Allan’s LinkedIn profile details how he worked for BSkyB before he founded the Portland Communications agency, which specialises in reputation management for businesses, public bodies and high profile individuals.
He was also involved in charitable and investment activities before his return to government.
Allan was the fourth person to hold the role of director of communications under Sir Keir.
Matthew Doyle resigned as Sir Keir’s communications chief nine months after Labour won the 2024 general election, emailing colleagues that it was “time to pass the baton on”.
He was replaced by Steph Driver and James Lyons, both of whom have since left No 10.
On Sunday, McSweeney resigned as Sir Keir’s chief of staff over calls for someone to be held accountable for the decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States.
McSweeney had succeeded Sue Gray, who left the role in October 2024 just months after Labour won the general election.
Baroness Gray, who investigated Covid-era rule-breaking in Boris Johnson’s government when working as a senior civil servant, left Sir Keir’s team following reports of a power struggle between her and other aides.
Paul Ovenden also resigned as No 10’s director of political strategy in September 2025 after offensive messages he had sent in 2017 surfaced.
