The role of the special adviser is currently one of the most controversial issues in British politics, with this unelected subdivision of the political class having multiplied in both number and influence since the advent of New Labour. But there is nothing new in the idea of the ruling classes bringing in outsiders to advise on particular areas of policy or the political machine, and this first in-depth study of special advisers brings an historical as well as analytical perspective to a hot topic. John Maynard Keynes, Lord Cherwell ('The Prof'), William Beveridge, Balogh and Kaldor, Bernard Donoughue, Alan Walters, Alastair Campbell, John Birt, Jo Moore - the list of special advisers who have left a footprint on British political history is considerable. But is the proliferation of special advisers under Blair really harmful to the democratic process? People who Live in the Dark - the book takes its title from Clare Short's exasperated assessment of spin doctors - examines the history and the issues.
- ISBN10 1842750623
- ISBN13 9781842750629
- Publish Date 4 March 2004
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 3 January 2013
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Methuen Publishing Ltd
- Imprint Politico's Publishing Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 363
- Language English