There is still time for an effective public affairs strategy as a General Election looms
In the week or so since the PM’s non-announcement about the General Election, I’ve read a lot from public affairs people and political pundits arguing that Rishi Sunak’s ‘working assumption’ means that we’re not got going to the polls in the first half of 2024, at least for Westminster.
And I’ve read just much more from other politicos arguing the exact opposite and pledging to put their mortgage on a May election.
The truth is, no one really knows for certain. Probably not even the PM.
But what you can do is be prepared. And if you’re only just starting to think about what a General Election means for your organisation ….well, you have left it late, but all is not lost. You can still plan for effective engagement with a new government or council team.
Clarity of focus
You don’t have to do everything. Having a public affairs strategy might be as simple as knowing which decision makers are critical to the success of your business. Be clear about your organisational priorities and how that translates into political risks and opportunities.
Solve problems, don’t create them
If you can take policy makers a solution (ideally costed!), you’re much more likely to get a decent hearing than if you’re just raising an open-ended issue that you expect Government (or your council) to think about and address.
Don’t assume you know the outcome
Are we heading for a change of government? Almost certainly, but that doesn’t mean there can’t still be surprises. Shock results do happen, and even if the national polls are correct, it doesn’t mean that local results will follow or than specific candidates can’t buck trends. Be thoughtful in how you make approaches, be even-handed and remember that today’s opposition can still be tomorrow’s government, so prioritise building relationships that will last, including with civil servants and council officers.
If you need advice about how to engage with stakeholders, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.
