An influential Conservative thinker and consultant to blue chip companies is to join Weber Shandwick to lead its UK public affairs practice in May.

David Skelton has worked at the forefront of politics, policy development and public service reform for over a decade. He has also worked extensively in the private sector and with senior politicians and decision makers.

He has written regularly for a number of publications, including The Guardian, New Statesman, The Daily Telegraph, Prospect, Conservative Home and The Spectator, as well as appearing on BBC Radio and TV and Sky News.

Commenting on the appointment, Jon McLeod, Chairman, UK corporate, financial and public affairs, says, "David's appointment reaffirms our commitment to cross-party public affairs consultancy at a time when the political scene will remain fluid for the foreseeable future.

"He also brings that combination of intellectual rigour and creative thinking that is the hallmark of Weber Shandwick's approach to public affairs consultancy."

David Skelton says, "I'm hugely excited about working with Weber Shandwick, a real leader in the field of public affairs, to help clients respond to unique public policy challenges in uncertain times.”

"I look forward to working with Jon and the team to build further Weber Shandwick's strength in depth in public affairs." David spent seven years at PA Consulting, providing strategic advice at board level to businesses, leading universities, police forces and the NHS.

He was then deputy director and head of research at Policy Exchange between 2011 and 2013, when the think tank helped set the political agenda around 'cost of living' and blue collar issues.

After leaving Policy Exchange, David founded the think tank 'Renewal', with the aim of broadening the appeal of the Conservative Party. He has also worked as a senior adviser at a public affairs firm, working with a number of blue chip clients.

David was born and brought up in Consett, County Durham. He was the Conservative Parliamentary candidate for North Durham in 2010, gaining a swing of almost 9%. He supports Sunderland AFC.