Sir Lindsay Hoyle will tomorrow launch an attempt to end Westminster’s bitter sleaze rows.
In the aftermath of Owen Paterson’s scandal, he is contemplating proposing to review the Commons standards procedures.
Sources indicated that the review might be done in consultation avec Chris Bryant, Labour MP and chairman of standards committee.
Commons insiders stated that Speaker would make his decision after the scheduled three hour debate about the sleaze issue.
Last night there were predictions that a review would lead to MPs found guilty of financial misdemeanours being able to appeal to a retired judge – one of the Tories’ key demands in last week’s stormy exchanges in the House. There are also suggestions that the review could include looking at how MPs were allowed to earn thousands of pounds from outside interests on top of their Commons’ salary of £81,932.
Tomorrow Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Commons Speaker (pictured), will launch an attempt to end Westminster’s bitter scandal row
Tomorrow’s Labour and Tory Parliamentary debates will feature Labour, Liberals, Tory MPs venting their frustration at Boris Johnson’s inept attempt to use the verdict against Mr Paterson for standards reforms.
To express Tory anger over being forced to vote to suspend Mr Johnson’s Paterson verdict but for him to drop the plan, Philip Davies, a Yorkshire MP sent an angry protest to Tory Whips. He said, “Please don’t ask me ever to vote for any other candidate ever again.” Yesterday, I voted (as you all know, under protest), for something that would support the party during a difficult time, and received abuse from my constituents. The party then overturns the decision.
Adding to the controversy, last night the Tory Party was accused of abusing the honours system by offering seats in the Lords to a select group of multi-millionaire donors who give more than £3 million to the party.
To show Tory anger after being forced to vote to suspend Paterson’s verdict but for Johnson to abandon it last week, Philip Davies (pictured) protested vehemently to Tory Whips
An investigation by the Sunday Times and the Open Democracy website reported that wealthy benefactors appear to be guaranteed a peerage if they take on the temporary role of party treasurer and increase their donations beyond £3 million. In the past 20 years, all 16 of the party’s main treasurers – apart from the most recent, who stood down two months ago after donating £3.8 million – were offered a seat in the Lords, they reported.
Yesterday night, a Government spokesperson stated that peerages are long-standing civic contributions and a willingness for further public service as legislators in the Second Chamber.
“It is unfair to criticise individuals who have chosen to support or give to political parties.