George Eustice gets go-ahead for new agri-food consultancy

Former Defra secretary George Eustice has been given the go-ahead by a government watchdog to set up a new consultancy working in the agri-food sector – subject to strict conditions.

Mr Eustice, who served at Defra for nine years until he was sacked by Liz Truss in 2022, had notified the Office of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) of his intention to set up his new business.

See also: Highs and lows of George Eustice’s time as Defra secretary

The consultancy will advise private equity shareholders looking to invest in the agri-tech, agri-food and environmental sectors, offering strategic advice on relevant policy and guidance on complying with rules and regulations.

In keeping with government procedure for any ex-minister, Mr Eustice had to submit his plans to Acoba, to check their suitability and any scope for providing future clients with an unfair commercial advantage.

In its conclusions, committee chairman Lord Pickles says that, while it would “not be improper” for Mr Eustice to set up his consultancy, there is still “a significant risk” that his clients could benefit unfairly from his “privileged insight” gained during his time in office.

Lord Pickles also expressed concern that Mr Eustice’s clients could gain unfair access to government, to their commercial advantage.

As such, Acoba has set a number of conditions which Mr Eustice must meet for his new consultancy, including that he must not draw on privileged information derived from his time in office, nor undertake any lobbying of government for a two-year period.

Furthermore, Mr Eustice will have to seek approval from the committee for each new client he takes on for two years, so that any risks of unfair business practice can be assessed.