Speaker calls for look
at business link rules

Speaker John Bercow has asked the Commons Standards Committee to consider whether there should be new rules governing the business interests of committee chairmen.

Mr Yeo confirmed yesterday he was standing down temporarily as chairman of the influential Energy and Climate Change Committee while the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards investigates claims that he “coached” a client on how to present evidence to the committee.

While Mr Bercow stressed he was not seeking to pre-judge the commissioner’s inquiry into Mr Yeo – who strongly denies any breach of Commons rules – he said he believed the case had created a “reputational issue” .

Writing to Standards Committee chairman Kevin Barron, Mr Bercow said: “At present, chairs of select committees are required simply to register such interests, but they are not prevented from having them.

“As I believe that there is a reputational issue for the House involved, I should be most grateful if your committee would consider this specific and important matter, with a view to making a recommendation to the House.”

Mr Yeo – who has declared a series of directorships and shareholdings in companies involved in “green” energy – stepped down after an undercover Sunday Times investigation appeared to show him claiming he could exert influence behind the scenes.