With Conservative MPs defecting to Reform, it got me thinking about something
organisations may overlook: what happens when your carefully cultivated
stakeholder relationships shift overnight?

We invest significant time building relationships with MPs, council leaders, and
decision-makers based on shared objectives and mutual understanding. Housing
associations work with MPs who champion new and affordable housing. Infrastructure companies align with those supporting development. Charities partner with politicians who back their causes. But political allegiances aren’t permanent. When an MP changes party, their priorities often shift too. The person who championed your housing development might now oppose it. The advocate for your sector might suddenly have different policy positions.

This isn’t just about politics. Senior executives move companies. Regulators change approach. Community leaders shift focus.

The stakeholder who was your ally yesterday might have entirely different objectives tomorrow.

So how do organisations prepare for stakeholder volatility?

Map relationships beyond individuals. Build connections across parties, departments, and organizational levels. Understand the underlying interests that
drive decisions, not just the current political positions. And always have Plan B
relationships ready!

In a world where political direction can change overnight (and is), betting everything on one stakeholder’s consistency is a risk few organisations can afford.