LONDON — Hanover Communications has appointed former Labour communications chief and political journalist Patrick Hennessy as a senior director, as the UK gears up for a probably change of government this week.

Hennessy (pictured, centre) advised the leader of the opposition and shadow cabinet under Ed Miliband, as deputy director of communications for Labour from 2013 to 2015, before moving to support London mayor Sadiq Khan as director of communications at City Hall.

His journalism career spanned nearly three decades, including positions at the Evening Standard and the Sunday Telegraph, where he was political editor.

As senior director, Hennessy will report into Hanover’s UK public affairs MD Joe Derry-Malone (pictured, left), and will provide full-time strategic counsel to clients across the technology, energy, financial services, retail and health sectors. He joins a group of more than 100 political and communication specialists at the agency, including former cross-party political staffers, civil servants, journalists and campaigners.

Hanover president and managing partner Gavin Megaw (pictured, right) said: “Paddy’s extensive experience in Labour communications and journalism is a tremendous asset to our clients. We have been working for some time to invest in significant capabilities to help them navigate a change in government.

“Business leaders are under intense pressure to respond to today’s big changes while in a new era of heightened scrutiny. Paddy’s experience will enhance our ability to provide top-tier advice and support to our clients, particularly as they prepare for a change of government here in the UK.”

Hennessy added: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Hanover at a time of major change for Westminster, Whitehall and the business world. I hope my years working with Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party, as well as my experience as a political journalist, will add value to Hanover and its wide range of clients across key sectors of the economy.”

Hanover, part of Avenir Global, has offices in London, Brussels, Dublin, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and recently expanded to Riyadh. It has a team of more than 200 across Europe and the Middle East.