Lodestone Hires Ex Tom Watson Aide

Political strategy and corporate communications agency Lodestone has hired Tom Watson’s former Political Secretary, Jo Dalton. The move further strengthens Lodestone’s Labour offering as Brexit remains unresolved and the country faces an election on 12th December.

Jo brings a detailed understanding of the current Labour Party and large campaigning experience. Jo joins Lodestone after five years as Political Secretary to Tom Watson MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party where she acted as an adviser and gate-keeper. She managed relationships with the Parliamentary Labour Party, Labour HQ, Labour councillors and across the DCMS brief, coordinating the Shadow DCMS team and stakeholders. Jo worked on Tom Watson’s successful Deputy Leadership campaign and played a key role in the 2015 and 2017 General Elections and 2016 EU referendum campaign.

Fran O’Leary, Co-founder & Director, Client Services, said: “We’re delighted Jo Dalton is joining Lodestone to help further strengthen the political insight and analysis we provide to clients. Her knowledge of political dynamics and the tech, culture, media and sport sectors will be invaluable as we support our growing portfolio of clients and head towards another election.”

David Wild, Co-founder & Chairman of Lodestone, added: “There aren’t many, if any, agencies that understand the current workings of the Labour Party, so bringing Jo Dalton into the fold at Lodestone further strengthens our ability to do just that. Whatever the result at the next election, business policy will be impacted by Labour and so business needs to engage in a way that builds relationships for the long-term.”

The hire comes on the back of a number of recent project wins in tech including in Camlin, Atos, Nominet and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT; alongside contract wins in health, with the Countess of Chester Hospital and in education with Spurgeon’s College. Lodestone was shortlisted for Consultancy of the Year 2018 by the PRCA Public Affairs Awards.