Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the reappointment of Alex Depledge, announced by HM Treasury on 7 September 2026, whether the Entrepreneurship Advisor has made a declaration of political activity; how many days a month the adviser is working; and on what matters is the adviser recused from.

Alex Depledge MBE was re-appointed by the Chancellor as Entrepreneurship Advisor to the Treasury through the Direct Ministerial Appointment process. The role has a time commitment of two to three days per week, as needed.

As set out in the Terms of Reference, a full declaration of interest process has been conducted in the usual way for direct ministerial appointments (this includes a declaration of political activity) and mitigations have been agreed to minimise any potential, actual or perceived conflicts.

The postholder will comply with the measures and mitigations set out by HM Treasury's Permanent Secretary and will remove herself from the discussion or determination of matters in which she has a conflict or financial interest.

The Department handles personal information, including any declarations of political activity, in accordance with data protection requirements. For direct ministerial appointments, personal information including political activity is protected.

The published Terms of Reference can be found online at Gov.uk: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a9ea2f95a0c25165ae469d7/ToR_-_ADP_Re-appointment.pdf