§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many of the press officers appointed to his Department since 1997 have(a) declared political affiliations with the Labour Party and (b) have held previous positions (i) with the Labour party and (ii) with Labour party members. [118756]
§ Ms Beverley HughesPress officers in my Department are recruited on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Political affiliation or previous association with any political party is not relevant and is not recorded.
All civil servants must abide by the Civil Service Code. This makes clear that they should conduct themselves with integrity, impartiality and honesty. In addition, the Civil Service Management Code sets out principles underpinning restrictions on civil servants' participation in political activities.