‘Tory gain!’ is a cry heard less and less frequently these days. But in a rare piece of good news for the current HM Opposition, Tory MP George Freeman has today been cleared of ‘Cash for Questions’ accusations by the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner. The former Science Minister referred himself to the watchdog back in June following reporting by the Sunday Times. Always good to try and get ahead of the story…
The paper alleged that Freeman inquired to a company that paid him £5,000 per month as an advisor ‘what to ask about’ in Parliament and to ‘help him get the wording right.’ But the Standards Commissioner gave Freeman the all clear, concluding there were no grounds for a formal investigation. Result! The longtime Tory MP has declared himself ‘delighted’ with the decision (shock) and is now free to carry on serving on the science, innovation and technology committee.
With party conference approaching, Kemi will doubtless be breathing a sigh of relief at not having to face a potentially difficult by-election in Freeman’s Mid Norfolk constituency. With only 120 MPs to pack out the rooms in Manchester, all seat fillers are encouraged…
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