Special Advisor to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the time of the Inquiry, responsible for advising him in eight departments, including the Cabinet Office, Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Department for Work and Pensions, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Justice. Was questioned on an email exchange with Frederic Michel in 2010 when Michel was director of public affairs for News Corp. Colborne agreed that BskyB had come up in conversation but disputed Michel's account.
Former advisor to Jeremy Hunt MP and Secretary of State. He resigned following concerns at his frequent and indiscreet communications with a News Corporation lobbyist while the Government was considering that organisation’s intention to take over BskyB.