Keith Hellawell

Keith Hellawell was the first UK Drugs Co-ordinator and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, better known as the 'Drugs Czar' for 'New' Labour Party. He was appointed to the position in early 1998^[1] and was a former Chief Constable of the West Yorkshire Police. He was a policeman for 36 years^[2] and was nicknamed 'the Black Night' since he dressed entirely in black and drove a black Porsche. His career as Drugs Czar was controversial for its focus on tackling social problems rather than punishment. He called for police to stop pursuing cannabis users so rigorously in an attempt to focus on drugs which caused more harm, such as heroin and cocaine, as well as advocating for reform on prostitution legislation and sentencing drug offenders to addiction treatment rather than jail time.

However he told the BBC he did not support "legalisation nor decriminalisation nor 'depenalisation'" of cannabis. Mr Hellawell's resignation comes as Home Secretary David Blunkett announces plans to reclassify cannabis as a less dangerous drug. He denies the government's claims that he had supported the scheme when it was floated last year. Differences between the "czar" and the government appear to have been a common feature of his career. In August last year he criticised the clarity of the cannabis debate among politicians and public figures, which he said was encouraging youngsters to be attracted to such substances.^[3]

The high salary of £106,057 per year^[4] and the many perks that came with the position were also criticised by the public. His role was downgraded after the 2001 election and he resigned in July 2002^[5].

References

1. ^BBC News, 19 May 1998; Health; The Drugs Czar
2. ^BBC News, July 10, 2002; U.K.; A Career of Controversy: Keith Hellawell
3. ^BBC News, 28 March 2000; UK; From Miner to Czar Keith Hellawell
4. ^BBC News, July 10, 2002; U.K.; A Career of Controversy: Keith Hellawell
5. ^BBC News, July 10, 2002; U.K.; A Career of Controversy: Keith Hellawell