Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to his Department's press release entitled New Permanent Under-Secretary Appointed at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, published on 8 January 2025, whether the new Permanent Under-Secretary has made a declaration of political activity; and if he will publish the Permanent Under-Secretary’s declared financial interests.

As per the normal appointment process to the Senior Civil Service, the Permanent under-Secretary at FCDO was asked to complete a standard SCS declaration of interest form. As set out in the guidance on SCS declaration of interests (here), departments must ensure relevant interests of their Permanent Secretary and other SCS on their Board are declared in their Annual Reports and Accounts.