Former health minister James O’Shaughnessy re-joins Portland

London-headquartered communications consultancy Portland has welcomed back former health minister James O’Shaughnessy to the fold.

O’Shaughnessy was appointed to the House of Lords by former prime minister David Cameron in 2015 and served as parliamentary under secretary of state in the Department of Health and Social Care between 2016 and 2018.

He previously worked with Portland between 2012 and 2015 as chief policy adviser and returns to the agency as a member of its Advisory Council.

Mark Flanagan, Portland’s UK managing director, said: “We are so pleased to welcome James back to Portland after a successful two years in government. The agency has grown significantly in the time he has been away with a broader range of capabilities and a headcount of over 250 people across six countries. James brings great experience and wisdom to Portland as we continue to expand and refresh”.

In his new role O’Shaughnessy will support the communications firm’s senior management team with the growth and development of the agency internationally as well as in the UK.

In doing so he will work alongside Portland's other senior advisors, including former Freud’s chief executive Nicola Howson and Alastair Campbell.