There’s been far too little coverage of the news that David Cameron and nine other Tory MPs have been found to have mis-used Commons dining facilities for fundraising purposes. Previously I’ve covered it here, here and here.
The Standards and Privileges Committee have produced a very thorough report into the matter, running to over 100 pages, and the verdict is as follows:
There is, however, plenty of evidence that there have been circumstances in which a social event held at the House has formed part of a package offered to members of Patrons’ and other dining Clubs, in return for the payment of a sizeable subscription, the surplus of which (after costs have been met) has been donated to Conservative Party funds. On balance, I believe the evidence available in relation to Mr Ancram, Mr Baldry, Mr Cameron, Mr Djanogly, Mr Duncan, Mr Gummer, Mr Hendry, Mr Hoban, Mr Jenkin and Mr Penning shows this.
Sadly the sleazebags have sweet-talked their way out of any punishment for their misdemeanors, having pleaded a ‘different interpretation’ of the rules of the House. Funny how only Tories had this different interpretation isn’t it?
Anyway, congratulations to John Mann and Kevan Jones for exposing these nefarious activities and closing the loophole.
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Did Baldry get in trouble for this before when he entertained one of Vaz’s old mates who has been playing both sides for his peerage? Or am I getting mixed up? the one I’m thinking of is spookily the MP for Bullingdon and surrounds.
Chris Paul said this on April 2nd, 2007 at 7:06 pm