DETAILS of Theresa May’s devolution review remain scant but what we do know is that it will be led by, Andrew Dunlop, the former special adviser to Margaret Thatcher who’s been accused of being the “architect” of the Poll Tax.
The Baron of Better Together, who lives on the edge of South Downs National Park in West Sussex, has been working in and around Whitehall for decades, starting out in 1986 as an advisor to Thatcher’s Defence Secretary George Younger.
READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: May's devo review won't stop tide turning towards independence
He then moved on to Downing Street, serving as the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor between 1988 and 1990 working in her policy unit alongside David Cameron.
He was there when when the community charge, better known as the Poll Tax, was introduced in 1989 and controversially trialled in Scotland.
Dunlop has that his role in the tax is a “complete myth”.
He told ITV News’ Representing Border programme: “I don’t want to be a killjoy, but I think that is a complete myth. It is a complete myth, don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.”
He added: “The Poll Tax was signed, sealed and delivered before I ever got to Downing Street and my policy areas were very different - defence procurement, employment and training.”
He was described as a background guy in the run up to the 2014 referendum, when Cameron brought him in to advise him on how to win the vote.
The political adviser who founded his own lobby firm in the 90’s after leaving Government, is known to have played a major role in persuading executives to air their concerns publicly about a Yes vote.
In 2015, he was given a peerage, becoming Lord Dunlop of Helensburgh in Dumbarton. He became a Scotland Office minister in 2015, serving until the snap election in 2017 when he was replaced by Ian Duncan.
His initial appointment as Cameron’s guide to the Scots was marred when it emerged that he’s abused a council car parking pass in a bid to save £7.50 a day.
READ MORE: First Minister tells May her legacy will be 'Scottish independence'
Dunlop, who was a district councillor for Horsham District Council, was caught dumping his Jag in a council run car-park, and using his free-parking pass - only to be used on official business - before jumping on a train to London to advise Cameron on how best to tackle independence.
The red-faced Tory was forced to apologise to his constituents.
In a statement, he said: “When it was brought to my attention that car passes should be used exclusively on council business, I immediately refrained.”
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