Matt Hancock investigated by Parliament’s standards watchdog
Former cabinet minister Matt Hancock is being investigated by Parliament’s standards watchdog, Daniel Greenberg.
The ex-health secretary is under investigation for lobbying the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards “in a manner calculated or intended to influence his consideration of whether a breach of the Code of Conduct has occurred”.
Details of the investigation were posted on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards’ website.
Two other investigations have also been opened this week: Scott Benton is under investigation over his use of his parliamentary email address while Tory MP Henry Smith is being investigated for his use of stationery.
A spokesman for Matt Hancock said the investigation by standards commissioner Daniel Greenberg was a “misunderstanding”.
“Mr Hancock is shocked and surprised by the investigation,” the spokesman said.
“Far from lobbying the commissioner, Matt wrote to Mr Greenberg in good faith to offer some additional evidence that he thought was not only pertinent but helpful for an inquiry the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is currently conducting.
“It’s clearly a misunderstanding and Matt looks forward to fully engaging with the commissioner to clear this up.”
Press Association