The new face quietly becoming a key figure behind the scenes for Labour
PR guru Dan Hughes is helping to built up celebrity support for Keir Starmer's government.
A former Labour adviser turned public relations executive has quietly become a key force in the party's fundraising machine.
Dan Hughes, whose clients range from corporations to high-profile public figures, has been harnessing his impressive network to galvanise support for key events.
He has been working behind the scenes with Labour bigwigs to persuade many corporate clients to attend and sponsor events and fringe meetings at the Labour conference in Liverpool this week.
A Labour source said: “Dan has brought in major sponsors for various receptions, some of which will be attended by members of the cabinet and the Prime Minister.”
In recent years, he has drummed up support and funding for Health Secretary Wes Stressing, Home Office minister Dame Angela Eagle and Seen Valley MP Kim Leadbetter in the run up to the general election.
Mr Hughes organised two major events for Health Secretary Wes Streeting, one at Lord Waheed Alli’s plush London home with actor Sir Ian McKellen and other prominent gay celebrities and entrepreneurs.
He also arranged another in Liverpool with football icons Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, which raised significant sums for the party.
The insider explained: "Dan's a well-connected figure with friendships spanning the business, celebrity and political world and was involved in Labour’s fundraising efforts - particularly for LGBT MPs in the run up to the general election.
"He's done well in his PR career and is actively helping Labour attract donors and celebrity support. He's enlisting his client base to back the party and it is working.
"He has organised two major events for Wes Streeting alone —one at Lord Waheed Ali’s plush London home with Sir Ian McKellen and other prominent gay celebrities and entrepreneurs. He arranged another in Liverpool with football icons Jamie Carrager and Gary Neville involved. Both raised significant sums for the party.
"He also had the Deputy Prime Minister in Liverpool fundraising for Angela Eagle at a luxury fundraising luncheon back in April. He is well networked and using that to Labour's advantage."
As the 2024 Labour Party Conference kicks off in Liverpool this weekend, his influence looms large once again. Many of his clients are sponsoring key events at the conference, ensuring that Labour’s fundraising efforts remain well-fuelled.
The PR executive has also secured invites for his clients to attend some of the most exclusive events during the Liverpool conference, including dinners and lunches with some of Labour's most prominent politicians. A clutch of donors attending will also have front row seats for Keir Starmer's first Labour conference speech as Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, records show that he has personally donated thousands to Wes Streeting and other Labour figures in recent years including the Brent MP, Dawn Butler.
A Labour insider, who knows the PR man well, added: "He's got a reputation as an operator and Labour MP's like him, especially Angela Eagle, who he worked with for years and Streeting who he's led significant fundraising for.
"Dan has donated thousands to Labour figures in recent years, including the Brent MP, Dawn Butler and also the North West Labour Party."
