Darren Murphy

Darren is a political communications specialist, operating throughout the world on a range of issues, campaigns and projects.

Darren spent eight years as a Special Adviser in Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Government including directly for the Prime Minister as Special Adviser for Political Communications based in 10 Downing Street. Prior to this Darren worked as Special Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions and Special Advisor to the Secretary of State for Health. Darren also worked on Labour’s successful 1997, 2001 and 2005 general election campaigns.

From 2005, Darren was the UK Managing Director of APCO Worldwide, Global Head of APCO’s Services to Governments practice and established Global Political Strategies, APCO’s international advisory business. In 2011, Darren founded Centreground Political Communications, a London-based political campaigns and communications consultancy which was acquired by Bell Pottinger in 2014.

Darren’s expertise lies in advising heads of state and governments, party, political and business leaders in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia on political strategy, elections, campaigns and strategic communications.

Prior to joining the Government in 1997, Darren held several roles in local government including Economic Development Strategy and Europe Manager for North Tyneside Council and as a private consultant in regional development and European funding including for numerous EU higher education institutions, local training and enterprise councils and the British Broadcasting Corporation.

He is a former chair of Newcastle upon Tyne Local Education Authority, member of the Court of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a board member of the Theatre Royal Newcastle.