Gawain Towler
Gawain Towler, is a prominent British political strategist, communications expert, and commentator. Educated at Clayesmore School in Dorset and the University of York, where he studied philosophy. His early career included serving as an assistant to Conservative MEP Nirj Deva in Brussels, where he co-founded the satirical magazine The Sprout, critiquing EU bureaucracy.
Towler joined the UK Independence Party (UKIP) in 2004 as a press officer, rising to Director of Communications in 2009. He managed UKIP's media strategy through its ascent, contesting elections under both Conservative and UKIP banners, including the 2001 General Election in Glasgow Maryhill and UKIP's European Parliament lists in 2009 and 2014. A key ally of Nigel Farage, Towler became Director of Communications for the Brexit Party in 2019, orchestrating its victory in the European elections.
As the party rebranded to Reform UK, Towler continued in the role until 2024, shaping its anti-establishment messaging on immigration, net zero, and sovereignty. In 2025, he was elected to Reform UK's governing board. Beyond party politics, he founded CWC Strategy for crisis communications, serves as Senior Adviser at Bradshaw Advisory, and co-founded Oak Insight. A prolific writer for outlets like The Telegraph, The Spectator, and The Critic, Towler remains a vocal advocate for British sovereignty and conservative values.
Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris
Rt Hon Chris Heaton-Harris is a British former politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Daventry from 2010 until 2024. He was a Minister 2016-2024 and a member of the UK Cabinet 2022-2024.
During his political career, he held several significant roles, including Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from September 2022 to July 2024 under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, where he helped negotiate the Windsor Framework between the EU and UK and also negotiated the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland. Heaton-Harris was Chief Whip under Boris Johnson’s Premiership and also served as the UK’s Rail Minister July 2019 to December 2021.
Before entering the UK Parliament, Heaton-Harris was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the East Midlands from 1999 to 2009, where he served as the Conservative Chief Whip from 2001 to 2004.
Before politics, Heaton-Harris worked nights in his family’s wholesale fruit and vegetable business in New Covent Garden Market for 11 years, running the business for five of those. He has also been an active and qualified football referee for 44 years and more recently has
enjoyed power-lifting.
He has been involved in community roles such as chairing the Northampton Theatres’ Board of Trustees and is currently Chair of the stroke rehabilitation charity, the Reach for Health Centre. In addition to founding Oak-Insight, Heaton-Harris is a Non Executive Director of M2 Recovery Ltd.
Kirsty Walmsley
Kirsty Walmsley is a distinguished political strategist, public affairs specialist, and campaign leader with extensive experience across the Conservative Party and Reform UK.
Beginning her career as the youngest Conservative councillor in the UK, she served with distinction. She continued her career as an election agent and later worked in Parliament for several Conservative MPs and a government minister.
Joining Reform UK in 2021, Walmsley quickly became a key member of the senior leadership team under Richard Tice. As Head of Candidates, she built a robust network across the party, mentoring and training candidates who have since risen to prominence as council and community leaders. Concurrently, she led the Education Policy Development Group, spearheading innovative policy initiatives and delivering keynote addresses at two national conferences.
In 2024, under Nigel Farage’s leadership, Walmsley was appointed Campaign Director for Wales, where she strengthened Reform UK’s regional presence by developing its branch structure and leveraging her expertise in devolved governance. Her strategic leadership has positioned the party for significant gains in the 2026 Senedd election. She also served as election agent for high-profile candidates, including Dr David Bull, Chairman, and Alex Wilson, London Assembly Member.
Transitioning to public affairs in 2025, Walmsley continues to shape political discourse with her incisive understanding of policy and strategy. A trusted adviser and dynamic leader, she remains a prominent voice in advancing conservative principles and effective political strategy.