Starmer, the shadow secretary of state for exiting the European Union, came in for criticism when news of his discussions with Mishcon broke yesterday, given the firm's high profile role advising Gina Miller in her battle with the government over triggering Article 50.

Today, he cited "other commitments" as the reason for his decision not to continue discussions with the firm.

The role would have seen the former director of public prosecutions become an adviser to Mishcon Academy, the firm's in-house training and development arm.

In a statement, Starmer said: "I am grateful to Mishcon de Reya for discussing a possible role advising the Mishcon Academy with me, but, given my other commitments, I have decided not to further the discussions."

His decision follows pressure from MPs in both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party that the role could cause a conflict of interest given his membership of the privy council, the body that advises the Queen on the exercise of her duties.

The content of the council's meetings is not made public and members have access to confidential information.

Mishcon first hired Starmer in 2014 as a part-time dispute resolution consultant.

His declaration of interests show that he has regularly had contact with Mishcon since becoming an MP in 2015. In February 2017, he received more than £7,000 for legal advice given to the firm, but is understood he stopped working for the firm before taking up his shadow Brexit role.

Last year, Mishcon represented Gina Miller as she successfully took the government to the Supreme Court over the triggering of Article 50 without prior parliamentary approval.

Mishcon declined to comment.