David Cameron is under fresh scrutiny over 'vanity staff' appointments after it emerged he has hired 26 civil servants on fixed-term contracts since the general election. These contracts, which bypass standard civil service entry procedures, were also used to employ personal photographer Andrew Parsons and several former Tory aides on the public payroll.
Labour MPs have accused the Prime Minister of 'jobs for the boys' and demanded a full list of appointees and their roles. John Spellar, Labour MP, said: 'David Cameron said he was against putting politics on the taxpayers' bill but it looks as though he is doing the exact opposite. Yet again he has been caught saying one thing and doing another.'
Among the appointments are Rishi Saha, 30, a former Tory candidate, to run the PM's website; Isabel Spearman, 30, a former fashion PR, to assist Samantha Cameron; and Anna-Maren Ashford, 31, ex-head of brand communications at the Conservative Party, working in the Cabinet Office's behavioural insight team. Mr Parsons, who followed Mr Cameron during the election campaign, now holds a £35,000 contract at the Cabinet Office.
Fixed-term contracts can be awarded without advertising the job, raising concerns about favouritism. A Cabinet Office spokesman said there are 80 staff on such contracts, over 50 appointed by the previous government, and most have never worked for a political party. Downing Street has denied claims that officials urged Mr Cameron to reconsider Mr Parsons' appointment despite the controversy.
