We can today announce that Andy Silvester will be joining us after the Easter break as Campaign Manager responsible for Communications.
For the last two years, Andy has been Senior Parliamentary Affairs Officer at the Institute of Directors, from where he brings a wealth of experience in dealing with the media, delivering campaigns and engaging with the organisation's members, supporters and other stakeholders.
He holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from King's College, London, and in his spare time is an American Football coach.
With current Campaign Director, Robert Oxley, leaving to join Business for Britain, Andy's arrival completes a raft of recent new hires, with Dia Chakravarty and Sonia Khan already ensconced in their roles as Political Director and Campaign Manager (Grassroots) respectively.
Andy will be the principal point of contact for press quotes, interview bids and other media enquiries.
Jonathan Isaby, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
"I'm delighted to be welcoming Andy to the TPA as his knowledge, contacts and enthusiasm for our mission will make him a great asset. We are all hugely looking forward to working with him as we seek to promote our War on Waste and continue to make the case for lower, simpler taxes. In Andy, Dia and Sonia we've got a first-class campaign team in place. "Andy comes from the IoD, with whom the TPA has worked closely in the past, and I very much hope we will find ways of collaborating again in the future. Simon Walker, James Sproule and the rest of the IoD team make a vital contribution to the economic debates about growth, taxation and regulation in this country and long may they be loudly heard."
Matthew Elliott, Founder of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
"I'm proud of the TPA's record of nurturing up-and-coming talent over the years. From James Frayne who became Head of Comms at the Department for Education, to Susie Squire who became the PM's spokesperson, to Mark Wallace at ConservativeHome and Emma Boon at Brunswick Public Affairs, we have spotted the best and the brightest over the ten years since our launch. “Andy Silvester is in the same league as these talented campaigners and working alongside Dia Chakravarty and Sonia Khan, I can see the TPA campaign team making a huge impact in the run-up to the general election, and beyond."
Andy Silvester, incoming Campaign Manager (Communications) of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
"After two fulfilling years at the IoD, I'm thrilled to be joining Jonathan and the team at the TPA in this crucial period running up to the general election. I've always admired the TPA's campaigning strength and am excited now about rolling up my sleeves and waging War on Waste."