By Ben Kerrigan-
Keir Starmer failed to consult the post-government appointments watchdog when he left the Crown Prosecution Service and took a highly paid consultancy with a top law firm.
Starmer stepped down as director of public prosecutions (DPP) in October 2013, and became a part-time consultant at Mishcon de Reya, earning at least £100,000.
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His decision to quietly take up a highly paid consultancy with a top law firm after leaving the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) rises question s about his levels of accountability for the leader of opposition so well trained in scrutinising the ruling party.
Starmer as a senior civil servant was required to consult the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) for two years after his departure about any roles he wanted to take up, but did not ask permission from the committee before taking up the consultancy, The Guardian reported.
The post-government appointments watchdog plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and preventing conflicts of interest as former public officials transition to private sector roles. It is their responsibility to review and assess potential appointments, considering factors such as the nature of the role, the individual’s previous position, and any conflicts that may arise. Keir, in this case, was entrusted with this important responsibility after leaving his position at the CPS.
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The decision by Keir to accept a highly paid consultancy with a top law firm immediately after leaving the CPS raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The consultancy role could involve advising clients who may have cases or interests that intersect with the CPS’s jurisdiction or past cases. It is unknown to what extent such a situation may have compromised Keir’s impartiality and integrity in the eyes of the public, casting doubt on the watchdog’s ability to effectively prevent conflicts of interest.
The watchdog’s role is vital in maintaining public trust in the integrity of the public appointments process. When an individual in this position, such as Keir, takes up a highly paid consultancy with a firm closely connected to their former role, it creates a perception of favouritism or impropriety. This erosion of public trust can have far-reaching consequences, as it undermines confidence in the impartiality and transparency of the post-government appointments process.
Inadequacy of Existing Regulations
The revelation highlights the need for stronger regulations and guidelines governing post-government appointments.
Existing rules are believed to be too weak to address potential conflicts of interest adequately, but the regulations are expected to include clear restrictions and cooling-off periods, prohibiting individuals from immediately transitioning into roles that may give rise to conflicts with their previous public positions.
The revelation will lead to calls for the strengthening of such regulations would ensure greater transparency, reduce the likelihood of conflicts, and help maintain public confidence.
Keir’s consultancy with a top law firm can perpetuate the perception of a revolving door between public service and the private sector, potentially fuelling public perceptions of corruption. When high-ranking officials leave their positions and immediately secure lucrative roles within industries they previously regulated, it raises concerns about the influence of powerful individuals and the potential for improper relationships between the public and private sectors.
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