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.

Lord Caine

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

1. Kane, Alex. "Profile: Jonathan Caine - Theresa Villiers' right hand man". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-06.
2. Caine, Jonathan (2008-04-29). "Jonathan Caine: The Price of Peace". Conservative Home. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
3. Black, Rebecca (2016-07-28). "Ex-BBC Cardwell man to advise Secretary of State Brokenshire: reports". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
4. Matthew d'Ancona (28 June 2017). "This deal with the DUP could seriously hurt the Tory brand". Evening Standard. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
5. 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.
6. "Resignation Honours 2016 - Publications - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-05.
7. "No. 61699". The London Gazette. 8 September 2016. p. 19124.