Politics: Hogg blocks Bell's move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hogg blocks Bell's move
A former Conservative cabinet minister intervened last night to block plans to give the independent anti-sleaze MP Martin Bell a seat on the committee which investigated the cash-for-questions affair.
The former Agriculture Secretary Douglas Hogg shouted "object!" as a motion on the move was put up for approval without a vote. He stressed he had no personal objection to Mr Bell, who beat Neil Hamilton in the general election after a contest based on claims that the former MP had taken cash for questions.
Mr Hogg's move appears to have been designed to reopen the debate over whether Mr Hamilton was guilty. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Sir Gordon Downey, found "compelling" evidence that he had taken the money but the former MP has consistently protested his innocence. There was widespread anger over the committee's decision not to give him a right of appeal.
If the move to appoint Mr Bell is blocked repeatedly, the Government may be forced to provide time for a Parliamentary debate.
Mr Bell said later that he had "no problem" with the objection and that Mr Hogg had earlier left him a message, warning of his intentions. "He made it clear it's nothing personal, and I appreciate that," he said.
- Fran Abrams
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments