Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what guidance is provided to (a) Ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) No.10 political advisers on (i) avoiding conflicts of interest and (ii) the Nolan principles in respect of potential (A) family members and (B) partners who (1) work in the Civil Service or (2) are members of either House.

In line with the Declaration of Interests Policy for special advisers, interests must be declared to their Permanent Secretary in the appointing department for consideration. Steps are then taken to ensure no conflict of interest or mitigate any potential conflict to the satisfaction of the relevant Permanent Secretary. Special advisers’ declarations are expected to cover interests of their close family which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.

As set out in the Ministerial Code, there is an established process in place for the declaration and management of ministers’ private interests, which ensures that steps are taken to avoid or mitigate any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Ministers’ declarations are expected to cover interests of their spouse or partner and close family which might be thought to give rise to a conflict.