Presumably he’d have to have signed the official secrets act, but would he have seen intelligence of any kind? Campbell likely did when he was doing a similar job, dodgy dossier etc.

Yes. DV (developed vetting) Several interviews for you and your family / friends.

See here

Useless fact: Everyone is bound by the officials secret act, regardless whether they’ve signed it or not. Its a law, and applies to UK & foreign nationals. Signing it merely acts as a reminder that you will see sensetive information in the role you are performing, and as such, should act accordingly. Anything really sensetive requires SC or DV clearance.

I think Coulson has probably passed the test as far as keeping things secret is concerned.

Although personally I would prefer if he now started singing like a canary.

Seems like only a shallow check was done. Cameron said he employed a company to do a basic background check (presumably when in opposition) and sought assurances. Was his place in the Tory machine so important DV wasn’t done (as deeply)?

You only need to be SC level to go to ten downing street. That’s not much of a check to be honest. Have you or your family associated with non-desirables is pretty much the extent of that one.

DV clearance is slightly more intrusive but again, they’re not looking for internal associations. What’s important is that you’ve not been rubbing it up against non-UK nationals.

Internal crims are bad, but at least they’re internal. And a lot of god to honest bank robber types are extremely patriotic.

Virtually all of us UK nationals would pass SC, and a significant proportion would also pass DV.

but would he have seen intelligence of any kind?

In the Tory party? Unlikely.

wot ernie said and 😆