The past is a foreign country: in May 2021, when The Mace published its inaugural index of top political consultants, the lobbying industry was emerging from a once-in-a-century pandemic, the Conservatives were polling at 42 per cent and, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s honeymoon was over, no one believed Labour was on course for a landslide at the next general election. The Brexit Party, polling at 2 per cent, had recently rebranded as Reform UK and Nigel Farage had just stepped down as its leader. The United States was still reeling from the January 6 riots.

The last 15 months have shown that a large parliamentary majority is no guarantee of political, social or economic stability. Businesses are navigating increased political polarisation, declining levels in trust in mainstream media and the death of two-party politics. With each day bringing fresh speculation on taxes and tariffs, no wonder they are seeking sophisticated strategic counsel to protect and promote their license to operate.

But who is best placed to guide you through this quagmire? When The Mace began compiling its 2025 Index, our starting point was a long list of over 250 names based on desk research and personal recommendation.