Allan started his political career in 1992 as a researcher for
Tony Blair, who was
Shadow Home Secretary. When Blair was elected as
Leader of the Opposition in 1994, Allan became his deputy press secretary. Following the
1997 general election, he became Deputy
Director of Communications at 10 Downing Street, reporting to
Alastair Campbell. In 2001 Allan founded public relations consultancy Portland Communications, which was launched as the result of a contract with Allan's boss, BSkyB chief executive
Tony Ball. The beer had become known in the UK as "wife-beater", in part because of its high alcohol content, and perceived connection with binge drinking and aggression. In April 2012, Allan sold a majority stake in Portland to media marketing company
Omnicom for an estimated £20 million. He served as board member of the
anti-transgender advocacy organisation
Sex Matters from September 2024 up until his appointment as
Downing Street Director of Communications in September 2025. He resigned as Director of Communications on 9 February 2026, following the resignation of Chief of Staff
Morgan McSweeney amid internal party pressures stemming from his involvement in recommending the appointment of
Peter Mandelson as
British ambassador to the United States. Mandelson was dismissed from the post in September 2025 following the release of documents revealing the extent of his
ties to the convicted sex offender
Jeffrey Epstein. == References ==