Richard Jackson (political advisor)

Richard Jackson is a British political strategist, political advisor, and qualified lawyer in the United Kingdom, who currently serves as the Head of Operations at the Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street with special responsibility for Theresa May's events, tours, and state visits, both domestically and internationally, meaning he also helps with her campaignsand media relations, working closely with and line managing the Downing Street Director of Communications.

Early and personal life

Jackson was born in Blackburn, England, and has been a British national all his life. He studied from 1993 to 2003 at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn in Blackburn. From 2003 to 2007 he studied at the University of Hull for an honours degree in British Politics and Legislative Studies. In the third year of his four-year course, he began his political career by working as a researcher at the House of Commons, where he continued until 2006.

Political career

Immediately after graduating in June 2007, Jackson managed Events and Tours for senior Conservative Party (UK) politicians including the Prime Minister. He went on to then serve as Head of Operations at Conservative Central Office from May 2011 to December 2013 where he oversaw the 2010 General Election. He worked as the head of Media Operations for the Conservative Party during the 2015 general election. He worked as Director of Communications at Avanti Communications Group PLC for 1 year starting August 2015. Following his work in the private sector, Jackson returned to politics as part of the 'Remain campaign’s media team. When Theresa May became Prime Minister in September 2016, Jackson was appointed Head of Operations at the Prime Minister's Office (United Kingdom) at 10 Downing Street. On 24 November 2017, Jackson was left embarrassed after an attempt to deny entry by the European Union, because he was not recognised alongside Theresa May. The BBC described this as an "Awkward EU red carpet moment for PM's aide".

Honours

Jackson was included in the Resignation Honours list by David Cameron in 2016, and he was consequently appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for political service.