Lord Taverne requests House of Lords investigate Ashcroft
Tue, 09 Mar 2010
Liberal Democrat peer Dick Taverne has written to the Sub-Committee on Lords’ Interests to ask for an investigation into whether Lord Ashcroft’s behaviour has breached the House of Lords Code of Conduct and principles of standards in public life.
The Honours Scrutiny Committee withdrew its objections to Lord Ashcroft becoming a peer on the basis of his clear undertaking that he would “take up permanent residence in the United Kingdom again before the end of the calendar year”.
Commenting, Lord Taverne said:
“If Lord Ashcroft’s undertaking was broken, or significantly changed without the House of Lords being informed, that would be a serious breach of the Code of Conduct.
“Lord Ashcroft does not appear to have been straight with the Lords. This directly contravenes the principles of standards in public life and therefore raises the question of his suitability for public office.
“Transparency and honour are vital to maintain the standing and good name of the House of Lords. The opaque and secretive nature of Lord Ashcroft’s behaviour risks bringing the House of Lords into disrepute.”
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