Boris Johnson broke ministerial rules by returning to lucrative newspaper column without telling watchdog
The former Foreign Secretary has fallen foul of Acoba rules – but will likely escape with just a slap on the wrists as MPs slam ‘toothless’ regulator
BORIS Johnson has broken ministerial rules by returning to his lucrative newspaper column without telling a government watchdog.
The former Foreign Secretary has fallen foul of Acoba rules – but will likely escape with just a slap on the wrists after MPs slammed the “toothless” regulator.
Mr Johnson, who left the Cabinet last Monday, had a column published in the Telegraph exactly a week later.
The code explicitly states that exiting ministers cannot take up new appointments in the first three months after leaving.
They must also apply to Acoba - the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments – before even accepting a role outside Parliament.
A spokesman for the public body, which is sponsored by the Cabinet Office, confirmed Mr Johnson had not sought its advice ahead of writing for his old newspaper.
Before he was made Foreign Secretary in 2016 he was paid £275,000 a year for his weekly column, though his new salary is yet to be confirmed.
His first article failed to mention Brexit or Theresa May’s Chequers plan, which he said forced him to step aside.
Despite the breach of the code Mr Johnson is set to get away it as Acoba does not have the power to sanction former ministers.
Labour attacked the watchdog, saying his swift return to his former job “makes a mockery” of the system.
Jon Trickett, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, said: “If it was in anyway a functioning body, this kind of thing would be blocked.
“People are sick and tired of the political establishment’s revolving door, which sees a closely-knit clique move from government into cushy new jobs.
"Acoba hasn't got the teeth to stop this behaviour. We urgently need a radical overhaul of the system."
And Layla Moran, the Lib Dem MP and supporter of pro-EU group Best for Britain, said: "Boris is playing a game.
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“One minute he’s flouting his position as Secretary of State the next minute he’s feathering his best at the first opportunity.
“No wonder Trump likes him and seems him as a kindred spirit. He isn’t fit to be an MP.
"A slap on the wrist is disgraceful. If the watchdog doesn't bark is it time to put it down."