Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance has the (a) Cabinet Office Propriety and Constitution Group and (b) the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards given to Ministers on whether they must declare a (1) close personal or (2) sexual relationship in their declaration of Ministerial interests to (i) the Permanent Secretary and (ii) Independent Adviser, where such an individual has dealings with the Department.

The Ministerial Code sets out the high standards of behaviour expected of those who serve in Government, including the requirement that ministers ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their public duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise

There is an established process in place for the declaration and management of private interests held by ministers, as set out in the Ministerial Code. This process ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.