James Turgoose – Head of Parliamentary Affairs
James co-ordinates and heads up the political work of WPR. In the past 12 months he has overseen the development of the Parliamentary Record - WPR’s flagship product. James is experienced at devising, and implementing, political communications programmes as well as producing a wide variety of briefing papers on political developments. His current focus is on analysing, in detail, the makeup of the new House of Commons and tracking policy developments within the new Coalition Government.
He is a regular speaker at breakfast briefing events in Westminster and around the country – recently he has spoken at breakfasts in Bristol and Cheltenham outlining what the Coalition Government might mean for business.
Before joining WPR, James worked in the House of Commons for a number of years – firstly in the Parliamentary Resources Unit where he specialised in International Affairs and Defence - and then latterly for Jeremy Wright MP. His time in the Houses of Parliament equipped him with an in-depth knowledge of Westminster, Whitehall and European institutions. He also has experience of providing secretariat support to All Party Parliamentary Groups, drafting parliamentary questions, and overseeing media communications.
He is a Masters graduate in International Relations from Warwick University and keeps a keen eye on political developments in the United States and Western Europe.
Outside of work he enjoys football, cricket, golf, history and food and drink.
Tom Davies – Parliamentary Officer
Tom has been interested in political affairs for many years. He joined WPR after studying Law with French Law at University College London and the Université Paul Cézanne. Tom specialises in providing detailed background research for clients involved in local projects, including analysis of the demographic and political landscape of a particular area. He also takes day-to-day responsibility for the Parliamentary Record and writes the Smith Square Review, a light-hearted review of the week in Westminster.
Tom has several months’ worth of experience working for a senior Liberal Democrat MP during the run-up to the General Election. Tom worked primarily on health policy, whilst also gaining experience of the Parliamentary process and doing some on-the-ground campaigning.
He likes to follow European and American politics and has a keen interest in constitutional affairs.
Tom plays and watches football regularly, loves to watch cricket and also enjoys skiing, sailing and reading.
Alastair Evans – Parliamentary Officer
Alastair joined WPR in May 2009 and played a considerable role in founding the Parliamentary Record. He supports James Turgoose by carrying out a wide range of political research – with his legal training he has a particular focus on analysing legislation. He compiles comprehensive briefing notes on set piece Parliamentary events such as the Queens Speech and Budget reports. He also assists in facilitating Westminster based events. His political interests include economics, the arts and education policy.
Alastair is a graduate of Reading University, having studied for an LLB. He then moved to London in order to study for the Bar Vocational Course and is a member of Lincoln’s Inn. Alastair has represented parties in the County Court on Landlord and Tenant matters, as well as spending a significant amount of time with The Chambers, 9 Bedford Row.
In his spare time Alastair enjoys playing and watching rugby as well as rowing as often as possible. He is an avid theatre goer and enjoys eating out.