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Department for Energy Security and Net Zero: Special Advisers

Asked by Alex BurghartConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 17 June 2026UIN 8148

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any special advisers have (a) taken unpaid leave or (b) work part-time on a separate contract, to assist any of the current Parliamentary by-elections.

Answered by Michael Shanks

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. They may not use annual or unpaid leave for this purpose.

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