Portland and Ketchum partner to launch Beyond the Ballot to support clients to navigate the impact of the historic triple elections in the UK, EU and US
We are very pleased to share that Portland and Ketchum are today announcing a new joint division in London to help our clients navigate the impact of the 2024 historic triple elections in the EU, US and in all likelihood, the UK. A market-leading, first-of-its-kind offering, Beyond the Ballot combines the on the ground political expertise […]
Humza Yousaf’s first 100 days – survival of the fittest or not fit for office?
This week, Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, commemorates his first 100 days in office. Celebrations may not entirely be in order, however, as his term continues to be dogged by a myriad of issues. He is leading the party through one of the most dramatic periods that Scottish politics has seen, clouded by high profile […]
What does the 2023 Northern Ireland Local Government Elections mean for the future?
A few short weeks ago, voters in Northern Ireland went to the polls to elect 462 councillors to 11 councils. The campaign which many viewed as dull and low-key as campaigning took place amidst the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and King Charles’ Coronation. Opportunities to get election slogans across were somewhat limited. Despite this […]
Former SNP Leader in Westminster, Ian Blackford MP sat down with Portland’s Senior Advisor, Alastair Campbell
“The only way that we’re going to win independence is if we persuade people that Scotland can be a fairer, wealthy, and greener country.” – Ian Blackford MP, former leader of the SNP in Westminster and ‘Business Ambassador to the First Minister’ tells Portland. Despite being political rivals, old friends SNP grandee, Ian Blackford MP, and […]
Through a difficult race, the SNP has crowned its next leader
This afternoon, members of the SNP returned a close but decisive ruling to appoint Humza Yousaf as its next party leader and, by default, the soon-to-be First Minister of Scotland. This has been the first contested leadership race the party, and the country, have seen in 20 years and it shows. Despite being embattled in […]
The SNP leadership race – a view from the ground
In the green room at the penultimate SNP leadership hustings, the tension between the candidates was palpable. The silence was punctured by Humza Yousaf’s entrance and then the occasional joke that followed between Yousaf and Forbes. Notably, upon her arrival, Ash Regan requested to prepare in a separate room. Both candidates made light of recent […]
How Labour Works
Download Portland’s ‘How Labour Works’ report here. With 100,000’s of members across the UK and a coalition of a parliamentary party, members, trade unions and affiliate groups, the Labour Party is a uniquely complex and challenging organisation to run and influence. As active Party members, we know this better than most. Understanding Labour has taken […]
The Next SNP Leader Inherits an Unenviable In-Tray
After a decade that saw victories across seven national election campaigns, Nicola Sturgeon has been the indisputable central figure in Scottish politics and the face of the independence movement. Her sudden announcement that she was stepping down as First Minister after eight years has therefore shaken the foundations of Scottish politics to its core. This has […]
Why Sturgeon’s exit matters to Labour
After years of dominating Scottish politics and successfully maintaining the SNP’s control over Holyrood and the nation’s Westminster seats, Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as leader of her party and Scottish First Minister. Beyond Alex Salmond’s Alba Party split, Sturgeon has also maintained a sense of cohesion amongst the SNP’s broad church of politicians, members and […]
A tale of two speeches
In their New Year speeches both Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer made one thing clear: the race is on to a General Election. Both leaders face the challenge that the public has little idea of who they are as individuals and what their vision is for the country. For Sunak, this means setting himself apart […]