Labour peer faces cash-for-access questions – podcast | Home of Lords

Lord David Evans of Watford, 82, provided entry to ministers throughout discussions a few business deal, an undercover investigation can reveal.

Lord Evans was recorded explaining to Guardian undercover reporters – who have been posing as property builders trying to foyer the federal government – on methods to strategy Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister and housing secretary.

A web-based assembly with Lord Evans happened six days earlier than Christmas. It adopted weeks of messages and two earlier Zoom calls together with his son, Richard Evans, concerning the sponsorship.

Throughout these earlier discussions, Richard, 56, proposed creating alternatives, alongside the occasion, to fulfill ministers in parliament. He made it clear the cost of £25,000 to his firm for the sponsorship needed to occur first.

Henry Dyer, an investigations reporter for the Guardian, tells Helen Pidd concerning the investigation, which is a part of a wider sequence known as the Lords debate.

In response to the investigation, Lord Evans stated: “To my data, I’ve not damaged any Home of Lords guidelines and I’ve NOT taken any private advantages.”

He added: “I might NOT and I do NOT settle for funds for internet hosting any Home of Lords occasions.” He stated he had by no means approached Rayner to talk at any occasion.

Richard Evans stated the enterprise was not “profit-driven” however a “dedication to strengthening the development trade”.

A Labour spokesperson stated that Angela Rayner was not conscious of the actions of those people or concerned with them in any means.

Help the Guardian in the present day: theguardian.com/todayinfocuspod