Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, what assessment he has made of a potential conflict of interest arising from the 10 Downing Street Communications Director's work with with Hawthorn Advisors.

All special advisers make a declaration of interests to their employing department. Steps are then taken to ensure no conflict of interest or mitigate any potential conflict to the satisfaction of the relevant Permanent Secretary; and relevant interests are routinely published on GOV.UK.

On taking up employment with the Civil Service, Mr Harri resigned from Hawthorn Advisors.