Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government on which policy areas the guidance in the Ministerial Code prevents the former Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, from conducting lobbying.

The Business Appointment Rules (para 8), attached at Annex B of the Ministerial Code, defines lobbying as:

…communication with Government (Ministers, civil servants, including special advisers, and other relevant officials/public office holders) – wherever it takes place - with a view to influencing a Government decision, policy or contract award/grant in relation to their own interests or the interests of the organisation by which they are employed, or to whom they are contracted or with which they hold office. This does not prohibit contacts, including at a social or party political level which is unrelated to such lobbying.

Former Ministers remain personally responsible for deciding how to act and conduct themselves in the light of the Ministerial Code and for justifying their actions and conduct to Parliament and the public. This includes following the correct process for seeking advice from the independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments.

Individuals who are serving Members of Parliament should also be mindful that any outside activity must comply with the Commons Code of Conduct.