Tales of the Unelected: “Empty Boxes” and other short stories from the world of the special adviser

by Dan Corry

Visit the hidden Whitehall world of the unelected special advisers.

Encounter their hopes, dreams, rivalries and compromises as they face the challenge of doing the right thing in a role full of tensions. See how they struggle with the civil service, accusations of being the source of leaking, politicians who need to up their game, negotiating with No 10, finding time with the PM, and worrying about physical attacks on their Secretary of State. All this as they try to keep some semblance of family life intact.

Dan Corry entertains and informs us well in Tales of the Unelected.

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“There are so many tensions and emotional conflicts in being a special adviser and Dan Corry takes you into that world through this fascinating collection of stories.”
Ed Balls (former special adviser, minister and Shadow Chancellor)

“It’s an honour to be a special adviser, as I was, but most of what has been written about them is of the sensational type. Here, in all its everyday glory, is a real feel of what it is like.”
Ayesha Hazarika, former special advisor

“Dan Corry’s subtle and engrossing short stories are the real thing, a window on the largely hidden lives of the fixers and policymakers of the political world, the notorious advisers. His compelling authority is no reader, he was one.”
Robert Peston (Political Editor at ITN)

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gentle insight into the life of a SPAD

Short and enjoyable fictionalised accounts of Special Advisor experiences. Interesting to reflect on the pragmatic and moral choices such individuals face, but no major insights or shocks, and the representation of politicians and civil servants is sometimes a little two dimensional. Nevertheless a pleasant way to while away a couple of hours reflecting on realpolitik.

[Marilyn Corry · Rating 5 out of 5]

introducing me to the complicated government works and its complexities. I liked the way the writer always included the protaginist's feelings expressing his vulnerabilities. His anxieties about losing his relationdhip with his familly felt very real.

[Sarah Swatridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting insight into the frustrating role of the government's special advisers. The 'serious' side of 'Yes, Minister'! The lies and corruption that goes on between civil servants, special advisers and the press was disappointing, but probably realistic. A sad reflection on Britain today.

[Isabel Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

No comment.

[Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun insight into the life of SPADs. They wield a surprising amount of power without being elected. Makes you wonder if a SPAD or an under-secretary of state has more power.