Blair puts Thatcher aide's brother in top post
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A division in family political loyalties has been revealed with the appointment by Tony Blair, the Labour leader, of Jonathan Powell, a career diplomat, as his chief of staff, writes Patricia Wynn Davies.
Mr Powell, 38, First Secretary at the British Embassy in Washington, is the younger brother of the former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher's personal foreign affairs adviser, Sir Charles Powell.
Jonathan Powell did not join the Labour Party until last year, but met Mr Blair when he and Gordon Brown, the shadow Chancellor, visited Washington last year. 'I have been a life-long Labour supporter and it was Tony who inspired me to join the party,' Mr Powell said.
He was 'delighted' Mr Blair had asked him to join his team, and could think of no more exciting challenge.
Mr Blair said Jonathan Powell was 'hugely experienced', with considerable managerial and diplomatic expertise.
Sir Charles earned the nick-name The Real Deputy Prime Minister during his period as one of Lady Thatcher's most trusted advisers. The split in political loyalties is not the first in the family. Chris Powell, a third brother, was senior adviser on party advertising to Neil Kinnock, the former Labour leader.
Jonathan Powell entered the Foreign Office in 1979 and has served in South Africa, Portugal, Vienna and Hong Kong. He has been based in Washington since July 1991.
One of four sons of Royal Air Force Vice-Marshall John Frederick Powell, he is married with two children.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments