Burnham economic adviser O'Neill rules out government job
Economist Lord Jim O'Neill has declined a formal role in Andy Burnham's government, citing a desire to avoid the constraints of blind trusts and official oversight. He intends to maintain an informal advisory relationship while continuing his private business interests.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the tension between private sector expertise and the regulatory requirements of public office, particularly regarding conflict of interest protocols.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jim O'Neill (image from 2014)
The economist Lord Jim O'Neill, who has been advising the prime minister, has said he will not be taking a job in Andy Burnham's government.
Lord O'Neill, a crossbench peer, was once a treasury minister under the Conservatives.
As first reported by , external the Financial Times, he said he did not want the constraints involved in taking on a formal role.
The former chief economist at Goldman Sachs had been tipped to become Burnham's chief economic adviser.
He said he was enjoying what he was currently doing too much and did not want to have to give up control of his business interests to comply with official rules.
"I've decided to not take a formal role," he said.
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