DFEE resignation sparks spin fear

THE resignation last week of Jonathan Haslam, director of communications at the Department for Education and Employment, has fuelled speculation over government spin-doctoring. Mr Haslam, who will join the London Metal Exchange as director of corporate affairs, insisted his departure was a "career decision" and that he leaving on good terms. "It's just that chances like this come up once in a lifetime," he said. There had been reports that he was embroiled in "discussions" with ministers about "political" press releases, which would breach civil service codes of impartiality.