Ben Elliot runs a concierge company for wealthy clients
Conservative Party co-chair Ben Elliot has been warned to maintain a “clear distinction” between his public duties and his private business interests.
The lobbying watchdog investigated after reports suggested Mr Elliot’s firm Quintessentially had arranged access to top politicians for clients. It found it “had not been engaging in consultant lobbying activity”. But it urged Mr Elliot to be “cautious” and ensure his two roles remain separate.
Mr Elliot’s spokesman said: “The registrar has made clear that Quintessentially does not lobby government and therefore does not need to register as a lobbyist.”
Lobbying is the widely used term for individuals, businesses, trade unions, groups or charities trying to persuade a government to change its policies.
“Oily” Elliot has connections at the highest level and will arrange introductions, even meetings, for an exorbitant fee:
Pressure has been growing on Ben Elliot after Tory donor Mohamed Amersi claimed the party co-chair had benefited from introducing him to the Prince of Wales in 2013. The introduction came after Amersi paid thousands to Quintessentially, Elliot’s luxury concierge company. Elliot has said the introduction was all about raising money for charity.
Elliot has also been accused of running a secretive “advisory board” of donors, some paying £250,000, who had access to meetings with the prime minister and chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
There have also been claims that Elliot – the nephew of the Duchess of Cornwall – retains links to a PR firm he co-founded that has lobbied the government on behalf of sub-prime lender Amigo and Chinese telecoms company Huawei. Elliot co-founded the PR firm Hawthorn Advisors in 2013 and continues to hold a minority stake through a trust, although he adopted an arm’s-length approach to his shareholding and stood down as a director in April last year.
The Conservative party did not respond to requests for comment, but has previously stated that policy “is in no way influenced by the donations the party receives – they are entirely separate”.
