Labour MP Jess Phillips under investigation over declaration of interests

Probe of shadow minister concerns registration of financial interests

Labour’s Jess Phillips is under investigation by a parliamentary watchdog over a potential breach of rules governing the declaration of MPs’ interests.

The Standards Commissioner opened a probe on 24 April into a potential breach of the parliamentary Code of Conduct by the shadow minister for domestic violence.

The allegation relates to paragraph 14 of the code, which concerns the registration of financial interests.

Ms Phillips was reprimanded last year after an investigation by the watchdog found she had failed to register a number of outside earnings within the 28-day deadline set by the Commons.

These included a payment for a guest appearance on the TV show Have I Got News For You, which the shadow safeguarding minister said had been an “administrative oversight”.

The Independent understands the investigation is related to a TV appearance Ms Phillips made where guests would usually be paid. She did not take a fee.

A Labour spokesperson said: “It would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation.”

The commissioner decides whether an MP has broken rules after an inquiry. Under the MP’s Code of Conduct MPs are required to “always be open and frank in drawing attention to any relevant interest” earned from outside parliament.

Daniel Greenberg, the commissioner, confirmed the probe, saying it was in relation to the “registration of interests under category one of the guide to the rules – employment and earnings”.

Phillips serves as a minister in Sir Keir Starmer’s shadow team (PA)

Ms Phillips becomes the ninth person under investigation by the commissioner, with allegations against MPs ranging from damaging the reputation of the House to using Commons’ stationery.

Rishi Sunak is being investigated over whether he broke the rules by failing to declare an interest in a Budget measure which may benefit his wife through her stake in a childcare firm.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock is being investigated for allegedly “lobbying” the sleaze watchdog to influence its findings in a Code of Conduct case.

Suspended Tory MP Scott Benton faces two investigations after being caught on camera allegedly offering to lobby for a gambling firm in exchange for money.

Also under investigation is Chris Pincher, the suspended Tory MP accused of groping, who on Wednesday announced he would not stand at the next election.

Additional reporting by Press Association.