The Good, the SpAd and the ugly: Special advisers in government

Special Advisers or SpAds play a key role in government, giving ministers political advice and working as all-purpose fixers. In the latest of the IfG’s virtual live events, we ask how they fit into the new administration’s vision of how government should work. Should we accept that we need more, not fewer temporary political appointees to oil the wheels of government? How can ministers get the best out of their SpAds? Do ministers need training in how to manage them – and do SpAds need protection? Plus the threat of what guest John McTernan calls “drastic SpAdflation”. 

Discussing the changing role of SpAds with Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government, are:

• Baroness Simone Finn, former adviser to Francis Maude
• John McTernan, former adviser to Tony Blair
• Salma Shah, former adviser to Sajid Javid

“Some ministers do appoint comfort blankets rather than special advisors… Bad SpAds are their own punishment.” – John McTernan

Presented by Tim Durrant. Audio production by Alex Rees

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