Keir Starmer in ANOTHER lobbying row as pressure mounts on PM to launch investigation into comms chief

Questions have emerged about Allan's continued conversations with Tom Baldwin, a strategic consultant for the firm who also authored Sir Keir's biography, whilst serving in his Government role.

Now, multiple parties are calling for immediate action to address what they describe as a clear conflict of interest, Sky News reports.

Mr Allan maintains a 10 per cent shareholding in Strand Partners, valued at £100,000, according to Companies House records, despite stepping down as director when he joined Downing Street in September.

Multiple sources have confirmed that Mr Allan continues to engage in discussions about Government affairs and political matters with Mr Baldwin, who serves as a strategic advisor to the lobbying firm.

The special adviser code explicitly states that advisers "must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise, between their official duties and their private interests, financial or otherwise."

Strand Partners represents various corporate clients including Uber, Cadent Gas, and the British Horseracing Authority, which sought Budget tax exemptions.

Mr Baldwin has appeared at numerous company events, including one at September's Labour conference, and participated in private client briefings about Government operations.

Green Party leader Zack Polanski expressed concern, telling Sky News: "I think it's extraordinary that someone still has shares who's at the heart of Downing Street... I think there's lots of questions still to be asked."

Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart revealed she had written to the Cabinet Secretary, saying: "This appears to be a clear conflict of interest right at the heart of Government.

"It cannot be the case that the executive director of communications for the Government has shareholdings in a lobbying firm and is continuing to have conversations with senior consultants at that firm."

Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake added: "There should be a full Cabinet Office investigation.

"I think the public needs to see there are no conflicts of interest and no perceived conflicts of interest, and that's not where we are right now.

The member of Labour's National Executive Committee said: "This is a massive conflict of interest when we promised integrity to the British public.

"The first thing he has to do is give up his shareholding."

A Labour spokesman told Sky News: "The allegation that Tim Allan has done anything to benefit Strand whilst in Number 10 is categorically false.

"Tom Baldwin is an established journalist, author and commentator, who regularly appears on Sky News. Any interactions with him are in his capacity as a journalist and have not related to Strand, its business or its clients."

A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "There is a rigorous process to capture any potential conflicts of interest, and ensure appropriate mitigations are in place to reflect specific circumstances. Ahead of his appointment, Tim Allan fully complied with this process.

"This is set out in the Special Adviser Code of Conduct and lists of special adviser interests are published annually."

A Strand Partners spokesman said: "Tom Baldwin is a journalist and the biographer of the Prime Minister.

"He does not engage in government relations for Strand and this is not part of his terms of engagement with us.

"Tim Allan sought advice on his interests from the Cabinet Office and followed every element of the advice received.

"He receives no financial benefit from Strand and is not involved in our operations."