Andrew Adonis

Former Lib Dem parliamentary candidate (and local councillor from 1987-91) and journalist with the Financial Times and the Observer. He is the Education and Constitution policy adviser at No.10. He lives in Islington, north London, and was one of the Governors of the troubled George Orwell School who changed its name and appointed a disastrous short-lived 'superhead'.

He is opposed to the elitism of the 'Oxbridge' universities, although he actually studied History and Philosophy at Oxford University. He persuaded Tony Blair to bring in performance-related pay for teachers. He has more control of education policy in the Government than Ministers. He has written a book, 'A Class Act', which calls for selection in schools. He wants the top universities to be allowed to charge extra fees and has openly encouraged their vice-chancellors to press for them.

Now elevated to the House of Lords.