Decision

Correspondence from ACOBA to Nadine Dorries regarding Talk TV

Updated 27 June 2023

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dorries-nadine-secretary-of-state-for-digital-culture-media-and-sport-acoba-advice/correspondence-from-acoba-to-nadine-dorries-regarding-talk-tv

Dear Nadine

I am writing to you, as Chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments following your recent contact with our Secretariat and media interest in your role at Talk TV.

You informed the Secretariat today that you will be hosting a weekly chat show on Talk TV for 26 weeks. You have also today confirmed in the media[footnote 1][footnote 2] that you will start this role on 3 February.

ACOBA does not seek to stop ministers from expressing their views generally or taking part in televised talk shows. However, the government’s Business Appointment Rules[footnote 3] are clear that an application is required for all outside roles. As such, failing to seek and await advice before the role was announced or taken up in this case is a breach of the government’s Rules and the requirements set out in the ministerial code.

In the Committee’s experience, the risks under the Rules in these types of appointments are usually limited. Previous advice for media roles have generally been subject to a standard set of conditions preventing individuals from: drawing on privileged information; and lobbying the UK government.

ACOBA encourages early approaches if applicants are unsure about whether an application is required. Had you approached ACOBA in good time before agreeing to the 26 week contract or publicising the role in the media it would have allowed us to advise you appropriately in advance.

In line with the Committee’s policy of transparency, correspondence on this matter will be published on our website; and will be reported to the Cabinet Office, as the owner of the Rules.

The Rt Hon Lord Pickles

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/27/nadine-dorries-to-interview-boris-johnson-on-launch-of-her-talktv-show ↩

  2. https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/nadine-dorries-interview-boris-johnson-talktv-jacob-rees-mogg-gb-news-2111300 ↩

  3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/governments-business-appointment-rules-for-former-ministers/guidance-on-making-an-application-to-acoba-ministers ↩

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