Matt Hancock broke government rules over I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! stint, watchdog says | Politics News

Matt Hancock breached government rules for post-ministerial jobs by not consulting the parliamentary anti-corruption watchdog before appearing on I’m a Celebrity.. Get me out of here!, said the agency’s president Tory.

In a letter to Cabinet Office Secretary Oliver Dowden, Lord Pickles said: “I am writing to you as chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appoints (Acoba) to remind you of your violation of government business appointment rules.

Mr. Hancock did not ask Acoba’s advice before signing up for two TV series, ITV’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and Channel 4’s SAS Who Dare to Win.”

According to the law, Mr. Hancock should get Acoba’s permission for any new job or appointment he takes up within two years of leaving office.

Lord Pickles said Mr Dowden had to decide “the appropriate action to take”.

However, he suggested no further action should be taken.

He said “due to the transparent nature of Mr. Hancock’s role being restricted from 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 stated he did not believe he needed to get permission from the agency for both shows “because the guidelines state that the media appearances are This one-time communication is not considered an appointment or employment”.

However, in writing to Mr Hancock, Lord Pickles said: “The rules are clear that an application is required when individuals plan a range of communication activities and it is Acoba’s responsibility to assess the risks. relate to.

“As such, failure to seek and wait for advice before these roles are announced or assumed in this case is a violation of government rules and the requirements set forth in the ministerial code. .”

A spokesman for Mr Hancock said: “Acoba’s website makes clear that it does not consider media appearances to be an appointment or employment. Guidelines on the website have been followed in good faith. “

Mr. Hancock has faced strong criticism for his appearance on the reality show and hung Tory’s whip for participating while the parliament was in session.

The West Suffolk MP had previously insisted that the first thing he would do after leaving the jungle would be to go back to Suffolk and hold a surgery with his constituents.