Gord’s Gang Grows

From the Telegraph:

The number of spin doctors rises and political advisers Gordon Brown employs in Downing Street at taxpayers' expense has risen again.

Despite promising to cut the use of spin in politics, the Prime Minister now has 25 special advisers on the public payroll at No 10, his office said last night. The last time the figures were disclosed last summer, the figure was 23.

In total, Government ministers employ 74 special advisers, politically-appointed civil servants who are allowed to engage in party political activity but are still paid by the taxpayer.

The total paybill for special advisers in 2008/09 was £5.9 million. That includes pension contributions and severance payments for departing advisers.

Many of Labour's advisers are paid more than backbench MPs, who receive a salary of £65,000.

Some 14 aides in Downing Street are in a salary band that ranges from £66,000 to £103,000.

Beginning his premiership in 2007, Mr Brown repeatedly spoke of himself leading a "new government" that would break with the habits of the Blair era, especially when it came to spin and the use of unelected political advisers.

His deputy, Harriet Harman, said that under Mr Brown, there would be "no spin".

Liar liar pants on fire; Gord it seems is getting as bad as Tony Bliar.

Angus

Angus Dei on all and sundry

Angus Dei-NHS-THE OTHER SIDE