Dr Jonathan Rose, a political integrity expert at De Montfort University who reviewed the evidence, said the Guardian’s findings warranted investigation as he believed Lord Evans’ involvement with the venture appeared to be a breach of these rules.
He said Lord Evans’ offers of access seemed “corrupt” as in his view it would be an inappropriate “abuse of power, by virtue of him being a member of the House of Lords, for the benefit of his son, and his own benefit”.
But he appeared willing to break Lords rules by offering access to ministers and other peers during discussions with the fake developers concerning sponsorship of a commercial event in parliament run by his son, a deal that cost £25,000.
While Lord Evans has not received any payments in connection with the events, the revelation that a member of the Lords is involved with what appears to amount to a cash-for-access venture raises questions about standards in parliament.
The event discussed with the undercover reporters is scheduled to take place in March and Richard, who runs the company behind the venture, is advertising for a platinum sponsor at a cost of £25,000.
