Former Andrews adviser ousted from lobby firm, denies bullying claims

Lobbyist John-Paul Blandthorn has been sacked from prominent Labor-linked firm Hawker Britton, with the former senior government adviser denying allegations of bullying.

Blandthorn, the brother of Allan government minister Lizzie Blandthorn and a former adviser to ex-premier Daniel Andrews, told The Sunday Age that he was seeking legal advice.

John-Paul Blandthorn denies allegations of bullying.

He was listed as a director at Hawker Britton until Friday, when his profile was removed from its website.

Two sources who are across the details of the matter, speaking anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, said staff were told at a meeting on Friday morning that Blandthorn was no longer working with the company.

They said the decision related to accusations of bullying and came after the firm was provided with a final report into internal-culture issues. The allegations against him are not of a sexual nature.

Staff were interviewed as part of the process, which also examined allegations people had left the business because of issues relating to the internal culture.

One of the sources said they did not believe that document named Blandthorn specifically.

Hawker Britton declined to comment.

There is no suggestion that Blandthorn has engaged in bullying or misconduct, just that he is no longer working at the firm following the allegations.

In a statement, Blandthorn denied the allegations and said he was seeking further advice.

The Andrews government was forced to manage potential conflicts of interest in 2022 when Blandthorn’s sister was appointed planning minister.

Hawker Britton's clients included big development and construction firms.

Lizzie Blandthorn recused herself from projects involving her brother. She was moved to a different portfolio following the 2022 election.

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