Poynton is from Falkirk, as are his parents.[4] He previously tried to be selected as Labour’s candidate in that constituency in 2013 but was unsuccessful. He was also reported as having paid for new members to support his nomination at the time.[4]
Poynton has worked in communications since leaving education.[5] From 2009 to 2014, Poynton worked for Blue State Digital, an online fundraising and campaign consultancy company.[6]
Poynton worked at the Labour head office on the subject of election strategy as a director of external engagement and for also worked Jim Murphy when he was Scottish Labour leader.[6] For a time, he led the global digital and creative teams at the government advisory company Consulum.[7] From 2022, he was a partner at Headland Consultancy specialising in data, insights and digital communications.[7][5]
In October 2023, he advocated for a new Scottish industrial strategy.[8]
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