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Theresa May's senior adviser Katie Perrior resigns after snap election statement

Theresa May announcing the June 8 election date, but one of her most senior advisors has stepped down PICTURE: Philip Toscano/PA
Theresa May announcing the June 8 election date, but one of her most senior advisors has stepped down PICTURE: Philip Toscano/PA Theresa May announcing the June 8 election date, but one of her most senior advisors has stepped down PICTURE: Philip Toscano/PA

ONE of Theresa May's most senior advisers has stood down following the prime minister's announcement of a snap general election.

Katie Perrior is leaving the post of director of communications at 10 Downing Street and is not expected to play any part in the upcoming campaign.

Her departure sparked speculation that Mrs May's chief of staff Fiona Hill will run communications for the Tory campaign, but party sources said they were not discussing staffing at this stage.

Ms Perrior said she supported Mrs May's decision to call a poll but had always said she would not stay on for an election.

"Always said I wouldn't stay past an election," she told the Guido Fawkes website.

"Good decision, right choice. A vote for Theresa May and a Conservative Government is the only route forward. As for me - new opportunities ahead. Exciting times."

A former Conservative Party staffer who worked as Mrs May's press officer in opposition, Ms Perrior founded the PR company iNHouse Communications in 2006 and was recruited to head the new PM's communications team at Number 10 following her elevation to the premiership last year.