Paul Blanchard LLB (Hons) FRSA MIoD LinkedIn: click here Facebook: click here Twitter: click here
	Tel: +44 (0) 845 388 8875	Email: Paul-Bl <at> nchard.com (written like this to avoid spam!)

Hello, and welcome to my web page. Here is a little bit about me. I’m 34 years old, married to Heather, and we live in Hampstead, North London, UK. Below are a few bullet points of information about me and my work. I’m an active networker in ‘real life’ and online, so please do connect with me on facebook and/or LinkedIn.

Work:

• I run a PR and marketing business called Right Angles. Based in Charlotte Street, London, we work for a variety of clients, from small businesses, through campaigning organisations right up to multinational companies. Our twitter feed is here
• We also do media training - more information at: www.in-the-hotseat.com (site currently under development)
• I’m a member of, inter alia, Chartered Institute of PR Government Affairs Group, London Chamber of Commerce
• I joined the Institute of Directors in December 2000 and remain an active member

Politics:

• I am Chair of Labour Humanists. I am an active atheist and humanist, and a member of the British Humanist Association, National Secular Society, and Dignity in Dying. I am also a member of Hampstead Humanist Society
• I’m standing as a Camden Labour Party candidate in the local elections on 6 May 2010, in Frognal & Fitzjohns Ward
• I’m a Fellow of the RSA

• From May 2003 until July 2009, I was a Labour Party councillor at the City of York Council, representing Heworth Ward. After my first four-year term I was re-elected in May 2007 with a greatly increased vote. I chaired, inter alia, the Inclusivity Scrutiny Committee, working at ways of opening-up the council to those who don’t usually get involved in politics, also chairing the Children and Young People Working Group; and was Vice-Chair of the Scrutiny Management Committee
• I am on the party’s “National Parliamentary Panel” – a list of NEC-approved party members who can seek a Parliamentary seat. I’m proud that at the 2005 general election I fought the strong Conservative seat of Ryedale, growing Labour’s vote by 41%, which was the most successful campaign in the whole country in terms of swing. You can have a look at my campaign website here.
• I was active within the Local Government Association for a number of years, latterly serving on the Children & Young People Board until I stood down from the council
• I graduated in 2007 from the “Next Generation” programme from Leadership Centre for Local Government, which is “an 18-month programme designed to develop and support high-flying councillors who have the potential for being leaders of the future”
• I am a member of, inter alia, Labour Animal Welfare Society, Labour Finance and Industry Group, Labour Movement for Europe, the Fabian Society, and Progress

Supporter of:

• A lacto-ovo vegetarian since 2000, and vegan since early 2007, I am a member of The Vegan Society, Captive Animals Protection Society, and Labour Animal Welfare Society. I am a particularly active member and supporter of Compassion in World Farming.
• I am a committed republican and am an active member of Republic. Click here for a clip of me on Sky News talking about the monarchy.
• Between 2002 and 2008 I was Chairman, York Board, of the national business education charity "Young Enterprise", working with many schools in the area to encourage young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. I am also a Volunteer Business Advisor and fundraiser.

Some of the campaigns I have been involved with:

• Ban foie gras – my own award-winning campaign to ban this inhumane ‘delicacy’. Click here for a clip of me on Sky News promoting the campaign, and click here for an extended TV interview discussing the issues

• I am passionate about electoral reform and am involved with Votes at 16, Make Votes Count, Electoral Reform Society

Hobbies and interests:

• Recently joined Spice London
• Science (I am studying for a Physics and Chemistry A-level next year, and am a member of Hampstead Scientific Society)
• BMF
• Learning the piano
• Live Jazz
• Learning French
• Socialising with friends
• Cooking
• Travelling around the UK and abroad
• Politics and current affairs – here is a random clip of me on Richard & Judy defending ‘daft’ council decisions

Last updated: 2 March 2010