrated communications specialist with over 15 years in corporate and public affairs. He has worked with leading businesses across the UK and internationally winning numerous awards. James is responsible for leading the Innovation and Insights team, spearheading the delivery of our Group’s cutting-edge products and services.

Tom has advised some of the UK’s leading organisations and businesses, helping them to achieve real cut-through with Government and regulators. He has extensive experience in working with highly regulated businesses, with particular expertise in the energy sector. Prior to entering consultancy, Tom worked in both Westminster and Brussels, providing policy advice to Conservative MPs and MEPs. A Conservative Party parliamentary candidate at the last election, Tom has an extensive network within Westminster and the regions.

Emma is an experienced political campaigner with a background in health, social and economic policy. Emma joined Cavendish from the Labour Party, where she spent 6 years advising members of the shadow cabinet on policy development, political strategy and press across multiple departments. She worked for Labour across two general elections, byelections and metro mayor campaigns, including Labour’s historic 2024 victory. At Cavendish, she advises clients on engaging with the new Labour Government and communicating their messages in the media.

Jacob has a deep understanding of the UK political landscape and of running successful campaigns. With over a decade working in politics, government relations and public policy, he has previously worked for Heathrow Airport, Airbnb and for the Labour Party in various roles at Head Office, in London and Wales, across multiple general and local elections, and for Stronger IN during the 2016 EU Referendum. Jacob is responsible for advising clients on how best to engage with Government, politicians, and the wider Labour movement, to create a partnership that enables both sides to deliver on their aims and objectives.

Chris brings over a decade of senior experience in political strategy, media relations, and campaign management. In his pivotal role as Head of Communications for Greater London, he shaped Sadiq Khan’s 2024 re-election campaign and enhanced Labour’s media and digital outreach across the capital. With notable expertise as Press Officer for Keir Starmer and Deputy Director for Labour in the West Midlands, Chris played a key role in crafting Labour’s narrative and navigating critical media moments in recent years. As Head of Media Strategy, he leads Cavendish Newsroom, a dynamic media service that ensures clients achieve exceptional news coverage across mainstream media, trade press, and broadcast.

Ali is a political and communications professional with 15 years experience in Labour Party politics across the country. His career working for the Party saw him organising in the North East, North West, Scotland and London, where he finished as Deputy Director for London Labour Party. Since leaving in 2019, he has remained closely involved, working for Morgan McSweeney (now Keir Starmer’s campaign chief) and on Keir Starmer’s leadership campaign. He remains a key figure in national Labour politics and has been advising clients about how to engage with the party at a national, regional and local level.

Ben has over 10 years experience working across Public Affairs and the Built Environment. He provides senior counsel to clients and has a track record of securing policy change, managing risks, and navigating political turbulence. With a deep understanding of the built environment, he provides strategic guidance on planning communications and community engagement. Ben’s vast experience in Brussels, Westminster and the Northern Ireland Assembly, coupled with his knowledge of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled insights.

Stephen has over 20 years experience working in the Public Affairs and Communications environment and is one of Scotland’s leading specialists in the politics of planning in the built environment sector. Having represented a diverse mix of clients and sectors, Steven’s vast experience coupled with his knowledge and understanding of the political landscape, provides clients with unrivalled strategic guidance and support ensuring that their investments and commercial aspirations are robustly looked after. Steven is responsible for all client projects across Scotland and Ireland.

Ben has a decade of experience across both local and national Government, having spent 7 years in Parliament, and most recently served as Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council. Ben helped to develop the legislation that enabled recent devolution deals to take shape, and has both negotiated and implemented new Combined Authority plans in the East Midlands. Few people can match Ben’s direct experience of these changes in local decision making, and what they will mean for the future.