Treasury adviser to resign

BY PATRICIA WYNN DAVIES

Political Correspondent

Tessa Keswick is to resign as Kenneth Clarke's long-standing political adviser next month, she announced yesterday.

Her replacement as principal special adviser will be her present deputy, David Ruffley, 32.

Mrs Keswick said in a statement: "It is a wrench. But after six fascinating years it is time to move on."

Mr Clarke said: "I am extremely grateful for all Tessa's advice over the years, which I have always valued."

An intellectually rigorous former City solicitor with political ambitions, Mr Ruffley's promotion could herald a change of style in the Treasury special advisers' team. Two more advisers are expected to be appointed.

Mrs Keswick became Mr Clarke's closest confidante after her appointment as special adviser at the Department of Health in January 1989.

She moved with him to the Department for Education in 1990, to the Home Office in 1992 and to the Treasury in May 1993.