Richard Blakeway
Director of Housing, Mayor's Office
Greater London Authority

Richard Blakeway spent seven years in the House of Commons working as a special advisor. He joined the Conservative Party's policy review between 2005-8, working closely with Bob Geldof on new investment models for foreign aid and debt relief, and subsequently launching David Cameron's Real Trade campaign with Rwandan President, Paul Kagame. 

In 2007, Richard joined the Boris Johnson campaign, as an advisor on a number of portfolios, including health, social policy and housing. He was responsible for devising Boris Johnson's housing and planning manifesto launched at RIBA in March 2008 and subsequently formed part of the newly elected Mayor's transition team responsible for establishing the new administration.

In 2004 Richard helped launch and edit the International Development Magazine circulated to over 100 countries. The award-nominated magazine included contributions from Nelson Mandela and Tony Blair, and secured the first article from the Foreign Secretary's Council on the legality of the war against Iraq. The magazine was the only commercial publication to be circulated to delegates at the 2005 G8 summit at Gleneagles, and during this period successfully negotiated sponsorship packages from Microsoft and Pfizer. Richard also managed the re-launch of Asian Affairs magazine.