Portland hires senior SNP aide Paul Robertson

Portland has appointed Paul Robertson as an account director to strengthen its Scottish public affairs expertise.

Previously, Robertson was the Scottish National Party’s head of research and policy in Westminster and he played a key role in building the party’s operations in London. He also helped to develop the SNP’s manifesto policy platform for this year’s general election.

At the SNP, Robertson was responsible for developing policy, coordinating political strategy on reserved matters, managing relations with major stakeholders and liaising with Scottish government colleagues while in Westminster. Prior to this he worked for the SNP’s social justice spokesperson. He joins Portland in its London office.

Victoria Dean, partner and head of Portland’s Brexit Unit, said: “Paul brings extensive knowledge and insight into Scotland’s regulatory and political environment at a time when Scotland and its multi-dimensional politics influence many of today’s biggest issues facing businesses.”

She added: “We look forward to Paul working with our clients to provide insight and engagement with the Scottish regulatory and political landscape, and to building on our offer to global corporates who appreciate the importance of understanding domestic markets like Scotland.”