Brown boosts spin doctor numbers

Friday, 17 July 2009 12:00 AM

By Ian Dunt

Gordon Brown has employed another two special advisors since last summer, figures have revealed.

The PM now has twenty five special advisors, adding to a government total of 74.

Special advisors, or 'spads' as they are called in Westminster, are paid for by the taxpayer because their position makes them the only politically appointed civil servants.

The current price tag for special advisors stands at £5.9 million a year.

The prevalence of the 'spads' contradicts statements made by the prime minister and his deputy, Harriet Harman, about reducing spin when he entered Number Ten.

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