Silly season is coming to an end: What to expect from Westminster this Autumn
September and October usually mark the most intense period of political activity in the UK, here is what to expect.
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Jessica Lennard, Chief Strategy Officer, Competition and Markets Authority – “I’m an obsessive starter finisher”
Mace | 20th May 2026 | In-House Public Affairs, Politics, Westminster Index
After leaving Linklaters, Jessica joined the Conservative Party’s Shadow Energy and Climate Change team in 2008 just as energy security and climate policy were rising rapidly up the agenda. Her career reflects how the energy market has re-structured over the last decade.
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Leader in Public Affairs: Sophie Timms, Corporate Affairs Director, Kier Group, “Nothing is more important than keeping people safe”
Sophie has been passionate about politics since her teenage years. Now, she works at the intersection of policy, delivery and public accountability.
Leader In Public Affairs: Lewis North, Head of Public Affairs, Porterbrook, “Take care of your people and they will take care of you”
From gaining his politics degree to standing in the 2019 General Election - Lewis reveals how these experiences informed his career in public affairs.
Andy Burnham’s social media strategy faces questions over traditional media
The former Downing Street communications chief believes “there are hard truths coming” for Burnham.
Industry Watch: John Gill, Deputy Director of External Affairs, Reform UK – “There’s no limit to where a man can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit”
John Gill's promotion at Reform UK, just before the party launches its inaugural Business Day at its September NEC conference, is indicative of how the party is ramping
Carry on, Clacton
Wiliam Cash reflects on how the myth of Clacton and its reality has created media distortion when it comes to reporting on Farage’s seaside spiritual HQ.
The Mace Questionnaire: Marshall Manson, CEO, FleishmanHillard UK – “Politics is seeping into business through every crack”
The innovative digital comms veteran Marshall Manson, now CEO of FleishmanHillard UK, reveals how he misses The West Wing, was introduced to Westminster by Gyles Brandeth's political diaries
The Strategist: Michael Prescott, Managing Director, Hanover – “Better to risk being the most overdressed person in the room than the scruffiest”
From political editor of The Sunday Times to bringing down two BBC chiefs, Michael Prescott reflects on his distinguished career as a journalist and now leading UK corporate
The Clacton by-election: “It has been amazing for business”
Ahead of the Clacton-on-Sea by-election this Thursday, Mace went to the constituency to hear what local businesses make of the media circus that has descended on the seaside town, and the changes they want
Leader in UK Public Affairs: Martin Turner, Director of Policy and External Affairs, BioIndustry Association, “Pensions reform is a major issue for us”
Turner’s work sits within the BioIndustry Association, the trade body representing the UK’s biotechnology and life sciences sector.
