It was “unwise” and “not acceptable” for former chancellor Lord Philip Hammond to contact Charles Roxburgh, the second permanent secretary at the Treasury, in the context of his role at British fintech OakNorth, the chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments has said.

“Unfortunately, even though the initial contact was made without your involvement, it was an unwise step to contact senior officials at the Treasury on OakNorth’s behalf,” said Lord Eric Pickles in a 31 August letter.