Full Breakdown
Andy Burnham Appoints Former Hope Not Hate Director as No 10 Political Strategy Chief
7/17/2026, 12:13:45 AM
Core Appointment
On 16 July 2026, Burnham announced that Matthew McGregor, chief executive of the activist group 38 Degrees, will serve as head of political strategy in No 10. McGregor previously directed campaigns and communications for the anti-extremism charity Hope Not Hate (January 2018 – October 2021) and spent a year and three months as Digital Rapid Response director for Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign. Alongside him, former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s campaign director Hayden Munro was named political director.
Background & Context
McGregor’s career bridges UK-based campaigning and international election work. After leaving Hope Not Hate, he became CEO of 38 Degrees, a pressure-group that opposes data-centre expansion, advocates for larger refugee intake, and campaigns to remove Palantir from the NHS. In April 2022 he joined the board of Reprieve, a charity that lobbies to abolish citizenship stripping and challenges the label “ISIS brides” for detained Syrian women.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note that Hope Not Hate is facing an Electoral Commission complaint from Nigel Farage over leafleting in the Makerfield by-election, alleging a pro-Burnham slant disguised as anti-extremism work. Reprieve’s anti-citizenship-stripping stance appears to conflict with Burnham’s declaration that “all possible options” should be considered to deport grooming-gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed to Pakistan. Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel warned that “Isis brides like Shamima Begum have no place on our streets,” questioning McGregor’s suitability.
Official Statements & Responses
Burnham’s office emphasized McGregor’s experience on Obama’s campaign as the primary qualification for the No 10 role. The mayor reiterated his position that deportation options for security threats remain on the table, while his team downplayed concerns about past affiliations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He is currently CEO of 38 Degrees and has worked on elections in the U.K. and overseas, including Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign.” — Sam Coates
- “Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel told The Spectator: Isis brides like Shamima Begum have no place on our streets.” — Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary
- “Its website reads: ‘This UK policy is fundamentally racist – only people with foreign ties can have their citizenship taken away.” — Reprieve (charity statement)
