John Cotton joins 5654 to help businesses seize the opportunities of devolution

‍5654 & Company has today announced the appointment of John Cotton, former Leader of Birmingham City Council, as a Senior Adviser. At a time when new Prime Minister Andy Burnham is focused on putting power back into the hands of communities to help stimulate regional economies, John strengthens 5654's ability to advise on the opportunities of Devolution and 'place-based' growth.

The appointment reflects 5654’s continued investment in its local and regional government advisory service for clients across all sectors, and particularly those in the housing, development and regeneration space.

John brings extensive experience from his former role as the Labour leader of Europe's largest local authority. He took over the leadership of Birmingham City Council during one of the most significant crises in its history following the issue of a Section 114 notice (commonly described as effective bankruptcy).

John is widely respected across local and national government for his leadership during this period of unprecedented financial and organisational reform. As Council Leader, he worked closely with ministers in both the Labour Government and the previous Conservative Government, as well as with Government commissioners overseeing Birmingham’s recovery programme. Under his leadership, the Council made substantial progress in implementing its financial recovery plan and restoring stability to the organisation.

John joins 5654’s broader team of senior advisers including: Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, former Deputy Chief Medical Officer who advised government during the COVID-19 pandemic and on the Strategic Defence Review; Simon Baugh CBE, former Chief Executive of the Government Communication Service and communications adviser to the Government’s COBR Emergency Planning meeting; Gemma Ungoed-Thomas, former Director for State Threats, Cyber and Technology in the UK Government; Vanessa Bowcock, former adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer; and, Jonathan Gullis, former Conservative MP and Minister, and now Reform UK leader of a West Midlands council. John’s appointment to the team makes it one of the most experienced senior advisory groups in the market.

Welcoming John to the company, founder Ben Thornton said: “We’re delighted John has chosen 5654. 5654 & Company was founded to help clients act to earn support. With Andy Burnham's focus on Devolution and regional economic development, John will provide valuable insight for our team and clients into the challenges facing councils, and the critical role that businesses and other partners can play in delivering successful growth and regeneration at a local level. John further strengthens our senior advisory team and we’re looking forward to working together.”

John Cotton said: "Andy’s commitment to devolving power and the levers for growth creates a major opportunity for businesses and organisations to be recognised as anchor institutions in the places where they operate. By investing locally, creating jobs and supporting inclusive growth, they can achieve their commercial objectives while winning reputation and support by playing a central role in delivering the Government’s place-based agenda. I’m looking forward to working with 5654’s clients and team to help organisations seize these opportunities and demonstrate the role they can play in driving growth across the country."

5654 is a leading independent corporate affairs consultancy founded to help clients communicate and earn support.

In addition to more than 20 years’ experience as a councillor and his leadership of one of the UK’s most complex local authorities, John has also worked as an advisor to an MP in Birmingham, advised voluntary sector organisations in the city, and chaired the Labour Housing Group, a Labour Party affiliated organisation, that brings together politicians and housing professionals to shape housing policy.