Steve Hilton ruffles feathers with Republicans

During Steve Hilton’s time in 10 Downing Street, David Cameron’s former director of strategy’s reputation for ‘modernising’ the Conservative party inspired the creation of PR guru Stewart Pearson in The Thick of It.

However, while Brits may now be used to Hilton’s penchant for casual-wear and ‘blue sky thinking’, across the pond it’s a different story. Word reaches Steerpike that Americans at last week’s Republican Convention were left puzzled over a bedraggled attendee who strolled the vicinity shoeless.

Republicans at the Cleveland meet were overheard asking: ‘who is that dude?’. Happily Mr S’s Brit-in-the-know was on hand to assist. On turning round to see what all the fuss was about, they saw Cameron’s old pal walking around in socks.

Given that Hilton is said to have greeted President Obama in a similar style back in 2012, Mr S suspects the move would have caused less commotion with Democrats.