Labour faces questions over Starmer aide who holds shares in lobbying firm

"Tim Allan, who is one of Starmer's most senior aides, has a minority stake in Strand Partners, which critics claim could give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest. Allan does not gain any financial benefit from Strand while he is in No 10 but he has not sold his shares in the firm, whose clients include the British Horseracing Authority, the energy companies Ovo Energy and Cadent Gas, and Netflix."

"He is also friends with Tom Baldwin, a journalist, biographer of Starmer and former Labour adviser, who is a senior consultant for Strand Partners. The relationship was first reported by Sky News, which said multiple sources had told the news organisation that Allan and Baldwin have discussed politics since the communications chief joined No 10. Labour said the idea that Allan had done anything to benefit Strand while in his government job was categorically false."

"Baldwin is primarily a journalist and does not do lobbying or public affairs for Strand Partners, with his role limited to speaking at events for its corporate clients. Tom Baldwin has worked for the Sunday Telegraph and the Times, and was once a senior adviser to Ed Miliband. Sources said Baldwin and Allan do not discuss Strand Partners business and that Allan has undertaken to not receive dividends or get involved in the running of the company while he is in government."

Tim Allan holds a minority stake in Strand Partners while serving as communications chief at No 10, prompting concerns about a perceived conflict of interest. Allan receives no financial benefit from Strand while in post and resigned as chair on his appointment, but he has not sold his shares. Strand Partners’ clients include the British Horseracing Authority, Ovo Energy, Cadent Gas and Netflix. Allan is friends with Tom Baldwin, a journalist and senior consultant at Strand; multiple sources said Allan and Baldwin have discussed politics since Allan joined No 10. Allan has undertaken not to receive dividends or take part in running the company while in government. Cross-party calls have been made for an investigation.

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