Britain 2024 – The year ahead in politics

Britain 2024 – The year ahead in politics

On the 31st January, Hanson search hosted their Annual Webinar on the year ahead in politics.

Although 2023 ushered in a greater sense of stability compared to preceding years, 2024 has the potential to mark yet another year of significant change. Anticipating a general election, coupled with local, mayoral, and elections in the United States and European Union, we explored the evolving political scenario by year-end. What nuances might shape the landscape, and what pivotal issues will ultimately determine the outcomes?

Janie Emmerson, Managing Partner – UK & Europe at Hanson Search, sat in conversation with our panel of industry experts to explore:

• What are the current government likely to focus on this year to try and persuade the public to vote for them? 
• How will the US and EU elections influence what happens in Britain? 
• Outside the election, what are the pivotal issues facing the government over the next 12 months? 

Feel free to view the recording here for all the insights and key take-aways discussed: 

Meet the speakers:

• Anita Boateng – Partner at Portland Communications

Anita previously worked at FTI Consulting and at the highest level of government as a special adviser in the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Justice and DWP.

• Jim Bligh – Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging, The Food and Drink Federation 

Jim is Director of Corporate Affairs and Packaging at the Food and Drink Federation leading the FDF’s political relationships, advocacy, government relations and policy work on packaging. Previously, Jim was corporate affairs director at PepsiCo and Tata Consultancy Services, Head of policy at the CBI, and visiting fellow at the Oxford Internet Institute. 

• Stephen Edwards – CEO of Living Streets

Stephen is Chief Executive of Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking, campaigning for better places to walk. He was previously Director of Policy and Communications at Living Streets and Deputy Managing Partner of UK public affairs agency Interel. 

• Joe Owen – Director of Impact, Institute for Government

Joe is the Director of Impact. Before joining the Institute he was a senior civil servant in the Economic and Domestic Affairs Secretariat in the Cabinet Office. He also worked as the Programme Director at the Institute for Government for the Brexit programme. Joe has worked with a number of government departments as a consultant, including the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Defence, as well as Transport for London working on the spending review and mayoral elections.

Hanson Search regularly hosts events and workshops offering structured advice and industry insights on relevant topics. To keep you updated on our news and events, sign up here so that we can stay in touch!