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Peer and van man who are set to be Cameron's key figures

Lord Feldman and Robert Halfon will be powerful voices in the new government

May 14, 2015 12:31
Changing times: David Cameron’s Cabinet line-up includes three Jews — Oliver Letwin, Lord Feldman and Robert Halfon. Margaret Thatcher’s Cabinet in 1983 also had three — Nigel Lawson, Keith Joseph and Leon Brittan — which at the time prompted Tory grandee and former prime minister Harold Macmillan to complain that it held more “Old Estonians than Old Etonians”

By

Marcus Dysch,

Marcus Dysch

2 min read

They may have very different political styles, but two Jewish Tories will be among the most influential figures steering the Conservative Party.

One is David Cameron's Oxford University contemporary and tennis partner, the other is the champion of so-called White Can Conservatism.

Lord Feldman and Harlow MP Robert Halfon will lead Conservative central office as party chairman and deputy chairman respectively. Their promotions mean David Cameron's love affair with the Jewish community is likely to continue well into the new Parliament.

Andrew Feldman co-chaired the Tories five years ago, before giving way to Grant Shapps, who was demoted this week.

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