Andrew Mackay

This article is part of the Lobbying Portal, a sunlight project from Spinwatch.

This article is part of the Revolving Door project of Spinwatch.

Andrew Mackay is a former UK Conservative government minister turned lobbyist. He was member of parliament for Berkshire East and then Bracknell from 1983 to 2010 and served as David Cameron’s senior political and parliamentary advisor for four years.

Mackay stepped down at the 2010 UK general election, after he and his wife Julie Kirkbride were deemed to have claimed second home allowances inappropriately.

Mackay was instructed to repay £31,193 by Sir Thomas Legg, following his review of expenses claimed by MPs from 2005-10.

Joins global lobbying firm

After leaving politics in 2010 Mackay began working for the lobbying arm of PR giant Burson-Marsteller. Upon taking up the role Mackay said:

‘After leaving Parliament I want to be a part of a winning team that is assisting global businesses face their strategic communications challenges and Burson-Marsteller provides a fantastic opportunity to do this.'

He added: 'I considered a number of consultancies and decided on Burson-Marsteller because of its range of international clients, its campaigning approach and the quality of the team.'

Political career background

From his biography on Burson Marsteller's website:

Andrew’s long career in the UK Parliament included four years as David Cameron’s Senior Political and Parliamentary Advisor. Under Margaret Thatcher, he served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Tom King, first as Northern Ireland Secretary and then as Defense Secretary. He was also a Senior Minister in John Major’s Government for five years ending as Deputy Chief Whip.

He served as William Hague’s Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. As Deputy Party Chairman for Candidates under Michael Howard, he has mentored dozens of conservative MPs.