John Arnold
John Arnold has been actively involved in politics for over 20 years. He has held a number of senior posts throughout his career including Political Adviser to the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland and Head of the International Section at the Local Government International Bureau. He has an in-depth knowledge of government and the political scene and has provided public affairs consultancy support to over 80 international blue chip companies, trade bodies, interest groups and local authorities. These include McDonald's Restaurants, T-Mobile, British Energy, and the Local Government Association. As a senior associate he offers our clients high level advice on a range of political issues including monitoring, political intelligence, campaigning and strategic advice.
Areas of Expertise and Achievements
- Regarded as a leading expert on local government and planning policy
- Political adviser to the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland
- Head of the International Section at the Local Government International Bureau
- Director and co-founder of PoliticsDirect, a full service public affairs agency
Background
Prior to entering consultancy, John was actively involved in Labour student politics and held a number of senior posts including Chair of Scottish Labour Students. Following student politics, he became the Political Adviser to the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland. John subsequently joined the Local Government International Bureau where he was Head of the International Section.
John was Acting Managing Director of the Political Division at The Communication Group plc. He went on to become a director and co-founder of PoliticsDirect, a full service public affairs agency established in 1999.
John gained a degree in Business Studies and Economics at Stirling University where he held the position of President.
