Iain Anderson has been elected Chairman of the Association of Professional Political Consultants (APPC), having spent two years as Deputy Chairman under outgoing Chairman Michael Burrell. Elected annually at the AGM, the Chair is appointed together with eight other officials.
The AGM also featured elections for appointment to the Young Consultants’ Committee, with a Chair and Vice-Chair to be selected on 28 May.
Iain Anderson outlined his priorities as Chairman: “My priority as Chairman will be to support all APPC members as we transition to the new statutory registration regime. I will ensure that the APPC engages fully with the Government and the new Registrar, when he or she has been appointed, to ensure that the voice of the industry is both heard and listened to during this crucial period. The industry continues to harbour concerns about the practical implementation of the new statutory registration regime so I will be seeking assurances in coming months to address and answer these issues. I will also be reaching out the Labour Opposition, particularly in light of the recent announcement that Lady Sherlock has been appointed by Ed Miliband to review the Lobbying Act. This presents an opportunity for the Opposition to reassess both parts of the Lobbying Act and I will ensure the APPC is engaged and active throughout this process.”
He went on to say: “In addition to the immediate challenges posed by the creation of the new regime I am committed to continuing to build engagement with APPC members at all levels. From chief executives and managing directors to Young Consultants’ Committee members and new entrants: I will reach out to the entire industry to ensure that myself and the Management Committee are listening and responding to the concerns not just of the senior industry leaders but of the next generation of leaders too.”
Anderson offered praise for outgoing Chairman Michael Burrell, saying: “Michael has been an exceptional Chair of the APPC. I am delighted he will be staying on as a member of the APPC’s Management Committee, offering his support and wisdom, as we continue to ensure the APPC is at the forefront of maintaining and enhancing high ethical standards for industry practitioners. I would like to put on record my huge thanks for his commitment and leadership. He has steered the APPC expertly throughout two incredibly challenging years for the lobbying industry and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Burrell, who joins other previous Chairs in remaining a member of the Management Committee, said of his tenure: “I’d like to say a huge thanks to all those people who have supported the APPC throughout my tenure as Chair. A great many people give up their time and expertise to support the organisation and I have been indebted in particular to our Secretary, Mary Shearer, our media relations adviser, Olly Kendall, and to both the management committee and the young consultants’ committee. Without their contribution the APPC would not have been able to continue growing, particularly during the past 12 months, which have presented some unique challenges to our industry.”
Burrell continued by praising his successor: “Throughout my time as Chair, Iain has been an invaluable support to me and I know that he will be an excellent leader and champion of our industry. I wish him every success in his new role.”
Visit the APPC website for more details and a full list of members.