A PR guru who was the spin doctor for former Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov is to become the head of communications for Scottish Labour.
Charlie Mann, who advised the controversial Lithuanian tycoon during one of the stormiest periods of the Tynecastle club’s history, is expected to start soon.
His appointment means that Gina Davidson, a respected journalist who is acting head of communications for Scottish Labour, is leaving her post.
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Aidan Kerr, a journalist for STV, is to become the party's "digital and press officer".
Mann’s online biography states that he is a “public relations and broadcasting professional” with 30 years’ experience in high level communications”.
It states: “Skilled in crises and reputation management, his career has also seen him work with some of the highest profile businessmen in Scotland including Sir Ian Wood, Sir Moir Lockhead and the controversial Russian-born Lithuanian former owner of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, Vladimir Romanov.
“As a trained journalist and member of the BBC sports broadcasting team, he leads the 3x1 media training programme, working closely with some of Scotland’s leading broadcasters to prepare company representatives to maximise the opportunities presented to them via the broadcast and social media.”
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It is understood Mann's work for Romanov ceased in around 2008. He was quoted at the time:
"Working with Vladimir Romanov for the last four years has been a unique experience, a rollercoaster ride, and it has shown that a club like Hearts does have the ability to challenge the Old Firm in Scotland.
"But communication is vital to that whole process and I have my views on that. As a professional in the public relations industry, I am clear on the value of communicating regularly and effectively with your customers."
A spokesperson for Labour said: "We don't comment on staff."
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