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17
Nov 2021
Ripon MP Julian Smith could lose £144,000 under PM's plan to end consultancy work
Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith could lose £144,000 of consultancy earnings under proposals put forward by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Johnson wrote to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle yesterday proposing MPs are banned from acting as paid political consultants or lobbyists. He said it would help maintain public confidence in Parliament.
Former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mr Smith, a Conservative who has represented Skipton and Ripon since 2010, would be one of the most severely affected MPs.
He earns £144,000 from three part-time consultancy roles, all of which were approved by the Advisory Committee of Business Appointments.
According to the BBC, more than 200 MPs received earnings in the last year on top of their £81,932 salary.
Mr Smith, who also owns three London properties, is listed as the second highest earner of consultancy fees behind Andrew Mitchell, the Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield, who is paid more than £180,000 for six consultancy roles that take up 34.5 days of work.
The Stray Ferret has contacted Mr Smith but he had not replied by the time of publication.
Read more:
- Julian Smith MP's three extra jobs back in spotlight in Tory 'sleaze' row
- Christmas Gift and Food Fair returns to Ripon Cathedral
Julian Smith’s jobs
Ryse Hydrogen: £60,000 for 12 months. He is expected to work 20 hours.
In August 2020, Mr Smith took an advisory role with Ryse Hydrogen. Its chief executive Jo Bamford also owns Wrightbus, a Northern Ireland bus production company that has a relationship with the Northern Ireland Office in government.
Simply Blue Management: £2,000 a month for one or two hours a month over 12 months.
In January, Mr Smith began advising Cork-based firm Simply Blue Management. Its website describes itself as ‘the leading early stage developer of sustainable and transformative marine projects’.
MJM Marine: £60,000 for 12 months. He is expected to work 30 to 40 hours.
In March, Mr Smith began advising MJM Marine on ‘business development’. The company calls itself a ‘leading international specialist in cruise ship refurbishment’. It’s based in County Down, Northern Ireland.
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