article_snippet: The pair said it was a breach of the special adviser's code, which says that - as public servants - The pair should not conduct canvassing in by-election campaigns and are required to resign both men posts if both men wish to do so.
article_snippet: Number Ten controversially ruled it was acceptable for special advisers to take part in ‘backroom support’ activities in special advisers private time and telephone canvassing fell into this category.
article_snippet: the public administration committee said: ‘Any direction to a Special Adviser to conduct telephone canvassing was misguided, and that advice that such a direction or such canvassing was permitted under such canvassing Code and contract of employment was wrong in law.
article_snippet: We recommend that Special Advisers should never again be confronted with directions or informal pressure that puts Special Advisers in breach of their Code and of Special Advisers contracts of employment.
article_snippet: Sir Jeremy controversially ruled it was acceptable for special advisers to take part in ‘backroom support’ activities in special advisers private time and telephone canvassing fell into this category.
article_snippet: Given the proximity of the election campaign, we need a formal government response today which outlines how Number 10 will ensure no rules will be broken over the role played by Special Advisers.
article_snippet: ’s 430,000 civil servants from talking to journalists without ministerial approval.
highlights_snippet: Given dressing down for clearing advisers to help in political campaigning .
  
highlights_snippet: Sir Jeremy Heywood ruled it was acceptable for Nick Timothy and Stephen Parkinson to do ‘backroom support’ activities in private time and telephone canvassing .