Globe and Mail: Public no longer on hook for PM’s stylist

[tuvor]

A debate over opening the shutters on MP expenses and letting the Auditor-General peek in has already produced one ray of sunshine.

It turns out the personal stylist employed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to primp him for public appearances is now on the payroll of the Conservative Party, not taxpayers.

How Michelle Muntean's full-time salary is paid has been a closely guarded secret by the Prime Minister's Office since Mr. Harper came to power in 2006.

But as parliamentarians defended a decision last week to stop Auditor-General Sheila Fraser from looking into their expense accounts, some questioned whether such an audit would finally solve the mystery of Mr. Harper's personal groomer.

The open speculation smoked out an answer.

...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/taxpayers-no-longer-on-hook-for-pms-stylist/article1573306/

[daleo]

1. Actually, the public is still paying about 3/4 of her salary

"Ms. Muntean used to be on the public payroll, the source confirmed, but her salary was transferred to the Conservative party books some time since 2007. “I don't know why, but it's changed,” the source said."

Once you factor in the nice tax break for party political donations.