Jonathan Caine, Baron Caine
Jonathan Michael Caine, Baron Caine (born 1966, Leeds) is a British Member of the House of Lords and a former political aide (or "SPAD") who served six Secretaries of State.
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Education and career
Caine grew up in Leeds in the 1970s, and was educated at Halton Primary and Middle School, then Temple Moor High School.[1] He studied history at the University of Leicester, where his specialism was the Home Rule Crisis and the Anglo-Irish Treaty.[1]
He joined the Conservative Research Department in 1987, working in the office next to David Cameron's.[1] He joined the party's Northern Ireland desk in 1988, and by 1991 was a special adviser at the Northern Ireland Office until 1995 - rejoining it in 2010.[1]
In 2008, Caine stated that he was a Director at Bell Pottinger Public Affairs.[2]
In 2014, Caine worked as special adviser to Theresa Villiers, being described in the press as her "right-hand man".[1] Caine had also worked for Owen Paterson, and was described by him as "one of the foremost experts on Northern Ireland". However, a senior member of the SDLP noted that, although he understood Unionism in Ireland, he had no real understanding of Irish republicanism, and no sympathy for it.[1]
As of 2016, Caine had worked for Tom King, Peter Brooke, Patrick Mayhew, Owen Paterson, Theresa Villiers and James Brokenshire.[1][3]
Jonathan Caine has been described as "one of the most quietly brilliant Westminster strategists, whose knowledge of Northern Ireland is formidable."[4] In his memoir, For The Record, former Prime Minister David Cameron is quoted in The Yorkshire Post as crediting Caine with being "an authority in his field and a tireless behind-the-scenes presence. He was - and remains - passionate about securing peace... in Northern Ireland, and maintaining our United Kingdom."[5]
He was nominated for a life peerage as part of David Cameron's Resignation Honours list and was created Baron Caine, of Temple Newsam in the City of Leeds, on 2 September 2016.[6][7]
Personal life
Caine supports Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, and enjoys listening to Led Zeppelin.[1] He is a longstanding friend of David Trimble.[2]
References
- Kane, Alex. "Profile: Jonathan Caine - Theresa Villiers' right hand man". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-06.
- Caine, Jonathan (2008-04-29). "Jonathan Caine: The Price of Peace". Conservative Home. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- Black, Rebecca (2016-07-28). "Ex-BBC Cardwell man to advise Secretary of State Brokenshire: reports". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
- Matthew d'Ancona (28 June 2017). "This deal with the DUP could seriously hurt the Tory brand". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
- Geraldine Scott (22 September 2019). "Jonathan Caine: 'Not many people go from Harehills to being a Tory in the Lords'". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
- "Resignation Honours 2016 - Publications - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
- "No. 61699". The London Gazette. 8 September 2016. p. 19124.
Orders of precedence in the United Kingdom | ||
---|---|---|
Preceded by The Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate |
Gentlemen Baron Caine |
Followed by The Lord Macpherson of Earl's Court |