The Rt Hon Lord Geidt appointed as Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests

The Prime Minister is pleased to announce that he has today appointed Lord Geidt to serve as the Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests (28 April). Lord Geidt is a Crossbench Member of the House of Lords, a Privy Councillor and a former Private Secretary to The Queen. He brings a distinguished record of impartial public service and experience of Government to bear on the appointment. The Prime Minister is grateful for Lord Geidt’s willingness to assume this important role, and for the particular contribution it will make to the maintenance of the integrity of the Ministerial Code.

Consistent with the new terms of reference for the role of Independent Adviser on Ministers’ Interests, and subsequent to the Cabinet Secretary’s evidence to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee on Monday, the Prime Minister and Lord Geidt have agreed that Lord Geidt will begin by ascertaining the facts surrounding the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat and advise the Prime Minister on any further registration of interests that may be needed. In doing this, Lord Geidt will draw on the work presently being undertaken by the Cabinet Secretary, to coincide with the publication of a new List of Ministers’ Interests.

Biographical note

Lord Geidt was for ten years The Queen’s Private Secretary until 2017. His present responsibilities include being Chairman of King’s College London and Chairman (International Relations and Corporate Responsibility) at Schroders plc.