Downing Street Communications Chief Under Scrutiny Over Lobbying Firm Links
Downing Street is facing mounting pressure to investigate whether Keir Starmer's senior communications adviser should be permitted to retain shares in a prominent lobbying firm while holding one of the government's most sensitive positions.
Tim Allan, who joined No 10 as communications chief at the beginning of September, maintains a minority stake in Strand Partners despite resigning as chair upon his government appointment. The firm counts among its clients significant organisations including the British Horseracing Authority, energy companies Ovo Energy and Cadent Gas, and streaming giant Netflix.
Political Discussions Raise Eyebrows
According to a Sky News investigation, Allan has engaged in political discussions with Tom Baldwin, a senior consultant at Strand Partners who also happens to be Starmer's biographer and former Labour adviser. Multiple sources confirmed these conversations have occurred since Allan assumed his Downing Street role.
Labour representatives have vigorously denied any wrongdoing, stating that the suggestion Allan has acted to benefit Strand Partners is "categorically false." They emphasise that Baldwin primarily operates as a journalist and commentator, with his Strand role limited to speaking at corporate events rather than lobbying activities.
Cross-Party Demands for Investigation
The revelations have triggered concern across political lines, with senior figures from three major parties calling for immediate scrutiny.
Zack Polanski, Green party leader, told Sky News: "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."
Liberal Democrat frontbencher Lisa Smart declared she had written to the cabinet secretary, stating: "This appears to be a clear conflict of interest right at the heart of government."
Conservative party chair Kevin Hollinrake added: "There should be a full Cabinet Office investigation. I think the public need to see there are no conflicts of interest."
Mitigations and Defences
Allies of Allan stress that he has implemented appropriate safeguards, including committing not to receive dividends from Strand Partners or participate in company operations during his government tenure. Sources close to both men insist their conversations never touch upon Strand Partners business.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson confirmed Allan had "fully complied" with established processes to identify potential conflicts and implement suitable mitigations, as required by the special advisers' code of conduct.
Strand Partners reinforced this position, noting that Baldwin's role excludes government relations work and that Allan receives no financial benefit from the company while serving in No 10.
Despite these assurances, the situation continues to raise questions about perceived conflicts of interest at the highest levels of government, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency about the nature of the relationship and the adequacy of existing safeguards.
