Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has launched a scathing attack on the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), branding it "next to useless" as pressure mounts to abolish the watchdog overseeing post-ministerial employment.
ACOBA Under Fire
The committee, which scrutinises jobs taken by former ministers and senior civil servants, has long faced criticism for its lack of enforcement powers. Johnson's comments come as government insiders suggest ACOBA may be axed in an upcoming overhaul of Whitehall ethics rules.
"Toothless" Watchdog
"The truth is ACOBA has always been a paper tiger," Johnson was quoted as saying. "Ministers know they can essentially ignore its recommendations without consequence." The former PM's remarks follow several high-profile cases where ex-ministers took lucrative private sector roles shortly after leaving government.
Reform Proposals
Whitehall sources indicate the government is considering:
- Replacing ACOBA with a stronger regulatory body
- Introducing legally binding restrictions on post-ministerial jobs
- Extending the current two-year lobbying ban
Critics argue the current system fails to prevent the "revolving door" between government and business, while defenders maintain ACOBA provides valuable transparency despite its limitations.
