Summary of Business Appointments - James Wharton
Updated 26 September 2018
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James Wharton left his position as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development in June 2017.
1. Strategic Adviser, Aquind Ltd
Mr Wharton sought the Committee’s advice about taking up a paid, part-time appointment at Aquind, a UK based company focused on an ‘Interconnector’ between the UK and France.
The Committee noted this role has no direct correlation with Mr Wharton’s time in office as either Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development (DfID), or Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government (responsible for the Northern Powerhouse).
DfID confirmed to the Committee that the department has no relationship with Aquind; that Mr Wharton did not meet with them whilst in office; and that DfID has no concerns about him taking up this appointment. Similar information was provided by DCLG.
Taking into account these factors, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised Mr Wharton that the appointment be subject to the following conditions:
- he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from his time in Government;
- for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Aquind ltd or its partners.
The Committee sent its advice letter in August 2017.
2. Strategic Adviser, Aquind Ltd
Mr Wharton sought the Committee’s advice about taking up a paid, part-time appointment with Hume Brophy, a global communications form specialising in Public Relations; Investor Relations; Public Affairs; and Corporate and Financial Communications. The company is also focusing on Brexit, in particular offering services on building relationships gathering intelligence and calculating the cost of Brexit on organisations.
The Committee considered that this role has no direct correlation with Mr Wharton’s responsibilities in office as either Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Development (DfID), or Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government (responsible for the Northern Powerhouse).
DfID confirmed that it has no relationship with Hume Brophy; that he did not meet with them whilst in office; and confirmed it has no concerns about Mr Wharton taking up this role. Similar information was confirmed by DCLG.
Taking into account these factors, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advises this appointment be subject to the following conditions:
- he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from your time in Government;
- for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Hume Brophy or its clients or partners. Nor should he make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government/Whitehall to influence policy or secure business on behalf Hume Brophy, its clients or partners.
The Committee sent its advice letter in August 2017.
3. Consultant, Squire Patton Boggs
Mr Wharton sought the Committee’s advice about taking up a paid, part-time role with the law form, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP.
When considering his application the Committee took into account that before being an MP and Minister, Mr Wharton was (and remains) a solicitor.
The Committee concluded this role could not reasonably be seen as a reward related to his time in office given he had no official dealings with the firm.
Mr Wharton explained he will have no contact with Government in this role and DfID has confirmed that he has no access to any sensitive information which could benefit Squire Patton Boggs. The Committee therefore concluded the risk of Mr Wharton affording the company an unfair advantage is low, bearing in mind the restrictions set out below.
Taking into account these factors, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advises this appointment be subject to the following conditions:
- he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister;
- for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP or its clients or the wider law firms of Squire Patton Boggs.
The Committee sent its advice letter in October 2017.
4. Consultant, Policy Exchange
Mr Wharton sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment as a Consultant at the Policy Exchange.
The letter containing the Committee’s consideration and the conditions imposed on the appointment was sent in June 2018. The appointment was taken up shortly after.