Angela Rayner calls for ‘full transparency’ regarding Guto Harri’s lobbying record

Angela Rayner has called for “full transparency” regarding the lobbying record of No 10’s new director of communications.

The Sun newspaper has revealed that Guto Harri, who was previously employed at lobbying firm Hawthorn Advisors, lobbied on behalf of Chinese tech firm Huawei.

In 2020 the firm was eventually barred from involvement in the UK’s 5G infrastructure due to its links with the Chinese Communist Party.

“We can’t have the revolving door from lobbying to government see potential national security issues arise,” the deputy Labour leader argued this morning.

“We need full transparency from Guto Harri about all contact he had with government in his former role as a lobbyist and who his clients were.”

“It’s vital that anyone entering government service leaves their private sector interests at the door. The Cabinet Secretary also needs to make clear that Guto Harri will be subject to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments so when the door revolves for him again, he can’t just pick up lobbying again where he left off.

“The rules are there for a reason and they have to apply to everyone.”