David Cameron signs money-making deal to make speeches in US

Big-money deal: David Cameron has signed up with the same company that helped make George Osborne half-a-million pounds
AFP/Getty Images
Fiona Simpson19 December 2016
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David Cameron has signed a potentially lucrative deal with an American public engagements company which helped George Osborne make half a million pounds since he was sacked as chancellor.

The former prime minister joins predecessors Tony Blair and Gordon Brown on the books of the Washington Speakers Bureau, whose clients can earn six-figure sums addressing well-heeled business audiences.

The Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) gave Mr Cameron clearance in September to take up work with the organisation, and has now confirmed that he has registered with the WSB.

On its website, WSB describes Mr Cameron as "one of the most prominent global influencers of the early 21st Century".

Former chancellor: George Osborne is signed up to the Washington Speakers Bureau
PA

It added he was able to offer "lessons in leadership at an extraordinary and turbulent time in global affairs - not least on building economic strength; creating inward investment across the UK and Europe against the backdrop of an emergent Russia and China; and navigating complex international security challenges".

After bringing about the EU referendum which led to Britain's vote to leave, Mr Cameron "will provide an unrivalled perspective on the future of the European Union and Britain's place in the world following Brexit; and a unique insight on the rise of populist politicians and parties at a time of profound global change", said the WSB.

Mr Osborne earned more than £500,000 through speeches to Wall Street banks, financial firms and a university in New York during a series of trips in October and November.

In its advice letter to Mr Cameron, Acoba - which vets job offers for ministers and senior civil servants in the period after they leave government - said he could sign up with the WSB three months after his last day in office but must not lobby the Government on its behalf for at least two years.

He should not draw on any privileged information available to him as prime minister during his work with the bureau, said the watchdog.

Since stepping down as an MP, the former PM has set up a company called the Office of David Cameron Ltd to deal with earnings from activities such as public speaking.

He gave a speech about the political upheavals of 2016 earlier this month at Indiana's DePauw University.

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