Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

PM's strategy guru Steve Hilton is not returning for general election

Mr Hilton masterminded the Big Society project and the Tory embrace of environmentalism dubbed 'vote blue, go green'

Jane Merrick
Sunday 08 March 2015 01:00 GMT
Comments
Steve Hilton was instrumental in getting Government backing for the Big Society
Steve Hilton was instrumental in getting Government backing for the Big Society (PA)

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.

Steve Hilton, one of David Cameron’s oldest political friends and the architect of the Conservative modernisation project, will not return to the Prime Minister’s side for the general election, it emerged yesterday.

Mr Hilton, who left Downing Street in 2012 to work in California, is understood to be “not coming back” to fight the Conservative campaign. His absence will be seized on by Tory modernisers as a sign that the project has gone awry as the Prime Minister has retreated to traditional lines to fight off the threat from Ukip.

As Mr Cameron’s director of strategy, Mr Hilton masterminded the Big Society project and the Tory embrace of environmentalism dubbed “vote blue, go green”. He became frustrated with bureaucracy, with one friend saying: “Whenever he tries to pull a lever, nothing happens.” In 2012, he took up a role at Stanford University, California.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in