Downing Street is being accused by Labour of flouting Whitehall rules to hire a new White House-style spokesperson to host daily government press conferences on live TV.
A new special adviser is being recruited to reply to questions from journalists including rebuffing criticisms from opposition politicians.
But the special advisers’ code of conduct stipulates that politically appointed staff cannot speak publicly or engage in political controversy.
The Cabinet Office is aware that the rules will be interpreted at the discretion of Boris Johnson.
Labour has criticised the move, amid concern that Dominic Cummings is dropping the previous practice of asking ministers to answer for government policy.
The shadow Cabinet Office minister, Rachel Reeves, told the Guardian: “Once again, this government is showing its willingness to play fast and loose with the rules when it comes to Boris Johnson’s closest advisers. And once again, they are showing contempt for the most basic…
