Overview
- Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Green leaders pressed for a formal probe after reports that Tim Allan discussed government affairs with Tom Baldwin, a Strand Partners consultant and the prime minister’s biographer.
- Companies House records show Allan retains a declared 10% shareholding in Strand Partners valued at about £100,000, having resigned as chair and agreed to take no dividends or management role since joining No 10 in September.
- Labour and No 10 reject claims that Strand has benefited, stating any interactions with Baldwin were in his capacity as a journalist and unrelated to the firm or its clients.
- Sky News reports Baldwin has spoken at private client briefings and was allowed by officials to attend at least one restricted Treasury event with Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
- Critics point to Strand’s client roster, including the British Horseracing Authority, Ovo Energy, Cadent Gas and Netflix, as the Cabinet Office says Allan complied with the special adviser clearance process.