Sure,i know it works across all parties and the last i could find is that around 150/70 employ 'their own'. Your second point Yes to a degree i do otherwise why interview anyone after all we all someone 'who do that'.
I recently wrote to my M/P Karen Bradley(TORY) expressing my digust at her employing her husband on £42K A YEAR (its in the rules it seems) and you don't have to be interviewed for the post,her reply within three days of my e-mail was no shame and all was right and proper. Stuff her UKIP or...