The 50 people who influence Gordon Brown

By Andrew Porter, Political Editor

 Have your say      Read comments

The most influential people in Gordon Brown's Government are being unveiled by Telegraph.co.uk Gordon Brown's biggest influences: 40-31 | 50-41 Our list of 50 names has been compiled after extensive research and consultation with senior figures in Westminster and Whitehall, and represents the first comprehensive survey of where power lies in Mr Brown's administration.   Gordon Brown visits Old Trafford to watch the Manchester derby, which marked 50 years since the Munich air disaster Some of those listed are household names. Others are little-known outside Government circles. But every one of them exercises vital influence over the direction of the Government and the lives of everyone in Britain. Stephen Carter, the newest appointment to Mr Brown's inner circle, is one of several surprise entrants high up in the list. Mr Carter, a former head of Ofcom, the media regulator, was recruited last month and now shares a No 10 office with another new appointee, Jeremy Heywood, a senior civil servant. Both men have been given a remit to shake up the way No 10 runs. It means that other close advisers and Cabinet colleagues have seen their day-to-day influence on Mr Brown wane. Today we unveil numbers 31 to 40 on the list. advertisement Founder of venture capitalist firm Apex Partners, Sir Ronald Cohen, takes the number 34 spot. Sir Ronald has been a generous Labour Party donor and bankrolled Gordon Brown’s leadership campaign Beth Russell, one of only a handful of former Treasury civil servants brought over to work in No10, has been rated number 32 on the list. It is thought that no-one knows Brown's 'voice' as well as Russell, and as such, she is a natural as his chief speechwriter - more often than not turning reams of random thoughts from Brown into well-ordered speech material.

 Have your say    

Dude Gordon mate you look lost, quite unlikely this affliction as a prime minister will last past the next election when ever that is, somewhat you choice,
This guy is making us bored of UK politics seems there is no substance to him, Got some ideas to help him out like picking up piano lesson or have an affair or something(just kidding Mrs Brown).
In fairness perhaps Gordon makes a Good manager seems very left sided and quite preplanned. Quite sure He did work hard to get there and there could be another side to him if only......
Posted by ZerothC on February 12, 2008 9:49 PM
Report this comment

Who gives a dam about the political influences of the singularly worst prime minister since Chamberlain.
Posted by Steve Metcalf on February 12, 2008 8:49 PM
Report this comment

I wonder how many will be Saudi...
Posted by Jean on February 12, 2008 6:32 PM
Report this comment

Alex Salmond is Scottish... Hopefully he will be on
the list ,if Ditherer Broon needs Helpful Advice in
Scotland/
Posted by Hal on February 12, 2008 4:22 PM
Report this comment

Whose Gordo Broon?
Posted by Hal on February 12, 2008 4:19 PM
Report this comment

Please don't say David Beckham is on the list...
Posted by Des Pair on February 12, 2008 3:02 PM
Report this comment

Its not only Brown. Who is really behind Britain's Chancellors of the Exchequer who, like the present Alistair Darling and his predecessor Gordon Brown, have had neither financial training nor on-hand financial experience?
Posted by Toophingers on February 12, 2008 11:29 AM
Report this comment

David Albion: "I wonder how many will be English"

On a strict definition of "English" as of English descent, and accepting some of these people may in fact be Scottish or Welsh, MORE THAN A THIRD BUT LESS THAN HALF is the answer thusfar.
Posted by Guessedworker on February 12, 2008 10:32 AM
Report this comment

Scarcely reassuring, and yet these are the least influential of the 50! I for one am absolutely sick of of faceless unelected cronies making or influencing decisions that affect the Nation. Any who are rewarded with taxpayers' money MUST be made publicly accountable.
Posted by David Russell on February 11, 2008 9:25 PM
Report this comment

What about expenses surely these ‘poor’ souls will be able to join the spending fun that has no audit trail?
Posted by Hugh on February 11, 2008 7:48 PM
Report this comment

Where is Dick Turpin?
Posted by Manic Mike on February 11, 2008 3:14 PM
He only goes out at night to get the take aways.

Posted by mike mines on February 11, 2008 7:02 PM
Report this comment

How many more faceless unelected people are we going to have making decisions that affect us. It would be interesting to know how many of the fifty are Scottish.
Posted by david lowery on February 11, 2008 5:08 PM
Report this comment

Where is Dick Turpin?
Posted by Manic Mike on February 11, 2008 3:14 PM
Report this comment

I wonder how many will be English
Posted by David Albion on February 11, 2008 9:50 AM
Report this comment

Please remember that the submission of any material to telegraph.co.uk is governed by our Terms and Conditions (clause 5 in particular) and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions.

Your name: *

Your email address: * (We won't publish this.)

Your site's URL: (If you have one.)

Please click the post button only once - your comment will not be published immediately.

* = Required information

YOUR MONEY Credit score Our top 10 tips to help you improve your credit rating.

TRAVEL Burlesque revival Vaudeville's raunchy cousin is making a New York comeback.

DIGITAL LIFE Size matters We put the Apple MacBook Air through its paces.

ARTS Wizard lover... Mills & Boon novels reflect changing ideas about love.