Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered his much-anticipated post-Brexit Government cabinet reshuffle. It saw the departure of many prominent ministers, some expected whilst others were perhaps a little surprising and one was very unexpected. The cabinet reshuffle sent a clear message overall that Johnson will only enter post-Brexit negotiations with ministers loyal to his party whip, by his side. Some of the more headlining departures and promotions have been listed below. Perhaps the most unexpected news came from Sajid Javid. Whilst the he was given the option to stay as Chancellor the offer came with some painful conditions […]

Dominic Raab MP has today been confirmed as the new Minister for Housing. An up-and-coming MP who was part of the 2010 intake, Raab is thought of as veering towards the right wing of the party, and will be a controversial choice for some in the housing and planning sector due to his tough views on immigration. Raab becomes the 16th housing minister in just 20 years, and will work with the newly re-appointed Secretary of State Sajid Javid to keep Housing at the top of the Government’s agenda. Leaving his post as Minister of State at the Ministry of […]

Chelgate Chief Executive, Liam Herbert, reflects on the 2017 General Election.   So, there we have it.  The PM is back in Downing Street and its business as usual.  That at least is what Theresa May would like us all to believe as she spoke to the nation from the steps of No10 today having seen the Queen to form a new Government. No mention of the General Election.  No mention of the loss of her majority, or the dramatic outcome after seven weeks of campaigning.  Nothing to see here, just move along. The General Election has delivered a startling […]

PRCA director general Francis Ingham dines with Chelgate director Liam Herbert at Shepherd’s restaurant.   My first PAN interview lunch with Liam Herbert met the fate of Richard Nixon’s Presidency – some excellent results, fatally undermined by regrettable recording gaps. So we reconvened to give it a second go…   Speaking of repeats, I piled straight in with a tease about the state of Liam’s beloved Labour Party. The Labour Manifesto 1983. We’re seeing the re-run now aren’t we? “We are, actually.  We don’t appear to be an Official Opposition because we don’t appear to be opposing very much.  But we […]

Liam Herbert joined Chelgate in the autumn as Director, Client Services. With over 25 years in the communications industry Liam initially started his career with the BBC in Manchester. He has significant experience of corporate and issue management working in several challenging sectors including tobacco, nuclear power, industrial chemicals and the Police Service. At Chelgate he will be applying this experience and skills to the corporate and political work across our acute issues and crisis practice. Liam also brings a wealth of planning communications knowledge and experience, and will be supporting the Chelgate Local team. Terence Fane-Saunders, Chairman and Chief […]