Sebastian Payne

Cameron approaches Lib Dems’ chief tormenter

News is breaking at the Telegraph that Matthew Elliott — head of the TaxPayers’ Alliance — is being considered for an adviser role in Downing Street. It would be strategic move by Cameron, and a bold one given Elliot’s effective work on the Alternative Vote referendum. That campaign, which focused on Nick Clegg’s shortcomings, is the greatest sore between the Prime Minister and his deputy, raising the question of how Lib Dems react to the news that their prime taunter has been being brought into the love nest of No.10.

Many Conservatives will be heartened by the news, especially at a time when there is a brain drain sweeping across the coalition (with Richard Reeves’ departure last night). The TaxPayers’ Alliance has been one of the great success stories of British politics, a campaigning organisation that is more guerrilla warfare than think tank with a long list of successes. And as we know, Downing Street has had precious few of those in recent weeks.

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