Sam’s stylist deserves her day out in robes for services rendered

FORMER British prime minister David Cameron is being criticised for rewarding the “old boys network” in the honours list he submitted with his resignation. But one of the names on the list that has gotten most mentions, universally snide ones actually, is a woman, writes Alison O’Connor.

That female is Isabel Spearman who was employed as a special adviser to Mr Cameron’s wife, Samantha. Needless to say most reports describe her as Samantha’s stylist and cite her inclusion in the list of names as the ultimate proof of her Cameron demeaning the honours system with his cronyism. How could someone in such a superficial role possibly deserve an honour?

She was no longer in the employ of Samantha Cameron at the time the family left Downing St, but had worked with her for a number of years. This “Girl Friday” reportedly did everything from helping her boss plan her diary, style her hair, and plan her wardrobe. She was reportedly paid around £60,000 (€70,700) annually for her work. It’s peanuts when compared, for example, to the €10,000 French president Francois Hollande spends just on his hair each month.