House of Lords - Committee for Privileges and Conduct: The Conduct of Lord Mackenzie of Framwellgate - HL 95

Book excerpt: This report arose out of a request by Lord Mackenzie that the Commissioner for Standards investigate his conduct in connection with a conversation that Lord Mackenzie had with undercover reporters working for the Sunday Times. The conversation featured in articles published in the Sunday Times on 2 June 2013 alleging that several members of the House, including Lord Mackenzie, had breached the Code of Conduct by seeking payment in return for providing access to Parliament and parliamentary facilities. The Commissioner found that Lord Mackenzie breached the Code in four respects. First, Lord Mackenzie is found to have breached the rules on Refreshment Department functions by hosting a function for the purpose of direct or indirect financial gain. Secondly, in respect of the same function, by arranging for another peer to host the function so as to get round a rule on the hosting of functions. Thirdly, by expressing a clear willingness to negotiate an agreement which would involve him providing parliamentary services in return for payment. Fourthly, by agreeing to help create an all-party group at the behest of a commercial entity he is found to have entered into an agreement to accept payment or other reward in return for providing a parliamentary service. The Sub-Committee on Lords' Conduct recommended that he be suspended from the service of the House for six months. Lord Mackenzie submitted an appeal. The Committee, however, has affirmed the Commissioner's findings and confirmed the recommended sanction