Brown PR expert 'sidelined'

MPs admit: 'We can't run public contracts'

Monday, 01, Sep 2008 12:00

Simon Carter, the PR expert brought in by Gordon Brown to improve his media image, is set to be sidelined, sources indicate.

Mr Carter was appointed last year after the loss of discs carrying the personal data of millions of British families and Labour's 'proxy-donor' scandal.

He was tasked with stemming the tide of negative headlines, but his contribution seems to have made little difference to the fortunes of the beleaguered prime minister.

The news marks a key victory in two of the tribes surrounding the prime minister. Mr Carter had brought in and worked with various private sector figures, including David Muir and Nick Stace of which? magazine.

The new recruits were distrusted by the old guard of advisors surrounding Mr Brown.

That group appear to have come out of changes best, with Jeremy Heywood, No 10 permanent secretary, widely expected to receive more autonomy as a result of impressing Mr Brown.

Mr Carter is unlikely to step down. Instead, most insiders are expecting him to adopt a less high-profile post in Whitehall.