Public affairs and communications management

"Despite gaining 100 seats, the results of May's general election were tinged with disappointment for the Conservative Party. Only six months previous, many expected the Conservatives to capitalise on their handsome poll leads by winning a comfortable majority at the election. Despite an arguably lacklustre campaign - and suffering at the hands of 'Cleggmania' during the famous TV debates - Labour did not receive the drubbing some had predicted in advance. With no overall majority, David Cameron was forced to negotiate with the Liberal Democrats to secure a valid government. The rest is history.

For public affairs practitioners, the coalition government has helped form a different way of working. Liberal Democrats, so often on the sidelines in the past, are now integral to parliamentary lobbying, as noted during their conference which saw a marked increase in interest from corporate representatives and stakeholder groups. With both governing parties compromising on a range of issues and mapping out alternative agendas to those set out in their manifestos, those working in public affairs have been kept on their toes as they inform and advise clients.

However, the coalition still does not have a commanding majority. With the Conservatives and Lib Dems possibly sailing into troubled waters over policy differences in areas such as tuition fees and the AV referendum - with future squalls set to come - Labour in opposition has retained a strong voice. Renewed after the recent leadership and shadow cabinet elections, Labour MPs will be formulating a new raft of policies and positions on key issues. It is also important to note the emergence of new MPs who are stepping up to the fray in the wake of previous government ministers retiring to the backbenches.

Compared to the Conservative shadow benches in the autumn of 1997, wounded from Tony Blair's landslide election victory, Labour's shadow ministers may be down, but they are not out. They have the potential to be considerably more influential as they seek to win over disgruntled Lib Dem rebels. This is why it is important for public affairs practitioners and their clients to build relationships and retain communication with Labour MPs. A week is a long time in politics - and in five years' time it is not inconceivable that today's shadow ministers could find themselves back in government."