Lib Dems seeks to bolster communications strategy

The Liberal Democrat Party is seeking a director of campaigns and a director of policy and communications in a bid to strengthen its marketing and communications.

Olly Grender, a former PR representative for the party, has been handling the communications and policy role temporarily since the departure of David Norman in October.

The post of communications and policy director, which has previously been a PR role, is being extended to include all external marketing and brand work. The director of campaigns will handle local constituency based initiatives. Grender says that belowthe-line communications are becoming increasingly important in the sector due to the restrictions on political broadcast advertising.

She adds: “The challenge will be in their tactical approach to getting the Lib Dem message across. This communications role will be about strategic approaches and long-term planning.”

Grender adds that the director policy and communications will also be able to “drive the brand process”.

She admits that the party’s branding is being “evaluated” but will not confirm if it is planning to rebrand.

But she adds: “The bird logo has been in existence for a long time.”

The Lib Dems unveiled the “Bird of Liberty” logo – which was designed by Fitch FS – at its 1990 party conference. Earlier this year, the Conservative Party ditched its red, white and blue torch logo for a tree symbol.