“After losing my job in Government last year I didn’t look to replace my loss of salary but instead pledged to return to focus on my longstanding work on regeneration through various not-for-profit projects I have helped set up: The Norfolk Way, The Big Tent Foundation, The Bridge of Hope, Prosper4Jobs, the New Anglia Net Zero Festival Partnership, and a blood cancer research company owned by patients & charities.
Because I had understood that ACOBA was concerned (rightly) with the prevention of lobbying or profiteering by former Ministers exploiting privileged access to Government through their former Departments, I didn’t think that this sort of work on not-for-profit / community / start-up social enterprise projects required permission.
As soon as I understood that I should have sought ACOBA guidance earlier, I apologised and sought their guidance with full disclosure of all my various projects since being an MP.
ACOBA have today made clear that as an Ex-Minister I should have sought their permission before undertaking ANY work, regardless of whether for a charity or a not-for-profit project.
ACOBA have also made clear that HAD I sought permission earlier there would have been no reason not to give it: they have made clear that NONE of the projects I have been working on represent any conflict of interest and nothing in the actual work I have undertaken contravenes the Ministerial Code or the Nolan Principles of Public Office, both of which I take very seriously.
My error was in misunderstanding the ACOBA process & remit: I have apologised profusely in writing to the ACOBA committee for that misunderstanding and made very clear that I totally respect their remit & process which I am willingly and gladly ensuring I am bound by on all matters going forward.”