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Labour's Shadow Chancellor has asked the Prime Minister for assurances about the business interests of the Government’s new legal eagle Geoffrey Cox .

The MP was appointed Attorney General – the chief legal adviser to the Crown – earlier this month.

But in a letter to Theresa May, John McDonnell spells out his concerns about Mr Cox’s previous work advising businesses in overseas territories, and his stance on anti-money laundering law.

Mr Cox, who has raked in thousands as a part-time barrister, worked for companies in the Cayman Islands.

The MP for Torridge and West Devon also opposed plans to change anti-money ­laundering law so overseas tax havens are put under more scrutiny.

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Mr McDonnell wrote: “During the recent Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill debate, the Member for Torridge and West Devon spoke out strongly against greater transparency for the overseas territories.

“I am therefore concerned as to what this new appointment means for the Government’s claims regarding tackling financial crime and tax avoidance.” He goes on: “How can this Attorney General advise the Government objectively on any measures it puts forward on greater transparency given the views he has expressed?

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“Will the Prime Minister be confirming, subject to legal professional privilege, the nature of all legal services the Attorney-General has provided to clients based in the ­overseas territories?

“Can the Prime Minister ­guarantee that the Attorney-General has no other undeclared earnings that could give rise to potential conflicts of interest as the Government’s Chief Legal Adviser?

“Furthermore, does the Attorney-General have any as yet unpaid legal fees on other cases that could give rise to potential conflicts of interest as the Government’s Chief Legal Adviser?”

(Image: PA)

Mr Cox – who once claimed 49p for milk on his expenses – took over from Jeremy Wright during the hasty Cabinet reshuffle that followed Boris Johnson’s resignation as Foreign Secretary.

The Attorney General’s Office said: “Geoffrey Cox has ceased all private practice as a barrister as previous Law Officers have also done.

“Any suggestion that the Attorney General is in favour of reduced scrutiny in tax havens is incorrect.”