PETER HAIN, the Welsh secretary, is facing questions over his decision to remain a partner in a firm that specialises in political communications.

The cabinet minister, who returned to government in Gordon Brown’s last reshuffle, is a partner in HaywoodHain, a consultancy set up by his wife. It claims to have a “detailed understanding of the political landscape in the UK” on its website. The firm uses Hain’s London home as the office address.

Although the ministerial code does not explicitly prohibit second jobs, it makes it clear they “must ensure that no conflict arises, or could reasonably be perceived to arise”.

Last night MPs called for Hain’s case to be referred to Sir Philip Mawer, the prime minister’s independent adviser on ministerial interests.

Until contacted by The Sunday Times, the website of HaywoodHain, which is named after the Welsh secretary and his wife, Elizabeth Haywood, boasted about Hain’s political experience and connections.

Hain resigned as work and pensions secretary in 2008 following controversy over donations to his campaign to become deputy Labour leader.

A spokesman for the minister said Hain was no longer actively involved in the firm, although he remained a partner. He said Hain was removing any references to himself from the website. “The consultancy was set up by Mr Hain’s wife as a partnership with him and he now takes no active part in it,” the spokesman said.

“His wife continues to offer consultancy services in communications and recruitment. The business is properly registered and has been declared on the appropriate registers.”

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