Fraser McFarland
Nottinghamshire
Summary
Experienced political operator and campaign strategist with a proven track record in securing and retaining Parliamentary and Local Government seats for Conservatives throughout the United Kingdom.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief of Staff
Brendan Clarke-Smith MP
Houses Of Parliament, London
01.2020 - 11.2024
- Collate all required information from team members to present to the MP
- Conduct parliamentary research as required
- Deal with security matters, keep abreast of security guidance, maintain the security system, liaise with external bodies as appropriate
- Ensure the office is fully equipped
- Exposure and management of complex cases
- Have final signoff on all relevant delegated areas from the MP, for example constituent correspondence
Horizon-scanning, anticipate what advice or action may be required; proactively identify problems and resolve them - Identify training opportunities and ensure the office team maintain and develop knowledge of relevant legislation where appropriate
- Lead and maintain a highly professional administrative support function for the MP’s office
- Liaise with groups/personnel including at Westminster, within the constituency and the general public on the MP’s behalf as necessary
- Manage the office team, ensuring accurate personnel records are kept and notifying IPSA of contractual changes as necessary
- Overall management of the Member's diary commitments, delegating tasks to others as appropriate
- Plan the MPs internal communications and external stakeholder engagement and provide strategic advice on constituent matters on behalf of the MP where appropriate
- Provide high quality, efficient and effective support to the MP and interest groups as required
- Responsibility for managing all aspects of the budget, keeping the MP informed of all relevant financial matters and liaising with IPSA on office finance
- Support and manage the recruitment of staff for the MP’s office
- Take ownership of certain casework as required
Campaign Manager
The Conservative & Unionist Party
UK
01.2011 - 10.2019
- I started working for the Conservative Party just before the 2010 General Election and have been in various roles, both paid and voluntary, across the United Kingdom, including Mansfield, Reigate, Suffolk Coastal, Chippenham, and Wokingham.
- Designed creative materials such as brochures, flyers, posters. to promote campaigns.
- Conducted research on target markets and developed detailed profiles of target audiences.
- Organised events such as press conferences, rallies, fundraisers and generate publicity for campaigns and candidates.
- Leveraged social media exposure to gain free and useful pushes directly with voters.
- Developed attractive and engaging print and digital ads.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of Lincoln
Lincoln, UK07-2010
Skills
- Political and strategic communications
- Social Media Engagement
- Resource Planning
- Multitasking
- Excellent Communication
- Attention to Detail
- Analytical Thinking
- Strategic Planning
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Results Orientation
- Event Coordination
- Company Representation
- Problem-solving aptitude
Accomplishments
- I was nominated for 30 to Watch: Politics Awards 2023 for my work both in Parliament but also my role on Liz Truss' leadership campaign in 2022.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Chief of Staff
Brendan Clarke-Smith MP
01.2020 - 11.2024
Campaign Manager
The Conservative & Unionist Party
01.2011 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Politics
University of Lincoln