Overview
- The Commissioner for Public Appointments ruled the process breached the Governance Code in three ways, including Lisa Nandy’s failure to declare two £1,450 donations from David Kogan to her 2020 leadership bid.
- The report also found the potential conflict was not discussed with Kogan at interview and that DCMS failed to properly disclose his political activity, including wider Labour donations cited at £33,410 over five years.
- Nandy apologised and said the breach was unknowing, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepting her explanation but stating the process fell short of expected standards; she had recused herself once informed in June.
- Kogan remains confirmed as chair of the Independent Football Regulator, and he said his suitability was never in question and that it is time to move on and establish the body’s work.
- Conservatives renewed cronyism accusations and wrote to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards seeking a fresh probe into alleged donation splitting, while MPs signalled further scrutiny of Nandy and DCMS procedures.