Watchdog gives George Eustice strict rules for new consultancy firm

Former environment secretary must gain permission for each new client to avoid giving unfair advantage'

The former environment secretary George Eustice has been told to ask permission from the post-government jobs watchdog every time his new consultancy firm takes on a client to avoid giving them unfair access to his former department.

The senior Conservative MP, who is standing down at the next election, was given permission by the advisory committee on business appointments (Acoba) to set up a company to advise businesses on farming technology and the water sector.