The rise and rise of special advisers

Andrew Blick (London, Houses of Parliament): One unexpected feature of the Menzies Campbell resignation is that it provides further confirmation of the rise of the special adviser. Since these ministerial appointments were introduced in 1964 they have provided, amongst other things, a means by which political elites replicate themselves. The parliamentary front benches bulge with former special advisers, including, for Labour, the last three Foreign Secretaries; as well as Ed Balls, James Purnell and Andy Burnham; and for the Conservatives David Cameron (who worked for Norman Lamont and Michael Howard) and Oliver Letwin (Keith Joseph and Margaret Thatcher). I could go on, but I think the point is clear. It is a safe bet that more ministers in the future will follow this career path. Through this means one generation of rulers is in effect choosing the next when they appoint them as aides. But surely the Liberal Democrats, who have not been in power, are not part of this trend? In fact they are. Their new acting leader, Vincent Cable, was a special adviser to John Smith in the James Callaghan government. How long until a former special adviser becomes Prime Minister?