Tory MP Andrew Bridgen faces suspension for breaking lobbying rules

MP found to have made ‘unacceptable attack’ on standards chief, as revealed by Independent

Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen should be suspended from the Commons for a “cavalier” violation of lobbying and standards rules, a parliamentary watchdog has recommended.

Mr Bridgen broke the code of conduct by lobbying ministers on behalf of Mere Plantations – a reforesting firm from whom he had received “registrable financial benefits”, the Committee on Standards found.

The cross-party committee advised a five-day suspension for breaching rules on registration, declaration and paid lobbying “on multiple occasions and in multiple ways”.