Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 8 November 2022 to Question 77345, how many special advisers working in his Department had their employment terminated after their appointing Minister ceased to hold office between 29 June and 9 November 2022.

In line with the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act 2010 and the Model Contract for Special Advisers, a Special Adviser's appointment automatically terminates following a change of Administration; when their appointing Minister leaves office; or in the event of a General Election. The contracts of six Special Advisers in Ministry of Justice were terminated in the period in question. Severance pay must be paid back if a Special Adviser returns to government.