Hoon’s special aide quits job
Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon’s special advisor has resigned, it has been confirmed.
Richard Taylor handed in his notice on Friday, two days after Lord Hutton published his report into the suicide of Dr Kelly.
Mr Taylor, who worked at the Ministry of Defence for three years, singled out Mr Hoon in the “outing” of Dr David Kelly.
Mr Taylor told the judicial inquiry that Mr Hoon was present at the meeting where the strategy of leaking the weapons expert’s name to the press was agreed.
Mr Hoon and the MoD emerged unscathed from the inquiry and escaped a severe reprimand from Lord Hutton.
But Lord Hutton criticised the MoD for not informing Dr Kelly that his name would be confirmed if a journalist suggested it.
Mr Taylor is to join Portland PR, the firm run by the former Downing Street adviser Tim Allan.
He said his decision to leave the MoD was “completely unrelated” to Lord Hutton’s Inquiry.
Mr Hoon said Mr Taylor had has “been a brilliant special adviser and will be much missed.
“But I know he will be a great addition to Tim Allan’s Portland and I wish him all the best.”
Meanwhile Mr Hoon is preparing a wide-ranging review of personnel procedures at the MoD in the wake of Hutton.
Richard Hatfield, the MoD’s head of personnel, a witness at the inquiry, is to lead the review.
Mr Hoon, who may announce the review today, has demanded clearer management principles and improved communications following the report.
