Geoffrey Cox, the former attorney general was in fresh trouble today for his work as a highly-paid barrister during Parliament’s sitting.
After he participated in Zoom’s inquiry into corruption in British Virgin Islands, the Torridge MP and West Devon MP were accused of “taking the mick”.
He sparked a huge political row and heaped pressure on Boris Johnson after it was revealed he voted remotely from the Caribbean during lockdown while working his £1million second job.
A hearing was also held at the corruption commission via videolink from his parliamentary offices, prompting calls to investigate.
Today’s hearing was attended by Mr Cox with the background blurred and showing just the outline of an image. It did not look the same as it had before.
The move came just hours after Boris Johnson, who was subject to difficult Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament and had been backed up by Tory MPs.
Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader, said that Geoffrey Cox was taking the microphone and that the Prime Minister was letting him go.
‘This is a test of leadership for Boris Johnson and whether he is serious about tackling corruption and stopping his MPs from having dodgy second jobs instead of representing their constituents.’
After he participated in Zoom’s inquiry into corruption in British Virgin Islands, the Torridge MP and West Devon MP were accused of “taking the mick”.
Sir Geoffrey was previously referred to Commons standards over allegations that he had ‘broke’ the rules by using his parliamentary offices to give legal advice to British Virgin Islands.
Cox attempted to weather the storm by issuing only one statement after it began and making small appearances at the Commons.
Sir Geoffrey stated that he didn’t believe he had broken the rules when he was in his office and participated in the online public inquiry.
The statement stated that he understood the matter had been referred by the Parliamentary Commissioner, and would fully cooperate in her investigation.
“He doesn’t believe he broke the rules, but will accept the decision of either the Committee or the Parliamentary Commissioner on the subject.”
The most recent register of financial interests showed that Sir Geoffrey will earn more than £800,000 from Withers, an international law firm appointed by the British Virgin Islands (BVI) government in January.
Sir Geoffrey also disclosed in the register that from September 28 this year until further notice, he will be paid £400,000 a year by Withers for up to 41 hours of work per month.
On September 14th, Sir Geoffrey was heard telling the Commissioner: “Forgive me for my absence during part of the morning. I’m afraid that the bell went off.”
It could also be called the division bell. This sounds all over the Parliament Estate to warn MPs about a vote.
Sir Geoffrey is seen leaving his chair for around 20 minutes earlier during the proceedings. This happens at approximately the two hour mark in the video footage.
The Commons vote record of his Commons shows that he voted in-person six times on September 14, to help push for the Government’s Health and Social Care Levy.