Politics
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CapX Live: The secret life of Special Advisers

They walk the corridors of power and wield influence, but who are the Special Advisers?

Peter Cardwell worked side-by-side with ministers in three different departments, he spoke exclusively to CapX

In a funny, fascinating, interview Cardwell lifted the lid on one of the more secretive areas of British politics

John Ashmore
24 November 2020
Photo: Getty Images

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmf7z-MwjfI

Who are the mysterious special advisers who walk the corridors of power, wielding influence and driving policy? The SpAd is a special breed: media advisors, policy wonks, political fixers and, occasionally fashion tipsters to our most powerful politicians.

Until recently, Peter Cardwell was one of their number, working side by side with ministers in three different Whitehall departments at a time of massive political upheaval. Last week, in a fascinating interview about his new book, The Secret Life of Special Advisers, he lifted the lid on a largely unknown area of British political life.

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Written by

John Ashmore

@JohnAshmore
John Ashmore is Editor of CapX.

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