Jonathan Caine, Baron Caine

Caine grew up in Leeds in the 1970s, and was educated at Halton Primary and Middle School, then Temple Moor High School.[1] He studied history at the University of Leicester, where his specialism was the Home Rule Crisis and the Anglo-Irish Treaty.[1]

He joined the Conservative Research Department in 1987, working in the office next to David Cameron's.[1] He joined the party's Northern Ireland desk in 1988, and by 1991 was a special adviser at the Northern Ireland Office until 1995 - rejoining it in 2010.[1]

In 2008, Caine stated that he was a Director at Bell Pottinger Public Affairs.[2]

In 2014, Caine worked as special adviser to Theresa Villiers, being described in the press as her "right-hand man".[1] Caine had also worked for Owen Paterson, and was described by him as "one of the foremost experts on Northern Ireland". However, a senior member of the SDLP noted that, although he understood Unionism in Ireland, he had no real understanding of Irish republicanism, and no sympathy for it.[1]

As of 2016, Caine had worked for Tom King, Peter Brooke, Patrick Mayhew, Owen Paterson, Theresa Villiers and James Brokenshire.[1][3]

Jonathan Caine has been described as "one of the most quietly brilliant Westminster strategists, whose knowledge of Northern Ireland is formidable."[4] In his memoir, For The Record, former Prime Minister David Cameron is quoted in The Yorkshire Post as crediting Caine with being "an authority in his field and a tireless behind-the-scenes presence. He was - and remains - passionate about securing peace... in Northern Ireland, and maintaining our United Kingdom."[5]

He was nominated for a life peerage as part of David Cameron's Resignation Honours list and was created Baron Caine, of Temple Newsam in the City of Leeds, on 2 September 2016.[6][7]

Caine supports Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Rhinos, and enjoys listening to Led Zeppelin.[1] He is a longstanding friend of David Trimble.[2]