Annual Dinner with The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP
Oliver cut his political teeth in the Conservative Research Department in 2004, moving to PR company Hill & Knowlton in 2007, before returning to the Conservative Party in 2009
He then worked as a special adviser and David Cameron's deputy chief of staff, where he said most of his time was spent on "day-to-day crisis management". Oliver was regarded as having expertise in the attacking form of political communications, leading to comparisons with Alastair Campbell.
He was elected MP for Hertsmere in the 2015 general election, with a majority of 18,461 votes. While standing, among the policy priorities he highlighted in his campaign were improving transport infrastructure, preserving green belt land and improving education.
In January 2018, he was promoted to parliamentary secretary to the Cabinet Office, as part of Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle.
Appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General by incoming Prime Minister Boris Johnson on 24 July 2019, Dowden was appointed a member of the Privy Council the next day.
On 13 February 2020, Dowden was appointed Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, a post in which he served until being made Chairman of the Conservative Party in September 2021.
The Dinner will be at the Freemasons Arms, 32 Downshire Hill, London NW3 1NT
Reception: 7.30pm, Dinner 8.00pm Carriages:11:00pm
Lounge suit.
We are in the process of confirming the menu and will be advertising tickets soon.