This Article is From Nov 08, 2010

NRI Internet expert to head Cameron's media section

London: Young Indian-origin internet wizard Rishi Saha has been hired by British Prime Minister David Cameron to head the new media section of 10, Downing Street on a salary of 50,000 pounds.

A former Conservative candidate, Saha, 30, devised the "Pimp My Party" online game for Cameron.

Along with Andrew Parsons, Cameron's personal photographer, Saha is among a growing number of members of the Cameron's inner circle to be given plum jobs by the new dispensation in 10, Downing Street, the Daily Mail reported.

Saha, is "head of new media" with control over its website, the premier's 'Webcameron' and other internet projects.

The report said that the ever-expanding "Cameron clique" at Downing Street and the Cabinet Office, paid for by taxpayers, has led to mounting criticism from Labour and, privately, from some Tory MPs who say the Camerons are falling into the same trap as the image-fixated Blairs.

Saha is a reported to be a protege of Cameron's image guru Steve Hilton. The two were the driving force behind the campaign to ditch the Tories' old-fashioned style.

A Tory spokesman defended the appointments: "All governments do this. These people have worked for the party and do invaluable work for the government. Rishi Saha is an invaluable member of the team."

Saha was the Conservative candidate in Brent South in the 2005 general election, coming third in a seat won easily by Labour.

He was director of the modernising 'Wave' network of young Tories, entering politics after working for youth charities.
.