What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A former boss at an outsourcing firm that earns millions from government justice contracts has been made the new justice minister.

Tory MP Edward Argar has been appointed to the Ministry of Justice as the latest member of Theresa May's top team.

The 40-year-old is ex-Head of UK and Europe Public Affairs at Serco, working there until nine months before he was elected MP for Charnwood in 2015.

Serco was caught up in a huge row in 2013 when it agreed to repay the government £68.5m for overcharging on a criminal tagging contract.

There is no suggestion Mr Argar had any personal involvement in the row.

(Image: PA)

Mr Argar was appointed today to replace justice minister Phillip Lee, who dramatically resigned to campaign for a second EU referendum.

Dr Lee's responsibilities had included female prisoners, youth justice and offender health.

A Serco spokesman said Mr Argar worked for the firm for around three and a half years until August 2014.

He was described as its UK and Europe Head of Public Affairs when he was a member of the CBI South East Regional Council in 2013.

He previously also worked at infrastructure firm Mouchel.

Serco also runs five private prisons on behalf of the MOJ - Doncaster, Ashfield, Dovegate, Lowdham Grange and Thameside. Doncaster was criticised by inspectors in 2016 who found vermin and "overwhelmed" staff.

(Image: UKParliament)

Campaign group Transparency International has said the government should have "mechanisms" in place to avoid the possibility or perception of any firm gaining an advantage.

Research manager Steve Goodrich said: "When appointing new Ministers it's imperative that all real or potential conflicts of interest are fully scrutinised and addressed, and mechanisms are in place to avoid any decisions made in the interest of previous employers.

"Failing to do so can lead to the perception or reality that a Ministers may seek to put private interests first at the public's expense."

An MOJ source stressed: "There is no conflict of interest simply because someone has worked for a particular employer earlier in their career.

The source added: "The new Minister has been appointed in line with normal procedure.

"The Government benefits by having Ministers with a breadth of previous experience."

Asked if any mechanisms would be put in place, an MOJ spokesman said: "We are delighted to welcome Edward Argar MP as our Parliamentary Under Secretary of State."