UK Politics

Home Office drops controversial adviser Lord Walney

The Home Office has axed Lord Walney’s adviser role following pressure from campaigners over conflicts of interest, highlighting concerns about industry influence on policy and marking a win for transparency advocates.

Europeans TODAY

Feb 17, 2025 — 2 min read

T he Home Office has formally ended the role of Lord Walney (John Woodcock) as an adviser on political violence and disruption, following sustained pressure from the Good Law Project and public scrutiny.

Appointed in 2020 by Boris Johnson, John Woodcock’s position had come under fire due to conflicts of interest. The Good Law Project alleged that while serving as an “independent” adviser, he advocated for crackdowns on protests against arms manufacturers and fossil fuel companies — industries with which he had financial ties.

A formal complaint was lodged in October 2024, and a petition demanding the removal of the former Labour Co-op MP garnered over 17,000 signatures. The issue gained further traction after Byline Times revealed that Woodcock’s appointment was initially meant to last just six months.

Last week, the campaign group escalated its pressure on the government, prompting action from the Home Office. Security Minister Dan Jarvis has now confirmed that “the role of Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, previously held by Lord Walney, will come to an end.”

This development marks a significant victory for campaigners advocating for transparency in government appointments, underscoring concerns about potential industry influence over public policy.