“End of spin?” It’s spinning faster than ever

Despite his promise to cut government propaganda, spin has soared under Gordon Brown

When Gordon Brown became Prime Minister in 2007, he promised a different kind of politics and an “end of spin”. Presenting government actions in the best possible light had mushroomed out of control during Tony Blair’s premiership and was roundly ridiculed by an increasingly sceptical public.

Despite the promise, spending on spin has continued to soar, with a total annual bill of £220 million. Over 4,000 “spin doctors” are now on the government payroll in press offices and “communication directorates” in Whitehall, assorted quangos and various public bodies. This compares with 1,640 when John Major was Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Defence has the most press officers, 242, while, among public bodies, the Metropolitan Police comes out top with 75.

A poll just carried out for The Financial Times has revealed that only one person in ten believes government statistics tell the truth. Shadow cabinet office minister Nick Hurd compiled the statistics.

“Labour has bankrolled a vast spin machine, politicised the Civil Service and created a corrosive culture of deception at the heart of Whitehall.” – Nick Hurd

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