Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle Confirms Sharing Information on Mandelson with Police
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has publicly confirmed that he passed information concerning Lord Peter Mandelson to the Metropolitan Police. This revelation came amid ongoing scrutiny of the investigation, with Sir Lindsay emphasising that he acted in good faith and viewed it as his duty and responsibility to provide the details to law enforcement authorities.
Speaker Expresses Regret Over Media Leaks
In his statement, Sir Lindsay acknowledged that the information he shared rapidly became public, leading to widespread media coverage. He expressed deep regret that details of the police investigation were leaked to the press, which he believes could compromise the integrity of the ongoing process. The Speaker stressed the importance of maintaining confidentiality in such matters to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.
Hoyle Urges MPs to Refrain from Commenting
Sir Lindsay issued a caution to Members of Parliament, urging them to avoid making further comments on the case. He highlighted that this is a live police investigation, and any public statements could potentially interfere with the proceedings or influence public perception. The Speaker's call for restraint underscores the sensitive nature of the situation and the need for all parties to respect the legal process.
The confirmation from Sir Lindsay Hoyle adds a new layer to the political landscape, as this development follows closely on the heels of other significant events, including Keir Starmer's upcoming first Prime Minister's Questions since Mandelson's arrest. The Speaker's actions and statements are likely to be closely monitored as the investigation progresses, with implications for parliamentary conduct and police relations.
