Nadine Dorries slammed for skipping official approval before landing new talk show gig
Nadine Dorries breaks ministerial rules with new TV job
Ex-minister Nadine Dorries is set to launch a new talk show, Friday Night With Nadine, on February 3. But she’s come under fire for failing to seek formal clearance from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) before signing the deal.
Lord Pickles flags rule breach but calls for leniency
Lord Pickles, Acoba chair, revealed that Dorries informed him of her TV move only last Friday — a breach of the rule demanding clearance before taking on new roles within two years of leaving ministerial office.
He warned it was a “rule violation” to act without prior approval. However, he told Chancellor Oliver Dowden that due to the “transparent nature” of the role, pursuing further action would be “disproportionate”.
“Had you approached Acoba in good time before agreeing to the 26-week contract… we would have been able to advise you appropriately in advance,” Lord Pickles said.
He also blasted the existing rules as “out of date” and in need of reform.
Show features Boris Johnson interview
The hour-long weekly programme will kick off with an exclusive chat with former PM Boris Johnson, adding extra star power to Dorries’ screen debut.
GB News bags Jacob Rees-Mogg as rival presenter
Meanwhile, another Tory MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, recently signed up as a new host on rival channel GB News, sparking fresh competition in the political punditry scene.
The Cabinet Office is expected to respond to Lord Pickles’ letter in due course.
