Hancock broke rules on post-ministerial jobs by appearing on TV shows – Dowden

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cabinet Office minister Oliver Dowden has agreed with Parliament’s anti-corruption watchdog that Matt Hancock broke Government rules by not consulting the body before appearing on reality TV shows. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster also accepted advice by the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments that any disciplinary action would be “disproportionate” and that the rules should be changed. We agree with the committee's advice that further action would be disproportionate in this case Oliver Dowden In a letter to Tory chairman of Acoba Lord Pickles, Mr Dowden wrote: “I agree with the committee’s assessment that Mr Hancock has not adhered to the Business Appointment Rules by failing to seek the committee’s advice in advance of signing up to these appearances… “Due to the highly visible nature of the roles and minimal risks to the integrity of government, we agree with the committee’s advice that further action would be disproportionate in this case.” Mr Dowden also said in the letter, dated December 5 but published on Wednesday, that applications for roles of limited risk “should be processed in a more streamlined manner” and that his officials were working with Acoba to change the process. A spokesperson for Mr Hancock said: “Matt’s glad they are now changing the Acoba rules after the total muddle they got themselves into.