Former advisers flood back into government

12 May 05
Advisers and policy specialists have joined Cabinet ministers on the Downing Street merry-go-round this week as Prime Minister Tony Blair builds his team for a third term.

13 May 2005

Advisers and policy specialists have joined Cabinet ministers on the Downing Street merry-go-round this week as Prime Minister Tony Blair builds his team for a third term.

Conor Ryan, David Blunkett's special adviser from his days as education secretary, follows his old boss back into government at the Number 10 Policy Unit.

Ryan is a seasoned education commentator, and teachers' leaders welcomed his return to the prime minister's inner circle.

'He's had a lot of experience in education and knows the subject well,' a spokeswoman for the National Union of Teachers said.

Another new recruit to Blair's policy team is Philip Collins, who is leaving his job as director of the Social Market Foundation after five years to become a Downing Street speechwriter and 'strategic thinker'.

David Lipsey, the Labour peer and SMF chair, paid tribute to Collins' 'outstanding' legacy.

 'He is largely responsible for the Social Market Foundation's growing reputation as Britain's pre-eminent think-tank,' Lipsey said.

Matthew Taylor, former director of the Institute for Public Policy Research, remains as Number 10's policy chief, despite rumours that he was considering leaving.

He is expected to pick up some of the Labour Party liaison work undertaken by Sally Morgan, who is quitting her post as Blair's government relations manager to spend more time with her family.

Taylor will be assisted by Ruth Turner, a Labour NEC member, and Jo Gibbons, former special adviser to Alan Milburn.

John McTernan, an incumbent policy adviser, takes over from Pat McFadden as political secretary following the latter's election as the MP for Wolverhampton Southeast.

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