Special Advisers

Mr. Heald
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he has issued to his special advisers concerning alterations to their duties during the campaign for the deputy leadership of the Labour Party.

Mr. Dhanda
Special advisers act in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers. This makes clear that special advisers may assist with a leadership or deputy leadership campaign, but it must be in their own time. In addition, the Cabinet Secretary has issued guidance to Departments on conduct in the run-up to such elections. A copy has been placed in the Library for the reference of Members.