Alex Morton, the Prime Minister’s special adviser on DCLG matters, including housing, planning and development, is joining Field Consulting as a Director. Morton, who has served 2½ years in Downing Street, becomes the latest addition to the one of the fastest growing public affairs agencies in the industry, confirming Field’s ability to deliver the strategic advice and insights that clients need.

Chris Rumfitt, Field Consulting Founder & Chief Executive, commented on Morton’s hire:

“Alex has been pivotal in creating the Government’s planning and housing policies and framing the entire debate in this area. I can think of no-one better to help our clients to understand how they position themselves and work with the Government. His knowledge of the Government and the Conservative Party in this area is second to none. He will be an outstanding addition to our growing team.”

Alex Morton added:

“I am delighted to be joining Field Consulting and to be part of their expanding and exciting operation. Field are one of the UK’s fastest growing and most dynamic agencies and I am looking forward to joining the team.  The need to dramatically increase house-building in the UK is well known, and I am keen to help the sector deliver this. The risk of not engaging and failing to shape the debate and ongoing policy development has never been greater.”

Alex Morton was hired by Downing Street from the influential Policy Exchange think tank where he was Head of Housing, Planning & Urban Policy from 2010-2013.

Field Consulting was founded two years ago by Chris Rumfitt, former MD of Public Affairs at Edelman. The agency has grown rapidly to a ten-strong team with £1m+ revenues. The team has cross-party specialists with key team members including Luke Pollard, Lyndsey Drea and Naushabah Khan.

Morton joins the team in May. Also joining at the same time is James Sloan, who joins as an Account Executive from Dods, where he is a political consultant specializing in transport issues.

Morton’s appointment has been approved by the Cabinet Office under their Business Appointment Rules, and is subject to the usual restrictions governing former Speical Advisers.