The new rules clarify when and how special advisers can engage in political activity, but come too late for those needlessly punished for the old system’s shortcomings.
Yesterday evening’s decision comes in the wake of the row over the application of Nick Timothy for the seat – and his removal from the candidates’ list.
“The Cabinet Office really should have given some guidance here… they’ve made a mess of this.”
At the heart of the row over two of the Home Secretary’s SpAds is the view at the very top of the Party that the next election is all that matters.
The story of why the Aldridge-Brownhills selection was pulled.
Will it be re-run under the pre-election rules that give more powers to CCHQ?