Westminster City Council’s former planning director, John Walker, is joining CTF Local, a division of the campaigning business run by political strategist Lynton Crosby.
Walker (pictured) left Westminster in January, after 35 years heading the planning department, following an overhaul of the leadership team.
Walker is joining CTF Local, the UK arm of Crosby Textor, as a director in June. CTF Local is a research and campaigning specialist that advises clients on strategic land, residential and commercial property, retail, major developments and infrastructure.
In his new role as CTF Local’s executive director, Walker will provide clients with strategic counsel and project oversight.
Gavin Stollar, who leads the business, said: “John has a wealth of expert knowledge of the planning system and the political environment within which it operates. Combined with CTF’s research expertise and campaign methodology, he will provide industry-leading advice to a portfolio of clients.”
Walker said: “I am delighted to be joining CTF. Gavin has built a stellar advisory practice within the preeminent CT Group, which I’m excited to be joining and feels a very natural fit.”
Last year, Westminster council restructured its planning processes after investigations revealed deputy council leader Robert Davis had received hospitality or gifts 893 times over six years. Davis subsequently resigned, following internal investigations. In the restructure that followed, Walker’s role was removed.
Crosby Textor was founded in 2002 and is co-owned by Crosby, who is renowned for his right-wing political campaigning. He was appointed to advise Boris Johnson’s 2008 mayoral election run and has managed several Conservative Party General Election campaigns. He is widely referred to as a “master of the dark political arts”.
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