The former professional head of the British Army, General Lord Richard Dannatt, has been suspended from the House of Lords for four months after being found guilty of breaking parliamentary lobbying rules.
Undercover Sting Reveals Lobbying Offer
The investigation was launched following a sting operation by undercover journalists from the Guardian newspaper. The reporters, posing as businessmen, met with Lord Dannatt, who served as Chief of the General Staff from 2006 to 2009.
During the encounter, Lord Dannatt was found to have broken the rules on providing parliamentary services in return for payment or reward. He told the journalists that he could introduce them to government ministers, a clear breach of the code of conduct.
Committee Upholds Standards Commissioner's Findings
The Lords Conduct Committee fully upheld the findings and the recommended sanction put forward by the independent Commissioner for Standards. A second peer, Lord Evans of Watford, received a separate, longer suspension of five months for a different incident also involving undercover journalists.
Neither peer appealed against the Commissioner's findings or the recommended sanctions. This confirms the validity of the investigations into their conduct.
Consequences for Parliamentary Standards
These cases highlight the ongoing scrutiny of lobbying activities within the UK's political institutions. The suspensions serve as a significant disciplinary action, reinforcing the standards expected of members of the House of Lords.
The fact that a former head of the Army has been sanctioned underscores that the rules apply to all members, regardless of their background or previous high office.
