UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 under scrutiny as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s aide Tim Allan retains stakes in lobbying firm, raising potential conflict of interest concerns.
As reported by The Guardian, Downing Street is facing calls for an inquiry into Sir Keir Starmer’s communications chief, Tim Allard, over holding shares in a lobbying firm and consulting on political matters.
How Keir Starmer’s communications chief’s links to lobbying firm spark conflict concerns?
Tim Allan owns a minority stake in Strand Partners, raising questions over a possible conflict of interest.
He receives no profit from Strand while serving in Number 10, but he has retained his stake in the firm, whose clients include Netflix, Ovo Energy, Cadent Gas, and the British Horseracing Authority.
Allan maintains a friendship with Tom Baldwin, journalist, Starmer biographer, and former Labour adviser, who now serves as a senior consultant at Strand Partners.
The connection was first reported by Sky News, which said several sources confirmed Allan and Baldwin have discussed politics since he joined Number 10. Labour insisted Allan did not act to benefit Strand in his government role.
Baldwin does not participate in lobbying or public affairs at Strand Partners, focusing solely on speaking engagements for its corporate clients.
Insiders said Baldwin and Allan avoid discussing Strand Partners, and Allan has committed not to receive dividends or participate in the firm’s operations. He stepped down as chair upon joining Number 10 in September.
The connections between Strand Partners and Downing Street have sparked cross-party calls for an investigation.
How did opposition parties respond to Tim Allan’s stake in the lobbying firm?
The Green Party leader Zack Polanski said,
“I think it’s extraordinary that someone still has shares who’s at the heart of Downing Street … I think there’s lots of questions still to be asked. I think it’s important to know what these supposed appropriate mitigations are, what exactly are those and do they pass the public sniff test?”
Lisa Smart, a Liberal Democrat frontbencher, stated,
“I’ve written to the cabinet secretary today because this appears to be a clear conflict of interest right at the heart of government.”
She added,
“It cannot be the case that the executive director of communications for the government has shareholdings in a lobbying firm and is continuing to have conversations with senior consultants at that firm.”
Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative Party chair, added,
“[There] should be a full Cabinet Office investigation. I think the public need to see there are no conflicts of interest and no perceived conflicts of interests, and that’s not where we are right now.”
What did Labour and the Cabinet Office say about Tim Allan’s links to Strand Partners?
A Labour spokesperson stated,
“The allegation that Tim Allan has done anything to benefit Strand whilst in No 10 is categorically false.”
They added,
“Tom Baldwin is an established journalist, author and commentator, who regularly appears on Sky News. Any interactions with him are in his capacity as a journalist and have not related to Strand, its business or its clients.”
A Cabinet Office spokesperson said,
“There is a rigorous process to capture any potential conflicts of interest and ensure appropriate mitigations are in place to reflect specific circumstances. Ahead of his appointment, Tim Allan fully complied with this process.”
They added,
“This is set out in the special advisers’ code of conduct and lists of special adviser interests are published annually.”
The member of Labour’s National Executive Committee said,
“This is a massive conflict of interest when we promised integrity to the British public. The first thing he has to do is give up his shareholding.”
How did Strand Partners respond to questions over Tim Allan and Tom Baldwin?
A Strand Partners spokesperson said,
“Tom Baldwin is a journalist and the biographer of the prime minister. He does not engage in government relations for Strand and this is not part of his terms of engagement with us.”
They added,
“Tim Allan sought advice on his interests from the Cabinet Office and followed every element of the advice received. He receives no financial benefit from Strand and is not involved in our operations.”
How does the code of conduct guide special advisers on conflicts of interest?
Under the special advisers’ code, Tim Allan must ensure his official duties do not conflict with his private interests.
The code says,
“Special advisers must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their official duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise.”
It adds,
“Special advisers must not misuse their official position or information acquired in the course of their official duties to further their private interests or those of others.”
How Strand Partners advises clients and influences policy?
Strand Partners provides communications, policy, and research advice to businesses and organizations facing complex external challenges. The firm helps clients navigate regulatory and political environments.
It operates as a lobbying firm engaged in strategic advocacy to influence policy and decision-making processes, primarily within the EU framework. The company maintains transparency through official lobbying registers.
Which appointments did Keir Starmer make in September 2025 at Number 10?
Darren Jones was appointed as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister. The new ministerial role, based in Number 10, carries responsibilities to directly oversee work across government, supporting the Prime Minister’s priorities.
Tim Allan, a former adviser to ex-prime minister Tony Blair, was named the government’s executive director of communications to strengthen communication across the administration.