With the media’s attention on the local and European elections taking place on 22nd May, it might be easy to miss another landmark today – we are now just one year away from the 2015 General Election. As a number of polls over the last few weeks have shown the Labour lead narrowing – down to just one point according to today’s YouGov survey – it looks like the parties have all to play for between now and next May.
Undoubtedly, the attentions of David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband will soon turn once again to the idea of reshuffling their top teams, as they renew and refresh their frontbenches going into the General Election. Things have changed since the last reshuffle back in October, with the Ministerial careers of Maria Miller and Mark Harper coming to unexpected ends and allies of the Chancellor, including new Culture Secretary Sajid Javid, finding themselves promoted far quicker than they might otherwise have expected. It is in this context that Insight Public Affairs is pleased to attach an updated version of our Government and Opposition At A Glance Guide that takes into account these changes, to keep you in the loop about the state of the frontbenches before the next reshuffle.
To view a PDF copy of the Guide, click on the image to the right.
As we enter year five, there is uncertainty as to how civil servants and Ministers will handle the year ahead and the outcome of the General Election is far from certain. Businesses, charities, trade associations and NGOs will need to undertake extensive scenario planning and political analysis to be forewarned and prepared for all eventualities. That is why we are pleased to launch our “a year to go” package – a bespoke service including weekly or monthly political analysis of government activity; party manifesto policy development updates; stakeholder activity; media commentary; grassroots opinion and people changes. Our Prospective Parliamentary Candidate service will track the likely first-time members of the 2015 Parliament, their backgrounds, interests and political passions.
As the General Election approaches, we would be happy to discuss your wider public affairs and corporate communications requirements and to brief you on the issues that might affect you and your organisation in the coming months. Please do not hesitate to contact me on 020 7824 1865 or at john@insightpa.com to see how Insight can support you in such circumstances.