In February 2021 he announced he was leaving the BBC to work as a political adviser for a Conservative Party MP.
He has written columns for many newspapers including the Daily Express, where he wrote articles on a number of political and social issues.
During his time at Radio London he achieved record high audience figures in the late night slot.
Barkes has a long history working as a campaigner and media consultant managing various press offices and PR departments.
During his time campaigning he has worked alongside several politicians, these include Ken Livingstone and UKIP leader Nigel Farage.