The Secret Life of Special Advisers

by Peter Cardwell

"A cracking read by a great writer." – Chris Mason, BBC political editor

"A rare, fascinating and funny look at life in the corridors of power." – Isabel Hardman, author of Why We Get the Wrong Politicians and Spectator assistant editor

"It's the book we have long needed." – Michael Crick

"A timely look at how some of the key relationships in Westminster work, and how they sometimes misfire." – Laura Kuenssberg, BBC presenter and former political editor

***

Shadowy geniuses whispering, Rasputin-like, into the ears of our elected politicians under a cloak of secrecy, or a crucial but undervalued cog in the machinery of government? … Or just a rag-tag band of weirdos and misfits?

Despite the acres of speculation devoted to special advisers from Alastair Campbell to Dominic Cummings, their role is much misunderstood. Who are the people Piers Morgan once called 'these miserable little creatures' and just how much influence do they have?

Peter Cardwell served as SpAd to four Cabinet ministers, acting as media adviser, political fixer, troubleshooter and occasional wardrobe consultant. In this candid, compelling and frequently hilarious insider account, he reveals what the job really involves, from dealing with counter-terror emergencies in Cobra to explaining to the Justice Secretary what a dental dam is, to having your inside leg measured in a government office.

Packed with advice on navigating the perks and pitfalls of the job, The Secret Life of Special Advisers will inform and entertain anyone who has ever wondered what these mysterious figures really do all day.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Journalism, History, Memoir

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2022

Reviews

[E1234 · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 *s. A bit dull, and clearly Cardwell is trying hard to keep all his doors open by being sycophantically nice about everyone he talks about. A few amusing insights- although nothing devastating... could benefit with a lot more gossip!!

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, which I felt was a light-hearted, funny account of time spent in politics from a perspective we rarely see. As the title suggests, the world of the SpAd is shrouded in mystery, operating in the shadows as they do, so this insider story from an author who doesn’t take himself too seriously was much needed.

On a more serious note, one thing that really did come through was Cardwell’s close friendship with James Brokenshire - reading this after his passing, this took on a rather poignant feeling. Overall, would defo recommend for anyone interested in the world of these back room political operators.

[Anna Le Bars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read - didn’t know much about SpAds or the important role they play in the background of UK politics. Although this book follows a Conservative SpAd, gives a good insight into the running of politics in the last ten years, specifically from right wing politics. Would be interesting to compare how they talk about SpAds and the running in left wing politics.

[Sophia Rigby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but more like a guide about the job than interesting tidbits of gossip about the inner workings of government in this period.

[Kenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heroically tepid.

[James Ingram · Rating 2 out of 5]

He quotes Matthew Parris as describing him as "a bit folksy" and that couldn't be more true. This book has about as much edge as an orange.

There are a few how-to insights on the nexus between political journalism and client PR, a little bit of interesting history (researched by someone else, and based on a PhD), and a couple of anecdotes worth the cash. But it all just comes across as blandness from someone hedging their bets, and keeping everyone on side.

There are far better books by insiders (or by journalists or academics about insiders). Definitely don't come looking for any assessment of policy, characters, or Worth a read if you're really obsessive, or a Tory, or looking to get into the business

[Charlotte Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into life in Westminster and the role of SpAds. Unfortunately it also seemed to jump about a lot, often referencing people by first name only that he hadn’t talked about for a chapter or so. Would have benefited from stronger editing by someone who doesn’t know Westminster and so could have pointed out where it was becoming hard to follow.
The first few chapters were fascinating but I eventually gave up.

[Jonny Brick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful book from one of the busy bees in the corridors of power. Excellent on media management and the humanity of those working in and around Parliament. He's gone back into journalism now, which seems a waste of a politically engaged talent.

[Seb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight, but found him fairly unfunny and was a bit cringe as it seemed he thought he was... he recalled one joke he put in a speech and was bigging it up so much, so I looked up the speech and the joke was met with silence lol

[Neeraj Mashru · Rating 3 out of 5]

It gives you a taste of what it's like to be in one of these currently notorious positions. But just a shallow one - don't expect any big revelations or political secrets.

[Ruaridh Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully well-written, knowledgeable, and often funny. A good insight into the world of SpAd's!

[Adam Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. Fascinating insight into not just the life of Special Advisors but also the May and Johnson’s Government.

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like a loose collection of anecdotes that varied in entertainment value from the career of a UK government insider.

The author seemed more concerned with trying to impress their own importance or “insiderness” upon the reader.

I didn’t really get anything from it bar some funny moments