In another move that is likely to raise questions about civil service neutrality, Priti Patel has appointed the former head of a hard-right anti-tax pressure group and former editor of a conservative blog to a key government role.
Jonathan Isaby, the former chief executive of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, which campaigns for lower government spending and lower taxes, is the home secretary’s new communications private secretary, a taxpayer-funded role.
He is also the former editor of ConservativeHome and editor of Brexit Central.
Here he talking about Ireland leaving the EU when they see the UK thriving after Brexit…
Watch
Here’s Jonathan Isaby, who has been appointed communications private secretary to Priti Patel, talking shite about Ireland leaving the EU when they see the UK thriving after brexit. ? pic.twitter.com/OBOXEHz4uf
— Haggis_UK ?? ?? (@Haggis_UK) August 13, 2021
Nick Thomas-Symonds, shadow home secretary, said: “We know Priti Patel is under fire from Tory MPs for failing to get a grip of crime and only last month the Police Federation declared no confidence in her. So it’s no wonder she is desperate to bring in an extra spin doctor.
“But there must be serious questions about someone with such close personal political ties to the home secretary could be appointed. Yet again it’s one rule for the Tories and their mates, and another for everyone else.”
The Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said: “The Tories have form on shelving meritocracy for chumocracy.
“People are tired of out of touch Conservative Ministers handing out government jobs to their chums, it’s the last thing we need when trying to recover from the pandemic.
“This appointment raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to civil service neutrality. The public expect taxpayers’ money to recruit politically neutral civil servants, not just fill the pockets of Tory supporters.”
Reactions
1.
Jonathan Isaby ran Brexit Central, and while debating me in 2019 he managed to accidentally argue for a 2nd referendum AND say Leave voters were conned!
Now he’s been put in charge of Priti Patel’s communications. I’m so happy!!! ????? pic.twitter.com/qH1dADIyYJ
— Femi (@Femi_Sorry) August 14, 2021
2.
Oh Britain, what have you done
Priti Patel appoints ex-Taxpayers’ Alliance head as new aide
Jonathan Isaby, former CE Taxpayers’ Alliance, which campaigns for lower govt spending & lower taxes, is home secretary’s new communications private secretary
https://t.co/2gFuPOTkvM— BremainInSpain (@BremainInSpain) August 13, 2021
3.
Former Taxpayers’ Alliance boss handed taxpayer-funded job by Priti Patel.
“A 2015 TaxPayers’ Alliance report condemned the emergence of a growing class of spin-doctors.”
Critical of the trough until your face is in it. Bravo @the_tpa. https://t.co/HhuWVF5HqC
— Alex Andreou (@sturdyAlex) August 12, 2021
4.
This sort of dross just floats to the top in Johnson’s Britain. It’s so bloody depressing! https://t.co/lYTCuse5fL
— Bob Hudson (@Bob__Hudson) August 13, 2021
5.
Support for remaining in the EU stands at 84% in Ireland and there’s little evidence of anyone “thriving” post #Brexit https://t.co/JywgqHmSkA
— Neale Richmond (@nealerichmond) August 13, 2021
6.
Another dark money crony in No10.
Haven’t they done enough damage to the UK already?
Without being in No10https://t.co/k6jXfH8PBV— Raven Cozens-Hardy (@RaveCozensHardy) August 12, 2021
7.
I don’t know what “Communications Private Secretary” means, but somebody needs to communicate to #PritiPatel that #JonathanIsaby is communicating #BrexitDeliriumSyndrome..one step below #BrexitDerangementSyndrome#Ireland is free, takes care of its own business…and is #Europe https://t.co/426NyOcQl0
— Bonnie Greer (@Bonn1eGreer) August 13, 2021
8.
Jonathan Isaby, the editor of BrexitCentral is now appointed Communications Secretary for the Home Office / Priti Patel.
The accuracy of his communications will be questionable… https://t.co/nYPVyIY3qK
— Top News (@TopNewsWorks) August 13, 2021
9.
The Tufton Street crew continue to get their legs under the Government table. Former Tax Payers Alliance types now funded by us. Whatever next? https://t.co/7H56X9tGxw
— Peter Jukes (@peterjukes) August 11, 2021
10.
Ironic. https://t.co/7D6z6Lf5io
— Dr Mike Galsworthy (@mikegalsworthy) August 13, 2021
Related: Lineker condemns ‘awful’ Patel over decision to deport promising footballer
Since you are here
Since you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can’t do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting our work.
The shop can be found here.
You can also SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER .
