Lords’ passes to lobbyists ‘could spark new scandal’

SPONSORED PASS Mr Ashby

DOZENS of lobbyists and members of special interest groups are free to roam Parliament after being handed passes by members of the House of Lords, the Mirror can reveal.

It comes as Boris Johnson is under pressure to agree to a wideranging inquiry on lobbying rules following revelations over David Cameron’s cosy meetings with senior ministers about Greensill.

Campaigners warned the Mirror’s probe “could trigger a similar scandal in the Lords”.

Peers are allowed to give passes to secretaries, researchers, drivers and carers, but Mirror analysis found the peer-sponsored list of passholders includes more than 100 people declaring interests as lobbyists or representatives of interest groups or charities.

CRITERIA

Peers voted through a change to the rules in December, which tightened up the pass criteria and they now state passes must only be used to provide “Parliamentary support to their sponsor and other members of the house”.

But peers can still decide who passes are doled out to.

And passholders using their privileged access to lobby ministers and MPS would only have their passes withdrawn if a formal complaint was made.

Tom Brake, director of Unlock Democracy, said: “The solution is simple – ban Lords’ passholders from undertaking any lobbying.”

In normal times, passholders can access the Parliamentary estate – including the Lords and Commons bars and restaurants.

Robin Ashby previously had his Parliamentary pass withdrawn by its sponsor after his work as an arms lobbyist was revealed. He now holds a pass sponsored by Lord Moonie, a non-affiliated peer.

Mr Ashby told the Mirror he provides him with “administrative services and support”.

A House of Lords spokesman said: “Rules are clear that members’ staff must not use their pass to further any other interests of their own or organisations for which they work.”