The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) has sparked outrage after approving former defence secretary Grant Shapps' move to a private defence startup just months after leaving office. Critics argue the decision undermines public trust in government ethics.
Controversial Approval
Shapps, who served as defence secretary until recently, received clearance to join the board of a defence technology company developing products potentially relevant to his former department. The watchdog concluded there was "no reason" to block the appointment despite the obvious potential for conflicts of interest.
Growing Criticism
Transparency campaigners have condemned the decision, calling it "yet another example of the revolving door between government and industry." The move has raised fresh questions about:
- The effectiveness of Acoba's oversight
- The potential for privileged access to government contracts
- The need for stricter cooling-off periods for ministers
Defence Sector Concerns
The appointment is particularly sensitive given the startup's focus on defence technologies that could benefit from Shapps' insider knowledge of:
- Current MOD procurement strategies
- Ongoing defence priorities
- Sensitive budget information
Acoba maintains that appropriate conditions have been imposed on Shapps' new role, but critics argue these measures are insufficient to prevent potential conflicts.
