Matt Hancock breached the federal government’s guidelines on post-ministerial jobs by not consulting parliament’s anti-corruption watchdog earlier than showing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the physique’s Tory chairman has stated.
In a letter to Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Dowden, Lord Pickles stated: “I’m writing to you in my capability as chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) to carry to your consideration a breach of the federal government’s enterprise appointment guidelines.
“Mr Hancock did not seek Acoba’s advice before signing up to two television series, ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins.”
Under the foundations, Mr Hancock ought to search clearance from Acoba for any new employment or appointments he takes on inside two years of leaving workplace.
Lord Pickles stated it was as much as Mr Dowden to determine “what appropriate action to take”.
However, he beneficial that no additional motion needs to be taken.
He stated “given the transparent nature of Mr Hancock’s role which is limited to appearing on these shows… I believe it would be disproportionate to take any further action in this case”.
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In a letter to Lord Pickles earlier this month, Mr Hancock claimed he didn’t imagine he wanted to ask the physique’s permission for both present “as the guidelines state that one-off media appearances such as these do not count as an appointment or employment”.
But, writing to Mr Hancock, Lord Pickles stated: “The rules are clear that an application is required where individuals plan a series of media activities and it is for Acoba to assess the associated risks.
“As such, failing to hunt and await recommendation earlier than these roles had been introduced or taken up on this case is a breach of the federal government’s guidelines and the necessities set out within the ministerial code.”
A spokesperson for Mr Hancock stated: “The Acoba website clearly states that it does not regard media appearances as an appointment or employment. The guidance on the website was followed in good faith.”
Mr Hancock has confronted robust criticism for showing on the fact present and had the Tory whip suspended for becoming a member of at a time when parliament is sitting.
The West Suffolk MP has beforehand pressured the very first thing he’ll do after leaving the jungle will probably be to return to Suffolk and maintain a surgical procedure along with his constituents.
Source: information.sky.com”