§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the role of special advisers employed by Government; what restrictions are imposed upon party political aspects of their duties; and what plans he has to introduce new guidelines or regulations relating to their role.
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§ The Prime MinisterThere are two categories of special adviser: political advisers, who assist Ministers with that part of their work which is partly governmental and partly political, and expert advisers, who complement advice given to Ministers by their Departments with that drawn from their particular professional fields and expertise. In the course of their duties, advisers are subject to the same rules of conduct as other civil servants. Special advisers are bound generally by the rules on political activity applicable to civil servants, with specific exemptions. They may, with the approval of their Minister, attend party functions and maintain contact with party members, and take part in policy reviews conducted by their party. In addition, and also subject to approval by their Minister, special advisers are allowed to undertake all forms of local political activity, apart from local activities in support of national political activities. I have no plans to introduce new guidelines or regulations relating to their role.