Francis Halewood, who resigned as acting communications director at
Conservative Central Office in September, has joined crisis management
experts John Stonborough and Co as a freelance consultant.
Halewood left his party post after reported disagreements within William
Hague’s press team. The conflict centred on the Tory leader’s decision
to criticise Labour’s handling of the death of Diana, Princess of
Wales.
Halewood joined Central Office in January as operational manager. He was
responsible for co-ordinating the Party’s election media campaign.
When communications director Charles Lewington left in May, Halewood
became acting head.
Before joining the party, Halewood was deputy editor of Radio 4’s Today
programme, where his editorial responsibilities included fielding
political pressure on the programme. Halewood will advise Stonborough
clients on improving their coverage on current affairs programmes.
