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Written question asked by Alex Burghart (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.


By-elections: Makerfield

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether any departmental special adviser took a leave of absence, or undertook a new party contract, to work on the Makerfield by-election.

Answer

As per the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers, where a special adviser wishes to undertake work for a political party which does not arise out of government business they may do this either in their own time, outside office hours, or under a separate contract with the Party, working part-time for the Government. They may not use annual or unpaid leave for this purpose.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
16026
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Contracts By-elections Holiday leave Special advisers Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Makerfield
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk