A Conservative think-tank has called for an inquiry into what role Carrie Symonds, the prime minister’s fiancee, plays in “governing” the UK.

The Bow Group, which counts Tory MPs and peers among its members, wants an independent investigation to clarify the “position and authority” of Ms Symonds over concerns about her influence in Downing Street.

Details of any meetings she has attended or demands given to special advisors and civil servants should form part of the inquiry, the group says.

It also wants to look into “possible influence” that she may have had on the hiring and appointments of government employees, after two of Ms Symonds’ key allies, Baroness Finn and Henry Newman, were given jobs as advisers in Number 10.

Ben Harris-Quinney, chairman of the Bow Group, said Ms Symonds “currently holds no official role in the Conservative Party or the government, yet consistent reports in the press suggest that Ms Symonds is taking a central role in running the country, without any authority or accountability to do so”.

He added: “She has not been elected, she has not been appointed, she holds no legal or constitutional powers to make decisions relating to who should hold government posts, to be party to privileged information, or to set the policy direction of the country.

“It is therefore urgent that a review and inquiry takes place to determine what Ms Symonds’ role in the governing of the United Kingdom is, and has been to date.

“Failure to clarify Ms Symonds’ position and authority, and to ensure that Ms Symonds is not and cannot take any action in governing the United Kingdom, potentially has huge hazards for the government, the Conservative Party, and the nation.

“The public take a very dim view of cronyism, democracy in Britain is and must always be sacred, and no one should be involved in running our country without accountability to the people.”

Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

A spokesperson for Ms Symonds declined to comment, the Press Association said.

Patrons of the Bow Group include Tory MPs John Redwood and Sir Bill Cash, peers Lord Lamont and Lord Tebbit and former MP Ann Widdecombe.

Related posts:

Stamp duty holiday ‘to be extended until end of June’ Salmond becomes leader of new pro-independence party ahead of Scottish elections Second COVID jabs guaranteed within 12 weeks as England told to hold its nerve ahead of ‘rule of six’ Care homes crisis, ‘regrets’ over WHO, and Cummings fallout: Key moments from Hancock evidence Fact check: Hancock’s claims on lockdown timing, asymptomatic transmission and PPE Warm words and positive mood music – but Brexit row will be first test of Biden and Johnson’s relationship Raab says ‘ball in EU’s court’ after Macron raises heat in NI Brexit row Boris Johnson’s Brexit minister blames Theresa May for problems with Northern Ireland Protocol Face masks will still have to be worn in some public places in Wales – in break from England rules Gas levy ‘threatens to fuel soaring household energy bills’ Mandatory COVID jabs will be introduced for all NHS England full-time staff from April – Javid Met Police ‘considering’ cash for honours allegations made against Conservatives