Newington Chief Executive Mark Glover stands down as chair of the Association of Professional Political Consultants after completing a year in post.

The former chairman said the APPC had developed a more "rigorous code of conduct" under his tenure, which aided transparency in the industry.

He added: "I am also delighted to see an increase in female representation on the management committee and a queue of agencies keen to join. Despite the challenges thrown up by an ineffective Statutory Code and the introduction next year of a Scottish Register, I am delighted that the APPC remains the 'gold standard' code of conduct for public affairs."

Glover took over the role of chairman from Iain Anderson in 2016 after serving as the latter’s deputy during his two-year stint in the role. Most chairs take a one-year tenure - Anderson had his extended by 12 months.

Bristow paid tribute to Glover’s chairmanship of the APPC, saying: "I would like to register my great appreciation to Mark Glover for his hard work, diligence and leadership over the last 12 months."

The incoming chairman set out his own plans for the coming year, including maintaining an "effective relationship" with the Office of the Registrar of Consultants Lobbyists while ensuring that it did not "extend its brief beyond the legislative parameters" and ensuring that third party lobbyists, such as lawyers and think tanks, were signed up to it.

Chief Executive of Newington Communications, stood down after completing a year in post and said he was completing his chairmanship leaving the APPC in a sound financial position and better known in the industry.

He added: "APPC membership is a significant commitment for our members, which is why I would like to explore the potential for additional benefits. Mandatory APPC membership to qualify for participation in pitches is something I'd like to look into further and which will be on our agenda for the upcoming APPC strategy meeting."