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Public Appointments: Business Interests

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 16 September 2025UIN 74661

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Written Statement of 21 July 2025 on Government of service, HCWS870, whether he plans to permit retrospective applications for business appointments to the (a) Civil Service Commission and (b) Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Business Appointment Rules state that retrospective applications will not normally be accepted. While the Rules rightly discourage retrospective applications in order to ensure initial compliance from applicants, the Government believes that, should someone acknowledge their error and agree to follow the process, there should be an opportunity for them to receive advice and be subject to conditions.

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