Support 110 years of independent journalism.

8 June 2010

An awkward moment that sums up potential trouble in the coalition

Liberal Democrat has to answer about Andy Coulson in the Commons.

By James Macintyre

There was a very awkward little moment in the Commons just now, as the terrier-like Labour backbencher Tom Watson asked the Treasury team about the role of Andy Coulson, the former News of the World editor who is now a media adviser to the Prime Minister, David Cameron (there was a distant “hook” about “consultants”).

After a slight hesitation, it fell to Danny Alexander, the Lib Dem who is the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, who looked only a little uncomfortable when he merely said that Coulson “works in No 10” and that Alexander would get back to Watson further if required.

The moment passed with a few laughs. But it is indicative of the kind of trouble that may lie ahead of this unlikely alliance.

Select and enter your email address Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com
  • Administration / Office
  • Arts and Culture
  • Board Member
  • Business / Corporate Services
  • Client / Customer Services
  • Communications
  • Construction, Works, Engineering
  • Education, Curriculum and Teaching
  • Environment, Conservation and NRM
  • Facility / Grounds Management and Maintenance
  • Finance Management
  • Health - Medical and Nursing Management
  • HR, Training and Organisational Development
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Information Services, Statistics, Records, Archives
  • Infrastructure Management - Transport, Utilities
  • Legal Officers and Practitioners
  • Librarians and Library Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • OH&S, Risk Management
  • Operations Management
  • Planning, Policy, Strategy
  • Printing, Design, Publishing, Web
  • Projects, Programs and Advisors
  • Property, Assets and Fleet Management
  • Public Relations and Media
  • Purchasing and Procurement
  • Quality Management
  • Science and Technical Research and Development
  • Security and Law Enforcement
  • Service Delivery
  • Sport and Recreation
  • Travel, Accommodation, Tourism
  • Wellbeing, Community / Social Services
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
THANK YOU

Content from our partners
How Sellafield invests in people
Why investors should consider investing in nature
Solving the power puzzle