Decision

Summary of business appointments applications - Rt Hon David Cameron

Updated 10 December 2024

Rt Hon David Cameron left his role as Prime Minister in July 2016.

1. Consultant and Chair of International Advisory Board, Illumina Inc.

Mr Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment with Illumina, which describes itself as a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function.

Mr Cameron informed the Committee his primary role would be to assist the firm’s engagement with foreign governments and stakeholders as it works (and expands) in other countries outside the UK. He would assist with the potential establishment of a new International Advisory Board, and if/ once established, chair the Board. He would also provide strategic advice; assist with business development, particularly in an international context; and perform other duties, as reasonably requested by the Board.

The position would be paid and is likely to involve 2-3 days per month.

Mr Cameron informed the Committee that Illumina, through its partnership with Genomics England, has existing links with the UK Government/ Department of Health (DH) in the context of the 100,000 Genomics Project. Illumina carries out whole genome sequencing on samples provided by Genomics England and returns data to it. Management of this contract and related negotiations involve occasional interaction between Illumina and senior officials from DH.

Mr Cameron confirmed that he would not play any role in contract negotiations between Genomics England (or DH) and Illumina.

He noted the role might involve some very limited contact with UK Ministers from time to time, but he was clear with the Committee that he would not lobby Ministers or the UK Government in any way on behalf of Illumina or its partners.

He informed the Committee that to his knowledge he had no direct meetings with Illumina during his time as PM. He had meetings with officials, DH Ministers and civil servants about the 100,000 Genome Project and Genomics England, and received briefings as appropriate at the time.

Neither CO nor DH have any concerns about the propriety of this appointment. Relevant information provided by Government at the request of the Committee is included in the Committee’s advice letter. The Committee’s detailed consideration of this application is included in its advice letter.

Taking into account the specific facts in this case, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as a Minister;
• for two years from his last day of service he should not provide advice to any company or organisation on the terms of, or with regard to the subject matter of, a bid or contract relating directly to the work of the UK Government; and
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Illumina, Inc. or its partners or subsidiaries or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on their behalf. Neither should he contact Ministers or officials to discuss issues relating to genomics unless invited to do so by the UK Government.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in November 2017 and the appointment was announced in February 2018.

2. Vice-Chair, UK-China Fund

Mr Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment with a new UK-China private investment fund he is forming, called the UK-China Fund (referred to throughout as the Fund).

Mr Cameron told the Committee that the Fund would build on the close bilateral relationship between the UK and China established when he was PM. He said he had held talks with partners about establishing the Fund and confirmed that all discussions about the Fund took place this year (2017) and that no work or tentative discussions took place while he was PM.

Mr Cameron told the Committee that the Fund would play a role in promoting economic UK-China cooperation in a wide variety of sectors, such as: technology (including Fin-Tech); healthcare; high-end manufacturing; infrastructure and new energy. The primary objective of the investments will be to help businesses in the targeted sectors expand into overseas markets.

Mr Cameron explained that he would be Vice-Chairman of the Fund and this would be a paid role. He would participate in critical aspects of the decision-making process of the Fund and in setting the broad strategy. He would help connect UK companies with Chinese markets and Chinese capital with areas for investment in the UK; promoting greater interconnectivity and business links between the two countries. He said “if and when necessary” he would facilitate dialogue with the UK (and Chinese) governments, but would not lobby ministers, departments or officials on behalf of Fund investors or partners.

The Committee’s detailed consideration of this application is set out in its advice letter. More information about the purpose and nature of the Fund and Mr Cameron’s role are also included.

Taking into account the specific facts in this case, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as Prime Minister;
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of the UK-China Fund or its partners or investors or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government and/or Crown service to influence policy or secure business on their behalf. Neither should he contact Ministers or officials to discuss issues relating to the UK-China Fund unless invited to do so by the UK Government. This would not prevent him from approaching the UK Government to agree the terms on which he may facilitate dialogue between the UK and Chinese governments; and
• he should not facilitate dialogue between the UK and Chinese Governments (or test UK Government initiatives with Chinese partners) without the consent of the UK Government.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in December 2017.

3. Member of the Board of Directors, ONE

David Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment as a Member of the Board of Director at ONE.

The Committee noted that this role will be unpaid and part-time, and that Mr Cameron said he will advise on the strategic direction of the organisation; perform general Board duties; and act as a spokesperson for ONE a handful of times each year (which may include speaking at events, joining key strategic meetings and press involvement​ for the organisations).

The Cabinet Office confirmed Government has an ongoing relationship with ONE, mainly delivered through the Department for International Development; that it is not aware of any commercially sensitive information Mr Cameron was privy to that could give ONE an unfair advantage; and added to Mr Cameron’s confirmation that he had official dealings with ONE whilst in office - noting that various issues were discussed, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Cabinet Office raised no concerns about him taking up this this appointment.

The Committee took into account that it is likely Mr Cameron will have contact with Government as a result of its ongoing relationship with ONE, but that this will not involve lobbying Government on behalf of ONE.

In accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised Mr Cameron this appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office; and
• for two years from his last day in service, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of The ONE Campaign and ONE Action, or their partners. This is not intended to prevent him from reporting to Government on the activities of The ONE Campaign and ONE Action, or from advising the UK Government in relation to development or humanitarian issues when the UK Government has asked for such advice. However, it would prevent him from making use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of The ONE Campaign and ONE Action, and their partners.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in May 2017 and the role was announced in December 2017.

Mark Addison recused himself from this application.

4. Consultant and Brand Ambassador, First Data Corporation

David Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment as a Consultant and Brand Ambassador at First Data Corporation.

The Committee noted that this role will be paid and part-time, and that Mr Cameron said he will assist with business development and will also sit on the Advisory Board of First Data. Mr Cameron confirmed his duties may include attending meetings and representing First Data with stakeholders; providing strategic advice and counsel to the CEO and Chairman, senior leadership team and the Board; offering international, contextual and geopolitical advice and analysis; and speaking at private and public events for and on behalf of First Data.

The Committee took into account that Mr Cameron said the role is not likely to include contact with Government, that he has no commercially sensitive information about First Data or its competitors and that he did not have previous official dealings with First Data. It also noted that as Prime Minister, Mr Cameron held meetings with other companies in the financial services sector. However these discussions focused on the broader economic policies being pursued by the UK Government and not on the detailed internal policies or strategies of individual companies.

The Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary, John Manzoni, confirmed that the Government has no links with First Data in its procurement frameworks and has no concerns about Mr Cameron taking up this appointment.

In accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised Mr Cameron this appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office; and
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of First Data Corporation, its partners or subsidiaries. He should not make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of the First Data Corporation, its partners or subsidiaries.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in July 2017 and the role was announced in October 2017.

5. Member, Global Board of Advisers, Council on Foreign Relations

David Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an appointment as a Member of the Global Board of Advisers at the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Committee noted that this is an independent, nonpartisan membership organisation, think tank and publisher acting as a resource to better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the U.S and other countries.

When considering this application the Committee took into account that the role is unpaid, and that it would not involve lobbying Ministers, officials or government departments. The Committee sought the views of the Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office who had no concerns about this appointment.

Taking into account the specific facts in this case, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office; and
• for two years from his last day in Ministerial office, he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of the Council on Foreign Relations, their partners or who it represents. He should not make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of the Council on Foreign Relations.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in May 2017 and the role was announced later that month.

6. Chairman, LSE-Oxford Commission on Growth in Fragile States

David Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an unpaid appointment with the International Growth Centre (IGC), as Chairman of the LSE-Oxford Commission on Growth in Fragile States (the Commission).

The Committee noted that the IGC is an academic institution that aims to promote sustainable growth in developing countries through policy and research, and that Mr Cameron’s role as Chairman will involve: providing input from a policy perspective on the different dimensions of state fragility that will be addressed by the commission; leading meetings between co-chairs and commissioners; and assisting in communicating and disseminating the Commission’s reports and findings.

The Committee sought the views of the Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office who had no concerns about this appointment. It also considered that whilst the IGC is funded by the UK Department for International Development, the Commission is not and is fully funded through the London School of Economics and Oxford University.

Taking into account the specific facts in this case, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the persons or organisations to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office; and
• for two years from his last day in office he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of the International Growth Centre (IGC), or the LSE-Oxford Commission on Growth in Fragile States.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in December 2016 and the role was announced March 2017.

7. President, Alzheimer’s Research UK

David Cameron sought the Committee’s advice about taking up an unpaid appointment as President of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The Committee noted that Mr Cameron’s role would be to help grow the charity’s global role as both a research funder and thought leader.

When considering this application the Committee took into account that the role is ambassadorial, and that it would not involve lobbying Ministers, officials or government departments. The Committee sought the views of the Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office who had no concerns about this appointment.

Taking into account the specific facts in this case, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee advised the appointment be subject to the following conditions:

• he should not draw on any privileged information available to him from his time in ministerial office; and
• for two years from his last day in ministerial office he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK or make use, directly or indirectly, of his contacts in Government to influence policy or secure funding on behalf of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in November 2016 and the role was announced in January 2017.

8. Chairman, National Citizen Service Patrons; Public speaker, Washington Speakers Bureau

Mr Cameron sought the Committee’s advice on registering with the Washington Speakers Bureau (WSB) and taking up an unpaid role as Chairman of the National Citizen Service Patrons (NCS).

The Committee noted that Mr Cameron would be registered with WSB and give speeches on the contemporary global political environment.

The Committee also noted that NCS is a youth development programme, and that Mr Cameron would be joining the NCS Patrons to establish and convene the panel of patrons. Mr Cameron was responsible for establishing the NCS as Prime Minister, and kept up to date with the organisation while in post. Although this is a publicly funded body, the Committee noted that his role will be unpaid, he will not lobby Government, and will not be involved in issues pertaining to the Board of Directors or Executive team around awarding of contracts or funding. His role will be ambassadorial and involve supporting a programme that emerged from his concept when Leader of the Opposition and gained cross-party support.

The Committee took into account that, as the former Prime Minister, Mr Cameron is subject to a standard three-month waiting period before taking up any outside appointment.

Taking into account these factors, in accordance with the Government’s Business Appointment Rules, the Committee’s advice to Mr Cameron was that these appointments be subject to the following conditions:

• A three month waiting period from his last day in office;
• He should not draw on (disclose or use for the benefit of himself or the organisations or persons to which this advice refers) any privileged information available to him as Prime Minister; and
• For two years from his last day in office he should not become personally involved in lobbying the UK Government on behalf of WSB or its clients, or on behalf of the NCS Trust.

The Committee wrote its advice letter to Mr Cameron in September 2016. The appointment with NCS was announced in October 2016. Mr Cameron registered with WSB in December 2016.