Mark has an unrivalled understanding of the interface between politics, communications, and business, after 25 years in consultancy. Founder of Newington in 2006 (which merged with Newgate to form SEC Newgate UK in 2021), Mark led the multi award-winning consultancy to its UK TOP TEN rating. He regularly advises senior corporates on public affairs and communications issues.
Splitting his time between London and Scotland, where he is a Professor of Practice in Public Affairs and Economic Development at Glasgow University. Mark is a Fellow of the PRCA and also sits on the Advisory Board of Rewired Earth.
Mark is a leading expert in understanding the Labour Party, and wider UK politics from over 40 years involvement at the highest level. Mark is a former councillor of 12 years and Chair of Southwark Labour Group. He is married to Johanna Baxter MP.
Mark won the PRCA Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs Award in 2020 and has several SABRE, PRCA and business awards. He is a past Master of the Worshipful Company of Communicators, the industry’s City Livery Company for public relations.
Mark is regularly included in the PRWeek Power Book, MACE Top 100 Lobbyists and remains listed in PR Week’s list of Top Ten Public Affairs Professionals. He has also judged awards for the PRCA, PR Week, ICCO, Horticulture Week, and the Bulgarian PR Industry.
Mark was an expert witness on lobbying transparency in front of the Council of Europe, served for five years on Marston Group's Ethical Advisory Group, was the elected Chair of the APPC, now the PRCA Public Affairs Board. Mark was a member of the Federal Executive of the Lib Dems in 1992 and a founder of the Reformer Magazine.
Mark has past involvement with charities; Humanity and Inclusion, and UK Youth, and is passionate about social inclusion. He plays competitive chess for the Reform Club.