James Lyons

Specialist Speaker James Lyons is a keynote communications strategist, former journalist, and the senior political adviser who most recently served as Director of Strategic Communications at 10 Downing Street where he led government messaging and strategic planning. James delivered strategic counsel to Prime Minister and senior government officials.

James was drafted into 10 Downing Street after helping to write the Labour’s election-wining manifesto and drove the development of the Plan for Change programme for government. He directed narrative development and coordinated news planning right across Whitehall. James championed the transformation of 10 Downing Street and departmental comms for modern media engagement.

Before his work in government, James enjoyed a highly accomplished career in journalism directing agenda-setting coverage as Deputy Political Editor at both The Sunday Times and the Daily Mirror. He has held senior communications leadership roles, including as Director of Communications at NHS England between 2021 and 2023, where he played a leading role in the UK’s Covid response, and as Head of European Corporate and Policy Communications at TikTok, blending public sector, media, and tech expertise. James delivered integrated campaigns on the Project Clover data security programme and the ‘TikTok Effect’ analysis of economic benefits and regulatory compliance in the EU and UK.

Known for his strategic vision, clarity of message and ability to guide complex communications initiatives across organisations, James brings a rare combination of media acumen and high-level advisory experience to his speaking portfolio.

You can contact James Lyons via a Specialist Speakers agent on our London landline number – 0204 616 0868 – to hire James for speaking and presentation in both in-person and virtual settings, in the UK. Outside the UK phone +44 [0]1455 633289 or email info@specialistspeakers.com

James Lyons is a Specialist Speakers Exclusive Speaker.