Tory MP caught in gambling industry lobbying sting hit by second investigation

The Blackpool South MP was stripped of the Tory whip after being filmed offering to lobby on behalf of gambling investors for pay.

Scott Benton (PA) (PA Archive)

A Conservative MP who was caught on camera allegedly offering to lobby in exchange for money is facing a second investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog.

Scott Benton had the Tory whip suspended earlier this month after he allegedly told an undercover reporter working for the Times he could lobby ministers on behalf of gambling interests.

The parliamentary commissioner for standards says Mr Benton, the MP for Blackpool South is now under investigation for "actions causing significant damage to the reputation of the House as a whole, or of its Members generally".