Lib Dem in Russian aide scandal still has his Commons pass
THE former Liberal Democrat MP who was embroiled in a ‘Russian spy’ scandal still has a full access pass to Parliament, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
Mike Hancock had a four-year affair with his researcher Katia Zatuliveter, who MI5 claimed in 2010 was a spy planted by Kremlin intelligence services. Four years later Mr Hancock was suspended by the Lib Dems after he admitted sexually harassing a vulnerable constituent.
Mr Hancock has not been an MP for Portsmouth South since 2015 but holds a controversial Category X pass, which allows former MPs unfettered access long after they leave Parliament, including to its restaurants, bars and MP-only areas. All ex-MPs qualify for one and they are not required to declare their financial interests.
He sat on the Commons Defence Committee and chaired an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Russia.
In 2010 MI5 demanded the deportation of Ms Zatuliveter, the researcher 30 years Mr Hancock’s junior, and questioned her about alleged links with Russian intelligence. She was later cleared of the accusations by a special national security court.
Last night Mr Hancock confirmed that he held the pass, which he used as recently as 2021, and told the MoS he has no intention of giving it up. The House of Commons refused to say how often Mr Hancock uses his pass.