Grant Shapps Cleared to Join Missile Start-Up, But Watchdog Faces Backlash
Former defence secretary Grant Shapps has been given the go-ahead to take up a senior role at a new aerospace start-up — but critics say the decision exposes just how weak Britain’s rules are on ministers moving into the private sector.
The government’s appointments watchdog, Acoba, confirmed Shapps can become chair of Cambridge Aerospace, a company launched shortly after last year’s Conservative election defeat. Officially, his role is meant to focus on “civilian aviation technology”, and he has been told to avoid work directly connected to defence for at least two years.
But the move has already raised eyebrows. Cambridge Aerospace has publicly described itself as a “defence tech” company, boasting of plans to build missile-intercepting systems similar to Israel’s Iron Dome. Investor slides obtained by the Guardian spoke of preparing for a “new era of warfare”, while its first product — the Skyhammer — is being developed to take down drones and cruise missiles.
That apparent gap between what Shapps told Acoba and what the company is pitching has fuelled criticism. Labour MP Phil Brickell said it was “stretching credulity” to claim the start-up was purely focused on civilian aerospace. “This is yet another example of why Acoba is unfit for purpose,” he said, arguing that the current rules allow too much room for conflicts of interest.
Transparency International echoed the concerns, warning that the system relies on “gentlemen’s agreements” and has no real power to enforce restrictions. Unlike its French equivalent, Acoba can only advise on appointments — it cannot block them.
Shapps, who led the Ministry of Defence between August 2023 and July 2024, is still inside the two-year “cooling off” period for ex-ministers. He defended the move, saying he joined Cambridge Aerospace because of his long-standing passion for aviation. A licensed pilot since the 1990s, Shapps said the company’s mission to develop life-saving technology was more important than ever in light of the war in Ukraine.
“I believe strongly in protecting our skies, creating highly skilled jobs, and keeping our country safe,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud to be a founding partner.”
Cambridge Aerospace co-founder Professor Steven Barrett praised the company’s rapid growth, claiming it has already hired nearly 60 engineers and is investing in manufacturing in both Germany and Poland. “As Ukraine has shown, the need to defend against drone and missile threats is only increasing,” he said.
For now, Acoba insists Shapps’ appointment does not present a major conflict of interest. But with the watchdog set to be scrapped and replaced by a tougher system promised by Labour, the row has reignited debate about the blurred line between government and industry — and whether Britain’s political “revolving door” is spinning out of control.
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