The increasing influence of politically appointed ``special advisers'' in government departments can reduce the political neutrality of public administration. In Thatcher's government, Alan Walters was an official adviser from 1981 to 1984, and again in 1989. Walters' criticisms ``of many aspects of Treasury policy, particularly in relation to exchange rate policy'' and Thatcher's refusal to dismiss him led to Nigel Lawson's resignation as chancellor in 1989.
Walters
Thatcher