Today the Conservatives have written to the Cabinet Office
calling for a full investigation into the lobbying scandal
embroiling the Prime Ministers Director of Communications, . The news comes as the
Government descends into chaos after a night of aggressive
briefing by Number 10.
The news broken by Sky reveals that Allan still retains his
shareholding in Strand Partners despite being at the heart of
Government. Sky alleges that and Starmer's biographer Tom
Baldwin, also employed by Strand Partners, have had discussions
about government affairs whilst Allan has been serving in Number
10.
Baldwin subsequently gave briefings to clients of Strand Partners
about the current state of the Government and Ministerial
decision making. There seems to have been few mechanisms in place
to mitigate this clear cut conflict of interest.
This is the latest conflict of interest scandal to rock the
Government and once again raises serious questions about Keir
Starmer's judgment. It also follows the news last night that the
Prime Minister has had to refer himself to his own ethics adviser
after admitting he signed off on the decision to appoint a Labour
donor as Chair of the Independent Football Regulator, despite
previously saying he had nothing to do with the appointment.
Commenting , Chairman of the
Conservative and Unionist Pary said:
“This is a Government in chaos. They promised change but here we
have a senior advisor to the Prime Minster using his position to
give favours to a lobbying firm where he has a financial stake.
That is why we have written to the Cabinet Office Permanent
Secretary today to ask for a full investigation.
This once again raises serious questions about the Prime
Ministers judgement because despite all the ethics and integrity
talk, brings in these new Labour
Blairite advisers like Peter to the highest level of
government, and they do not play by the rules.”
As rumors swirl about his future this scandal will cast yet more
doubt on Keir Starmer's grip on Downing Street.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Kevin Hollinrake's letter is attached.
