PLMR has enhanced its senior advisory offer with the exciting appointments of Rt Hon Anne Milton and Leon Emirali as Advisor and Senior Political Counsellor, respectively. The announcement comes as the agency continues to strengthen its public affairs practice, having recently been named as the PRovoke EMEA Public Affairs Agency of the Year.

Anne joins PLMR following 14 years as an MP between 2005 & 2019.  During her political career, she held a number of ministerial roles, including in both the Department of Health and the Department for Education. She also spent time as the Minister for Women in the Government Equalities Office and was Government Deputy Chief Whip from 2015 to 2017. Since leaving parliament, Anne has remained actively involved in advising on health and skills policy and brings a wealth of experience to the team, providing strategic insights to PLMR’s clients.

Leon joins PLMR following a period advising the Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP, during his time as Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and Chief Secretary to the Treasury. In these roles Leon served as an aide to the current Health Secretary during one of the most fast-moving and complex periods in recent British political history. Leon brings this substantial experience of operating across Westminster and Whitehall to the PLMR team.

PLMR’s public affairs practice – under the leadership of Simon Darby, Head of Public Affairs – continues to go from strength to strength with a vastly experienced senior advisory team including Managing Director, Ollie Lane (former adviser to Secretaries of State Michael Gove and Liz Truss); Advisor, Gavin Devine; and Head of Media Training, Shannon Stewart (former adviser to the New Zealand government).  Incorporating industry-leading digital communications practitioners and expert consultants operating across key regions of the UK – including the Midlands and the East of England – the practice is delivering impactful work for clients operating across a range of sectors, including health & social care, energy, education & skills, tech, the built environment and professional services.

Simon Darby, PLMR’s Head of Public Affairs, said:

“We are all thrilled to be welcoming both Anne and Leon into the PLMR team as members of our dynamic and successful public affairs practice. It is a pleasure to be leading a team that consistently achieves high-quality work and results for clients as we continually strive to deliver innovative and creative campaigns and solutions. Anne and Leon’s experience, added to our excellent digital and regional offering, will enable us to remain at the forefront of the public affairs sector moving forward.”

Anne Milton, PLMR Advisor, said:

“I’m delighted to be working with the excellent team at PLMR. The agency has a great track record of delivering outstanding work for its clients, including in areas I know well, in particular health and social care, education, skills and lifelong learning. I’m looking forward to sharing my experience with the team, working with PLMR’s clients and contributing to the agency’s superb public affairs offer.”

Leon Emirali, PLMR’s Senior Political Counsellor, said:

“PLMR has a fantastic reputation in Westminster and Whitehall as a leading public affairs agency. I’m delighted to be partnering with the business at such an important and consequential moment in British and global politics.”