One of the most important - yet relatively unnoticed - players in Team Cameron is Andrew Mackay, the Bracknell MP who revels in the title "senior parliamentary and political adviser to David Cameron".
His only appearance in the spotlight in this capacity came in December when he dashed (along with a cameraman) to Damian Green's office when it was being searched by the police. You can see the footage here.
Mr Mackay has now spoken for the first time about his role working for the Tory leader in an interview with his local paper, the Bracknell News (although the interview itself does not appear on the paper's website). I am grateful, therefore, to Sky News's Jon Craig (who I seem to recall lives in that vicinity) who has written up what Mr Mackay says on the Sky News blog.
Here's what Mr Mackay says:
“He [David Cameron] wanted me on board because he has a lot of bright, young advisers and ministers, but I have been around for a few years and done various jobs and I can be his eyes and ears, or as he puts it to me, I am his mine sweeper. In other words, I pick the mines out of the water before they explode, which sometimes I succeed in doing. It’s been one of the most exciting jobs I have done in Parliament.
“It’s a really, really interesting job and it puts me at the heart of the party and decision making. I’m with David all the time. I’m at the morning meetings when William Hague, George Osborne, myself and others decide the strategy for the day.
"It’s very exciting to have a bright, young, new leader who is so obviously full of enthusiasm and is a catalyst for change. He has already changed and modernised the Conservative Party and, like Obama in America, I believe he has the capacity to change this country and be our next Prime Minister."
Andrew Mackay first entered Parliament aged 27 at the Stechford by-election in 1977 when Roy Jenkins vacated the seat, but was defeated in 1979 - only to return in 1983 for the safe Tory area of Berkshire he now represents. As such, he has considerable experience of parliamentary life, with his time as Deputy Chief Whip in John Major's Government being especially valuable.
It is widely thought that he hankers after the job of Chief Whip in a Cameron Government, although I imagine the current Chief, Patrick McLoughlin - widely respected as a firm but fair holder of the post - would probably dissent from that suggestion.
Update: In this pre-reshuffle post, Tim cites a fascinating piece by Fraser Nelson in the Spectator, which expands on the role of Mackay as a "Rasputin figure".
Jonathan Isaby
DC is incredibly lucky to have Andrew MacKay's skills! Those of us outside the Whips Office only really have the sketchiest idea of what they actually do - but Andrew's experience there, especially as Deputy Chief Whip, means that he is able to be forceful or persuasive as required and his political antennae are second to none.
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 09:53
I have rarely read such toe-curling sycophantic hero worship. The sort of thing that gets the OBN in Private Eye.
Posted by: Edward Huxley | February 06, 2009 at 09:59
Edward I am not being "toe curling" or "sycophantic". I know the guy - do you?
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 10:06
Sally, he`s the sycophant, not you. Of course I do not know him, but what he wrote is just awful and I think quite a few will agree with me. In the RAF we had a word for it.
Posted by: Edward Huxley | February 06, 2009 at 10:20
I find this sort of stuff - the inner workings of the Party - fascinating.
And there's only one website you can find it ;)
Posted by: The Rifle | February 06, 2009 at 10:28
Edward thank you for clarifying but as it happens I still disagree with you. I actually believe "mine sweeper" is a very good description of what Andrew does and as for his description of David Cameron -I agree with that too. Perhaps now that will make me in your eyes "sycophantic" but I certainly do not apologise for it! I am only sorry that it appears to be unacceptable to you for a positive comment to be made.
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 10:31
If Cameron is surrounding himself with lazy, idiots like MacKay then it says a lot about his judgement.
MacKay as been an outstanding failure in every job any leader as given him and I have no doubt that he will not surprise me this time.
Surely the Parliamentary Party contains people of better quality than this!!!
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 06, 2009 at 10:57
Go away Jack.
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 11:01
If Andrew is the minesweeper who is the Bom disposal expert?The EU problem is a tad larger than a few small mines.
Posted by: michael mcgough | February 06, 2009 at 11:33
Even by your own lamentable standards a poor post Jack. How many times do you have to be told there is h in the word (h)as.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | February 06, 2009 at 11:44
I know Andrew Mackay personally and he is a very talented member of D.C's team and a very hard working constituency MP. It is a pity some contributors make pathetic derogatory remarks. Indicates crass stupidity or infantile paralysis.
Must be dissenters from other political groups becoming frustrated with their own failings.
Empty vessels have always made the most noise!
Posted by: B.Garvie | February 06, 2009 at 11:51
It's good to know that D.C's Team has a mix of the new and the experienced.Andrew MacKay
falls into the later group.A "Rasputin figure" well that may look good on paper but has nothing to do with the reality of the man.
"It’s very exciting to have a bright, young, new leader who is so obviously full of enthusiasm and is a catalyst for change. He has already changed and modernised the Conservative Party and, like Obama in America, I believe he has the capacity to change this country and be our next Prime Minister."
I agree with the bright and young, but lets not fall over trying to draw comparison with Obama, who in my opinion has promised way to much. When Obama fails to deliver the honeymoon will be over.
"I’m with David all the time. I’m at the morning meetings when William Hague, George Osborne, myself and others decide the strategy for the day."
In which case one of the mines he must clear away is the impression that G.O. isn't the right man for the job of chancellor.Andrew MacKay's most important contribution could be convincing the party, (rather than the nation) that we really have changed for the better.
Posted by: The Bishop Swine | February 06, 2009 at 11:52
Sally. You couldn`t answer the points so you resort to nonsense.
Mackay was useless as Northern Ireland Secretary. Went skiing on the day of the Good Friday agreement.Surrounding yourself with people like that shows bad judgement and why personally I think Cameron is unfit to be Prime Minister.
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 06, 2009 at 12:47
B.Garvie. Only those who resort to personal abuse like you do have no answer to the allegations.
Anyone who deserts there post when they are most needed should not be in front line politics. Mackay as messed up in every position he has had.
He is one of those politican who as been promoted far above his ability.
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 06, 2009 at 12:50
Jack, why do you come here? You know your ill-educated rants are not going to receive a considered response - they don't really deserve one.
Oh and PLEASE learn the difference between "there" and "their" - THERE's a good Troll!
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 13:39
I have also met Andrew Mackay. A clever man to be sure and he is doing an unpopular job and "enforcer" for Cameron so won't win any gold stars from many for so doing. Is he filling the Peter Mandelson/Alastair Campbell role for Cameron?
I also feel that his final paragraph ""It’s very exciting to have a bright, young, new leader who is so obviously full of enthusiasm and is a catalyst for change....." was OTT, more the sort of thing I would imagine from a US Congressman's or Senator's "Intern" and was like drinking a pint of Golden Syrup, sickly sweet.
Then again I am not a Cameroon and would much prefer David Davis to be Tory Party Leader. Within 18 months or so we shall know.
Posted by: Steve Foley | February 06, 2009 at 13:54
Well people Eureka! Jack has finally put the letter h in the word has! However he does mess it up again the very next sentence so obviously my spelling lesson is not getting through!
Sorry Tim, I know it's off topic and playing the man etc. I just couldn't resist it.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | February 06, 2009 at 14:27
As I say when people make personal insults rather than debate the point they have no arguments.
Andrew Mackay as a poor record in office and really should not be where he is today.
It makes me shudder that second raters like him could soon be in government.
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 06, 2009 at 16:44
"Andrew Mackay as a poor record in office"
Malcolm, you spoke too soon!
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 16:54
There is nothing to debate Jack.You haven't made any points, just personal insults aimed at Andrew Mackay.As per usual.
Posted by: Malcolm Dunn | February 06, 2009 at 16:55
Sally see that you didn`t disagree!!
Posted by: Jack Stone | February 06, 2009 at 20:16
Jack I am ignoring you.
Posted by: Sally Roberts | February 06, 2009 at 20:26
Andrew Mackay seems to bew a very useful performer in the background.
PS In this thread, Stale Jock (thanks Patsy) has attacked three people for "abusive" behaviour and "having no arguments" whilst being abusive and having no arguments!
This (accusing others of his own faults) is what I believe our medical friends call Munchausen Syndrome
Posted by: Super Blue | February 06, 2009 at 21:41
Andrew Mackay loyally supported William Hague when he was leader and was a first class Deputy Chief Whip to John Major. The man has abundant political skills and I am pleased that they are being so well used.
Posted by: Matthew Reynolds | February 07, 2009 at 20:14
When a member of the Conservative Party I met Andrew Mackay, went door knocking with him, had his assistance with a problem involving my mother's care and generally believe he is a good chap. I just feel, if he is acting as a 'minesweeper', he may well be advised to get some help to detect and deflect those mines due shortly to 'go off' in DC's constituency.
Happy Hunting Andrew!
Posted by: Witerings From Witney | February 08, 2009 at 14:01