Broadening the array of senior advisors on the Birmingham-based agency’s roster

Two seasoned Labour Party politicians have joined West Midlands public affairs and strategic communications consultancy Walk Through Walls.

David Kidney, former MP for Stafford, and former Birmingham City Council leader, Ian Ward, currently in his 31st year as a councillor, have joined the firm as consultants, bolstering its client offer in areas including life sciences and planning policy.

The appointments reflect growing demand from clients for specialist sector expertise alongside strategic public affairs and reputation management support.

Life sciences sector, policy engagement, regulation and stakeholder relations

David, a solicitor by trade who served as Stafford MP from 1997 to 2010, is chairman of the Life Sciences Week advisory board and has served in a series of health sector leadership roles since leaving politics.

He joins Walk Through Walls as a consultant specialising in the life sciences sector, policy engagement, regulation and stakeholder relations across healthcare, innovation and commercial life sciences.

David said: “Life sciences businesses are operating in an increasingly complex policy and regulatory environment. Walk Through Walls brings together strategic communications and serious policy insight, and I am pleased to be working with the team to help clients engage confidently with government, regulators and stakeholders.”

Planning policy, supporting development, infrastructure and regeneration expertise

Ian Ward gained prominence when, as leader of Birmingham City Council, he secured the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and with it the delivery of nearly £1bn in infrastructure investment into the city.

He joins Walk Through Walls as a consultant focused on planning policy, supporting development, infrastructure and regeneration projects through planning strategy, political engagement and public communications.

Ian said:  “Planning outcomes increasingly depend on trust, clarity, and effective communication. Walk Through Walls understands how planning policy, politics and public perception interact, and I look forward to supporting clients on projects where building consent and credibility is critical.”

Gary Sambrook, Managing Partner at Walk Through Walls, said: “The appointments of Ian and David strengthen the firm’s senior advisory offer. Both bring practical expertise in areas where our clients face the greatest complexity, from life sciences regulation to planning risk and political scrutiny.”

Paul Cadman, Group CEO of Walk Through Walls, added: “These appointments are about depth and credibility. David and Ian understand how policy decisions are made and implemented in the real world, and their insight will be invaluable to clients navigating challenging regulatory and political environments.”

Walk Through Walls said both consultants will work closely with its senior team across public affairs, strategic communications and reputation risk mandates.