Bethell, who stood as the Conservative candidate for Tooting at last year's election, most recently worked on David Cameron's successful Tory leadership campaign.
He becomes the fifth partner at Portland. Founder Tim Allan, who formerly acted as Alastair Campbell's deputy in Number 10, said the hire was in line with the agency's policy of employing staff across the political spectrum.
Bethell said: 'My remit is to bring in bigger accounts from plcs.'
Allan had attempted to rehire Rachel Whetstone before she joined Google (PR Week, 18 Nov 2005).
He becomes the fifth partner at Portland. Founder Tim Allan, who formerly acted as Alastair Campbell's deputy in Number 10, said the hire was in line with the agency's policy of employing staff across the political spectrum.
Bethell said: 'My remit is to bring in bigger accounts from plcs.'
Allan had attempted to rehire Rachel Whetstone before she joined Google (PR Week, 18 Nov 2005).
