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Special Advisers: Elections

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 3 June 2026UIN 3283

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, updated November 2024, in what circumstances can a special adviser undertake party political work on a UK Parliamentary by-election campaign during office hours, including secondments to a political party.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds

As per the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, where a special adviser wishes to undertake work for a political party which does not arise out of government business they may do this either in their own time, outside office hours, or under a separate contract with the Party, working part-time for the Government.

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