Former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace to advise Saudi Arabia on security, governance

Former UK defence secretary Ben Wallace has been appointed as advisor to a firm that works with Saudi Arabia.

Wallace will work with CTRD as senior advisor to the kingdom on reform, governance and security.

The UK's Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) had to approve the new role due to his previous career in the defence sector.

Acoba approved the role but placed strict conditions on it. He cannot lobby the government or advise on matters of UK defence for two years after leaving the office.

Wallace’s appointment does raise issues of a conflict of interest as he worked in defence.

Acoba said there was minimal risk about information surrounding defence sales as it had been over a year since Wallace was in office, and as a former cabinet minister, he is bound to the Official Secrets Act.

The watchdog also recommended that Wallace be prevented from advising either CTRD or Saudi Arabia on all UK defence matters and can only advise on matters outside the UK.

Acoba added that Wallace could not contact the UK government but could respond to present UK ministers.

Wallace’s’new role reflects a trend of senior British officials advising foreign governments or quitting Whitehall for higher-paid posts in the private sector, known as the "revolving door" between the government and the world of commerce and industry.

Companies in the defence, health, energy, and transport sectors are keen on recruiting politicians with experience and close links to power.

Many former Johnson and May government members have taken up jobs in companies they had been in charge of regulating.

Saudi Arabia is currently recruiting many for Vision 2023, a programme launched by the kingdom to achieve increased economic, social, and cultural diversification in line with the vision of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Former chancellor Philip Hammond was appointed to advise Saudi Arabia’s finance minister in 2021.