Special adviser French quits DCMS position

Joe Lepper, PR Week UK, Friday, 28 February 2003, 12:00am,

The Department of Culture Media and Sport is on the hunt for another special adviser this week after Philip French quit in his first week in the role.

French, who left the DCMS for personal reasons, is now expected to return to his former role as football's Premier League head of comms.

It emerged this week that French quit the DCMS ten days ago during his induction period. French has stressed that this decision was not for professional reasons: 'It was a privilege to be asked to work for the secretary of state and the department but for reasons very personal to me I decided it was impossible to take up this role at this juncture.'

Within weeks he will rejoin the Premier League, where he was media manager heading all communications and public affairs before resigning to take the DCMS post.

He is now considering options on his return that include taking on his former post permanently or as a consultant.

During his brief spell at the DCMS he joined Bill Bush as one of two special advisers.

His appointment was as a replacement for Ruth Mackenzie who left last year. She is now a director of the Chichester Festival.

As early as last summer French had been tipped for the DCMS job. It is understood secretary of state Tessa Jowell is now contacting potential successors.

French joined the Premier League more than two years ago, replacing Mike Lee as its chief spokesperson and media manager.