New aide for Brown as he prepares for No 10

Gordon Brown today appointed the Chief Rabbi's daughter to his army of aides as he stepped up preparations to take over the reins of No 10.

Gila Sacks, the daughter of Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, will join the Chancellor's team of advisers responsible for developing policy across Whitehall.

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Her appointment takes the tally of Gordon Brown's special advisers to 11 and is a further sign that he is gearing up for a possible promotion.

Special advisers are political appointees paid for by the taxpayer.

Ms Sacks, 24, joins the council of economic advisers led by Dan Corrie and which includes Shriti Vadera, Gavin Kelly and Michael Jacobs.

The Chief Rabbi is close to Gordon Brown and has said his relationship with the Chancellor is one of his "loveliest friendships".

The Treasury rejected suggestions of cronyism and said Ms Sacks had been appointed because of her experience in strategic development. Before the Treasury she was director of strategy for a Jewish charity.

A Treasury spokesman said: "She will provide advice to the Chancellor on policy priorities. She will also contribute to the policy debate and work with others across Whitehall on developing policy for government, specifically in the Chancellor's areas."

The Conservatives questioned why Mr Brown needed so many special advisers. Shadow chancellor George Osborne said: "I'm sure Gila Sacks is very talented but you have to ask why Gordon Brown needs this army of aides and spin doctors.

"Gordon Brown pretends the age of spin is going to come to an end if he becomes Prime Minister but the truth is the worst may be yet to come."