IfG in the news

Downing Street ructions shed light on the mysterious role of the ‘spad’

14 NOV 2020

Special advisers have power in British government, but no one knows how much until they test it, writes Bronwen Maddox.

20 OCT 2020 Report

How Boris Johnson's changes to the role of special advisers disempowered ministers and undermined the quality of decision making in government.

26 MAR 2020 Online event

26 March 2020

Baroness Simone Finn, John McTernan and Salma Shah joined us to discuss the role of special advisers and how it is changing.

26 FEB 2020 Explainer

Special advisers (SpAds) are political appointees hired to support ministers.

13 NOV 2020 Comment

Dominic Cummings has been right in his calls for change in government, but his antagonism has cost the prime minister widespread support