Matt Hancock broke the rules with I'm A Celeb appearance, says watchdog
Matt Hancock broke the rules with I'm A Celeb appearance, says watchdog
Image source, ITV
Matt Hancock broke government rules on post-ministerial jobs by not consulting with the anti-corruption watchdog before joining I'm A Celebrity, the body's chairman has claimed.
However, Lord Pickles advised ministers that taking action against the MP would be disproportionate.
Former ministers must seek advice from the Acoba watchdog on jobs they accept within two years of leaving.
Mr. Hancock had argued that he did not need to get permission for the TV show.
In a letter to Lord Pickles sent earlier this month, the former health secretary defended his appearance on ITV's I'm A Celebrity ...get me out of here! and Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins arguing that "one-off media appearances such as these do not count as appointment or employment".
However, Lord Pickles - who leads the Business Appointments Advisory Committee (Acoba) - replied: 'The rules are clear that an application is required when individuals are planning a series of media activities and that' It's up to Acoba to assess the associated risks.
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Matt Hancock broke government rules on post-ministerial jobs by not consulting with the anti-corruption watchdog before joining I'm A Celebrity, the body's chairman has claimed.
However, Lord Pickles advised ministers that taking action against the MP would be disproportionate.
Former ministers must seek advice from the Acoba watchdog on jobs they accept within two years of leaving.
Mr. Hancock had argued that he did not need to get permission for the TV show.
In a letter to Lord Pickles sent earlier this month, the former health secretary defended his appearance on ITV's I'm A Celebrity ...get me out of here! and Channel 4's SAS Who Dares Wins arguing that "one-off media appearances such as these do not count as appointment or employment".
However, Lord Pickles - who leads the Business Appointments Advisory Committee (Acoba) - replied: 'The rules are clear that an application is required when individuals are planning a series of media activities and that' It's up to Acoba to assess the associated risks.
Comedian holds mock surgery in Hancock's ridingHancock in the jungle sparks 1,100 complaints from OfcomWhy is Matt Hancock a controversial figure?
Image source, ITV
