Sir Ben Bradshaw and Sir Brandon Lewis, prominent Labour Party members, have transitioned from politics into the corporate world, marking a growing trend among former MPs. Bradshaw now holds a senior consulting role at Teneo while Lewis chairs digital content company, Millbank.
Both leverage their extensive political experience to bring insight into regulatory matters, policy trends and corporate narratives. Despite these transitions, Gavin Ellwood, Executive Chairman of Ellwood Atfield, cautions that political experience doesn’t necessarily simplify the shift towards PR and public affairs.
In fact, success in these sectors requires exceptional communication, negotiation skills, stakeholder needs understanding, strategic planning, and complex issues handling skills. Ellwood explains that one must keep learning and adapt rather than solely relying on past political experience.
Amandeep Gill from recruitment agency Melbury Wood adds a different perspective, highlighting an issue of oversupply of ex-Conservative MPs seeking public affairs roles. He notes that these candidates often view these roles as financial safety nets instead of genuine career paths.
Labour MPs pivot to corporate roles
He criticizes this trend, arguing that it can skew the hiring process and possibly neglect candidates with genuine passion for public affairs.
The transition from politics to lobbying is strictly regulated by The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba), with ex-officials being barred from lobbying for two years post leaving office. Despite these rules, many still establish successful second careers, extensively utilizing their expertize in various industries.
However, critics emphasize potential conflicts of interest and ethics violations, arguing that there is a perceived ‘revolving door’ between politics and lobbying. On the other hand, supporters believe former politicians can bring invaluable insights, and potentially lead to constructive policy changes.
Ex-Liberal Democrat MP, Greg Mulholland, is an advocate for the transition into public affairs. He continues fighting for causes close to him, such as the protection of community pubs, and advocates for politicians to leverage their knowledge to contribute positively to public advocacy initiatives.
Industry observers are keenly monitoring these transitions, focusing on how these new experts in public affairs are adapting their skillsets and handling issues with ethical integrity, transparency, and accountability. Their success, or lack thereof, will not only reflect on their individual competence, but also indicate future directions for lobbying and public affairs.
