IN AN echo of the row over the alleged conflict of interest stemming from trade minister Lord Simon's shareholding in BP, the chief of Lancashire-based Enterprise plc, David Taylor, finds himself under similar pressure.
He is being urged to dispose of his share options in his firm following his appointment as an unpaid adviser to deputy prime minister John Prescott.
Why? Because Enterprise plc - and Mr Taylor's options - could gain from work from the network of regional development agencies Mr Prescott's ministry is setting up.
It would smack of insider dealing if that happened says Tory critics - even though the ministry says it is satisfied there is no conflict of interest in Mr Taylor's appointment.
Mr Taylor has two choices - to pack in as an adviser or dispose of the share options.
Then there would be no possible taint.
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