Hawkpoint hires Howard as adviser

The advisory group Hawkpoint has appointed Lord Howard, the former leader of the Conservative Party, as a special adviser. He will replace Douglas Hurd at the firm, which is owned by Collins Stewart, and "continue the trend of advisers with senior experience in the political arena", according to chairman Paul Baines.

The appointment comes just days after Hawkpoint's City rival Lazard revealed it had appointed the former business secretary Lord Mandelson as a senior adviser.

The former prime minister Tony Blair has taken up a number of advisory roles in the City, including with investment banking giant JPMorgan. In August, the financial regulator approved Tony Blair Associates to provide investment services to funds and individuals.