Statement on alleged cash for questions

In response to a story by The Times regarding alleged cash for questions by George Freeman MP on behalf of an employer, Rose Whiffen, Senior Research Officer at Transparency International UK, said: 

“These are troubling revelations which merit a thorough investigation by the Standards Commissioner. There are clear questions to answer as to whether a reward has been taken in exchange for activities which would confer a benefit on an employer.  

Whilst a step in the right direction, the Government's latest reforms on Parliamentarians’ second jobs just don't go far enough in mitigating risks and restoring public trust. Allowing MPs to make money whilst working for another outside interest will always present an integrity and lobbying risk - and leaves the door wide open to abuse. 

To protect MPs from slipping into or knowingly undertaking prohibited lobbying activities, all second jobs should be banned except those that allow MPs to maintain a professional qualification, are political activity (such as taking on a party political role) or provide an essential public service, such as army reservists.”  

• Transparency International UK, in March 2025, identified 39 roles taken up by MPs that appeared to be of higher risk of undertaking improper behaviour, such as consultants, directors, advisers, partners and non-executives. These roles were in industries such as property, energy, technology and finance. These case studies, along with further evidence, are outlined in our submission to the Standards Committee in their consultation on outside employment and interests.