Bell Pottinger Public Affairs has hired former Labour PPC Kevin McKeever as a director. A property communications specialist, he will lead the company’s successful local government and planning unit.

McKeever joins from boutique property consultancy Innesco, and has worked in both agency and in-house property communications roles. He has experience in crisis communications and corporate reputation management as well as public affairs.

Kevin worked for the Labour Party as a Regional Organiser in the lead-up to the 2005 General Election. He is chairman of Corby and East Northants Labour Party, and stood as a Labour parliamentary candidate in Leicestershire at the 2010 General Election. He is widely tipped to be amongst the new intake of Labour MPs at the next General Election.

Commenting on his appointment, Kevin said: “I'm looking forward to joining an already strong team and working hard to secure Bell Pottinger's place as best-in-class provider of planning and local government support for clients. I’m also looking forward to advising all clients on Labour’s perspective."

BPPA Chairman Peter Bingle said, “Kevin has the most superb Labour Party network. As local government tilts towards Labour his arrival could not be better timed. His appointment further strengthens the best team in the business.”