The Prime Mistress.

[Workingman]

A Conservative think tank wants an inquiry into the role of running the country being played by Carrie Symonds, the PM's partner.

"She currently holds no official role in the Conservative Party or the government, yet consistent reports in the press suggest that Ms Symonds is taking a central role in running the country, without any authority or accountability to do so."

Well, quite, but hasn't that been the case with all the spouses of former PMs? Are we now going to pretend that those wives and husbands never spoke politics over dinner or that they never put in a good word for one of their friends when it came to getting a position in government? People without authority or accountability to the people have been bending the ears of politicians since politics was invented - it's old news and part of the game.

It would be a different thing if she was attending Cabinet or sitting in at official meetings such as COBRA, but as far as I know that is not the case.

[TheOstrich]

Even Dennis was up to it, if I recall correctly.

[Kaz]

Yes, it is old news, but how many of those previous spouses were party activists like Carrie?

[Suff]

I guess Sam Cameron had a strong influence on David. He mentioned it from time to time.

Carrie had a fairly senior position in the Tory party so is hardly unknown to those in #10.

This is just mud slinging. For a think tank to be quoting the press as a reason for having an investigation is laughable. If there is a complaint from the government, fine, but go after Carrie because the attacks on Boris aren't working? Nah.

Much more interesting is Salmond's upcoming evidence to the committee and it being made public....

[cromwell]

Of course someone's partner is going to have an influence on them.
More interesting to me was the next wave of reporting which all pointed to Michael Gove as being responsible for the latest fall out.
Now there's a man I'd want in front of me at all times; but never standing behind me!

[Suff]

Well it wouldn't be the first time would it?

[Workingman]

I feel the hand of Demonic Cummings on this as well. It was rumoured that his and her clashes were part of the reason he took a walk....so she does have a useful side.