Lord Kempsell profits from PR firm advising Boris Johnson

Ross Kempsell, now known as Lord Kempsell, is the sole director of Hyannis Strategy, a PR firm with significant assets and clients including Boris Johnson's office and GB News. His appointment to the House of Lords in July 2022, alongside former aide Charlotte Owen, has drawn accusations of cronyism from the Labour Party. Kempsell's involvement in the campaign to retain Johnson during the Partygate scandal further fueled these claims. The financial success of Hyannis Strategy, previously known as Good Night and Good Luck Media, is notable, with reported assets exceeding £2 million. The accounts filed do not include work done for Johnson after Kempsell's elevation to the Lords, indicating a potential conflict of interest. Additionally, Kempsell is linked to other businesses, including Maple Research Limited and Arcani Intelligence Ltd, which provide media and business intelligence services. His travel expenses have raised eyebrows, with trips funded by various entities, including a property developer and foreign governments. These trips, along with his connections to Johnson and Owen, have led to scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of their appointments and the influence of financial backers in political appointments. The controversy surrounding their appointments has intensified, especially with Owen's recent role at Better Earth, an environmental consultancy co-chaired by Johnson. Critics argue that these developments exemplify a troubling trend of favoritism and lack of transparency in political appointments, raising questions about the integrity of the House of Lords and the influence of former leaders in shaping current political landscapes.