Team

Lilah
Howson-Smith

Practice Director
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Lilah leads GC's UK politics and policy practice. She previously worked as a special advisor for both the Boris Johnson and Theresa May administrations. In the Chief Whip’s Office she worked across the government’s whole legislative agenda, with a particular emphasis on working with the opposition over EU exit legislation. While advising the Northern Ireland Secretary she worked predominantly on policy issues and stakeholder engagement, focusing on the issues surrounding EU exit and the Irish border, and the restoration of the devolved institutions. 

At Global Counsel, Lilah advises clients navigating UK policymaking and politics, helping companies anticipate and adapt to the development of government policy. 

Recent examples of her work include:  

  • Supporting clients navigating major legislative and regulatory change including the Online Harms Bill and the National Security and Investment Bill.
  • Advising financial services firms and corporates on the UK government’s net-zero agenda and intentions and its various sectoral strategies. 
  • Working with a major London landlord to devise collateral and an advocacy strategy on the future of work, following the disruption and change created by Covid-19.

Latest Insights by Lilah Howson-Smith

General Politics

UK Cabinet reshuffle: What should we read into David (now Lord) Cameron's appointment?

General Politics

This week, Practice Director Lilah Howson-Smith, is joined by UK Director Alex Dawson, and Director Denzil Davidson to discuss the Cabinet reshuffle and specifically the appointment of Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary. The team discusses what it tells us about Rishi Sunak's approach, how it will be received at home and abroad, and what to watch in the coming months for a…

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General Politics

Rishi Sunak becomes prime minister

General Politics

Rishi Sunak entered 10 Downing Street yesterday as the UK's third Prime Minister in as many months. On this recording of a GC client briefing call, recorded on October 25th, Lead Political Analyst Joe Armitage is joined by UK Country Director Alex Dawson and Director Lilah Howson-Smith to talk through Sunak's agenda.

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General Politics

The final two candidates for UK Prime Minister

General Politics

After less than two weeks of campaigning, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak have emerged as the two candidates vying to replace outgoing Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The 180,000 members of the Conservative Party will now choose between the two over the summer. 

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View all Insights by Lilah Howson-Smith