Nothing can transform a public policy professional's role quite like a general election. With a change in national leadership looking highly likely (at the time of writing, at least) the day-to-day activities of thousands of specialists are likely to shift quite dramatically in the coming months. However, anything can happen during and after the campaign period; that’s why we’ve outlined what a victory for each of the three leading parties could mean for policy specialists in the UK.

Conservatives holding power

If the latest polls are to be believed, this outcome would be a major surprise, however the Conservatives have promised a lot in their election campaign. For public policy specialists, this result would promise the least change; although there would likely be a renewed focus on stimulating growth, whilst ensuring a degree of fiscal responsibility. Professionals with expertise in economic and tax policy, along with innovative business incentive policies, would likely be the main beneficiaries of a Conservative victory. The incumbent government has also outlined plans to boost the health service and this would probably come in the form of an expanded role for private sector firms in improving healthcare delivery. There will also be a need to address issues within education, specifically funding allocation and improving levels of inequality across the UK. However, it’s probably fair to say that policy experts will need to prepare themselves for some form of change in the coming weeks.

A Labour victory

That change – again, if the polls are to be believed – is likely to come in the form of a Labour victory. Sir Keir Starmer’s party has also made major pledges to transform the UK, and it’s likely there will be a focus on increasing public spending, particularly on infrastructure and services projects. Labour’s broader aims will also be to cut inflation and try to increase spending in a nation severely impacted by the cost-of-living crisis. Concrete details are fairly thin on the ground – however, there will be a much larger focus on delivering social equity programmes than if the Conservatives were to retain power. There will also likely be substantial increases in NHS funding and the expansion of services with the same principle applying in education. While changes to taxation policy have been rejected by Starmer, this money has to come from somewhere, so it’s likely taxes will rise in one form or another. Despite the party’s claims, a Labour victory will mean that public policy roles will likely pivot to focus on greater investment, rather than an increasing tightening of national purse strings, so professionals with economic expertise could benefit.

Liberal Democrats leading the way

Ed Davey’s campaign so far has focused more on building his potential as a leader, rather than delving into policies in any real detail, and a Liberal Democrat victory really would be a surprise. Once policy professionals have picked their collective jaws off the ground, their roles would likely adapt to a renewed focus on environmental policy, with a strong emphasis on addressing climate change and boosting investment in green technologies. This would mean there would be major demand for experts in environmental economics, renewable energy policy and sustainability. The healthcare sector would also be the centre of a major transformation, with the Lib Dems proposing a complete redevelopment of the care sector and its role and funding. Legal policy would also be reevaluated, with Davey’s party planning to place a greater emphasis on civil liberties and human rights, whilst also looking to dramatically reduce inequality in the UK.

It should also be said that there is also the potential for a hung parliament, or even a Reform victory (stop laughing), in which case things will become even more complicated. If either of those surprise outcomes were to happen, we’ll make sure we deliver an instant reaction!

A changing environment for public policy professionals

Whatever happens in the upcoming election, it’s highly likely that the roles of policy specialists will change significantly over the coming weeks and months. Our specialist team understands the nuances and complexity of this changing market and can support you and your career, whatever the outcome. If you would like to find a role that suits your skills, expertise and background, then speak to the experts who can help you navigate this changing environment.

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