Ex-trade secretary may be denied peerage over ‘cash for Brexit’ row

A FORMER Tory minister could miss out on a peerage after being implicated in a Brexit lobbying storm.

Ex-trade secretary Peter Lilley was secretly filmed allegedly offering to approach key ministers on behalf of a Chinese company.

Former health secretary Lord Lansley and ex-chief whip Andrew Mitchell were also caught up in the investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

According to the investigation, Mr Lilley, 74, boasted to an undercover reporter that he was in line for a peerage.

But the Leader of the House of Lords cast doubt on this yesterday. Baroness Evans said: ‘I’m not privy to information about who may or may not be joining the Lords. But what I can say is we have a strong code of conduct.’

Mr Lilley, who stepped down as an MP last year, denies trying to stop Channel 4 airing the investigation. The programme was due to be broadcast last Monday, but was shown last night instead.

Lord Lansley, 61, is accused of offering to get information from a Brexit cabinet minister in exchange for tens of thousands of pounds.

Mr Mitchell said he charged £6,000 a day and was looking to work up to ten weeks a year for private clients, despite earning £74,962 as an MP.

Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the committee on standards in public life, said: ‘To take advantage of this difficult time and confusion to make extra money doesn’t demonstrate a great deal of concern for the public interest.’

Mr Lilley said he had not been asked and nor did he agree to have private conversations with any ministers on behalf of the bogus Chinese company.

Lord Lansley issued a statement saying he always kept his outside interests separate from his Lords duties and did not provide privileged information.

Mr Mitchell said: ‘I abide by the letter and spirit of the rules.’

A Channel 4 spokesman said: ‘We have been clear those featured maintain they have not breached the standards code.’