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Gordon Brown accused of Stephen Byers Lobbygate ‘cover-up’
Nicholas Cecil, Deputy Political Editor22 Mar 2010
Gordon Brown today refused to order a government inquiry into claims that Stephen Byers made secret deals with ministers for companies.
However, the Prime Minister was immediately accused of a “cover-up” by the Tories who had called for an investigation by Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O'Donnell.
Both the departments for transport and business denied they were influenced by alleged interventions by Mr Byers. Mr Brown's official spokesman said: “The Prime Minister has seen the statements from the departments and is satisfied that there is no impropriety that has been carried out.”
Mr Brown also supported Mr Byers's decision to refer himself to the parliamentary sleaze watchdog.
The former transport secretary stressed he believes he will be cleared of any wrongdoing. The Tories, though, responded angrily to Mr Brown rejecting their demands for an inquiry. “It's a cover-up,” said a spokesman.
After referring himself to the parliamentary commissioner for standards John Lyon, Mr Byers said: “I am confident that (Mr Lyon) will confirm that I have complied with the MPs' code of conduct.”
The refusal to hold an inquiry was challenged this afternoon by a senior Labour MP. Tony Wright, the chairman of the Public Administration Committee, said it would be appropriate for Sir Gus to look into the claims.
Despite Downing Street's refusal to call an internal probe, Cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw today suggested that the Government would act.
He told Radio 2: “The Cabinet Secretary as I understand it has ordered an inquiry and it will come out in that. But the denials from the departments were pretty categorical over the weekend.”
Former transport secretary Mr Byers, former health secretary Patricia Hewitt and former defence secretary Geoff Hoon were all caught in a “sting” operation by Channel 4's Dispatches and The Sunday Times. They were interviewed by an undercover reporter posing as the representative of a fictitious US lobbying firm. They all deny wrongdoing.
Among Mr Byers's boasts was that he had come to a secret deal with Transport Secretary Lord Adonis over the termination of the National Express rail franchise for the East Coast mainline and that Business Secretary Lord Mandelson had got regulations on food labelling amended after he intervened on behalf of Tesco. Both peers and the companies denied the claims.
Mr Byers is said to have been asking for up to £5,000 a day. But the following day he reportedly retracted his claims — insisting he had “never lobbied ministers on behalf of commercial interests”.
Ms Hewitt said she “rejected” the suggestion that she helped obtain a key seat on a Government advisory group for a client paying her £3,000 a day. Mr Hoon was reported to have wanted a £3,000 a day fee for work.
However, he subsequently said: “At no stage did I offer, nor would I attempt to, sell confidential or privileged information arising from my time in government.” He also said he was seeking work for after he stood down.
Commons Leader Harriet Harman was today making an emergency statement on lobbying by MPs.
Reader views (52)
Inquiry ? What is the point ? They are 99% all on the take.I wonder how many of them are honest 1% ?
- Stan White, leeds, 23/03/2010 07:36
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RUN FOR THE HILLS!!! THE LUNATICS ARE RUNNING THE ASYLUM. EACH MAN FOR HIMSELF, GOD FOR US ALL!!!
- Olly, London, 23/03/2010 01:05
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£5000 a day for lobbying seems a fair price. Taxing those that earn more than £4700 a year seems fair too. Someone got to pat for our politicians.
- Alan,, England., 22/03/2010 21:19
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Labour are corrupt to the Core!
- Mark A, Warrington England, 22/03/2010 18:31
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What has he got to hide?
- Jan, London, 22/03/2010 18:00
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We all saw on television this afternoon, the leader of the House of (our) Parliament being informed in no uncertain manner by our representatives of all party's, that we require them to ban outside employment. We also saw her refuse to accept the concept of democracy.
- Ghengis Junior, Fishguard Wales, 22/03/2010 17:57
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Labour MPs want these clowns thrown out of the party and Broon won't even launch an inquiry? He really is so far out of touch it's incredible.
- St, London, 22/03/2010 17:20
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Unfortunately those here who call for an enquiry fail to see that corruption is now so deep-rooted that any enquiries are mere whitewashes, and a waste of time and money. UK politics has become the epitome of sleaze.
- Jon Kent, Hertford. UK, 22/03/2010 17:17
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- David Low, Cirencester, UK
"And if these Delusionals had been Tories?"
The tories aren't quite so stupid. They realised it was a scam straight away.
- David H, London, 22/03/2010 16:47
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If things carry on like this do not be surprised if the People resort to physical violence against the Political Class.
- Anglo, Sussex UK, 22/03/2010 16:34
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Of course there should be an Inquiry. If there is any substance in what these MPs told the investigative reporters, we have a right to know. If Byers was indeed lying he deserves to be "outed" independently and punished for bringing Parliament into further disrepute. I never expected the cowardly Brown to order an Inquiry, but Tony Wright, the Chairman of the Public Administration Committee is also culpable. When there was an opportunity to dish the Tories he was only too keen to rouse his Committee into action: now its Labour's turn and he cannot be bothered., using Brown's cowardice as cover. He is meant to serve Parliament in his capacity as Chairman not Party interests. He is as bad as Brown.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 22/03/2010 16:32
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by friday golden brown will realise the voters anger and ever increasing disgust, displeasure and
distrust and order an enquiry, or some such spin, just like every other tornado that has thus far torn through
new labours administration.
the man is made of scottish granite and it takes some passing of time for the implications, impact and increasing ineptitude of inaction to permanate.
complicite corruption like a cancer continues at the centre of politics.
- Mike O'Brien, london.uk, 22/03/2010 16:27
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Of course Gordon Brown sees nothing wrong in what these ex-Ministers have done - basically this "son of the Manse" is inherently dishonest himself. Look at his evidence to the Irq inquiry regarding funding for the Armed forces. He lied. Moreover, when caught out he went to the house of Commons to "explain" and basically he lied again - he said there were "in fact one or two years" when funding to the MOD went down, whne he knew that actually it was FOUR years (97/98, 99/00, 04/05 and 06/07).
Basically Gordon Brown is a born liar and would never see anything wrong in the actions of HIS ex-Ministers.
- Malcolm, London, 22/03/2010 16:07
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There is only one area where retrospective legislation - including the reinterpretation of past rules - might be justifiable, and that is with respect to the application of public funds. Retrospective legislation can cast aside old and abused rules. We should all instead, reasonably expect that the onus of probity has rested with those we have trusted to call on public funds. Probity is a gauge of 'rightness' that defies legalistic definition. It is instead a quality where 12 'good and true' people will 'know it if they see it'. It is time for political boldness. A mechanism needs to be put in place to filter potentially thousands of cases. This should have the power to strip wealth and standing (and possibly freedom) from those who, after appeal, are seen to have shown less than due probity. Everybody, including Uddin and Blears, who think they have got off virtually free, need to go through this. I propose this mechanism be called the Court of Public Reconciliation. It will be a small step to repairing the currently broken bond between the public and its legislature. It would also be a vote winner. Long may all the rotten apples lose sleep over what they have done to our country.
- Back Garden, London, England, 22/03/2010 15:53
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I would say that it an incredible coincidence that, just last week, David Cameron stated the political lobbying would be the next scandal.
- Alan, Wimbledon, 22/03/2010 15:48
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And if these Delusionals had been Tories?
- David Low, Cirencester, UK, 22/03/2010 15:45
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Anarchy is the answer to corrupt politicians and corrupt political parties.
Real people power and true democracy; is Anarchy.
Defend yourselves Brothers and Sisters; because nobody else will?
- Mickinlondon, london, 22/03/2010 15:31
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What should be asked is how a certain mini cab company have got access to priority lanes for the Olympics in return for a large donation to Boris' election campaign.
- Ted, London, 22/03/2010 15:29
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the only way to get rid of this lot is to vote for the strongest candidate to unseat a sitting labour MP. Nothing else counts unfortunately. in all other seats it doesn't matter, except that no one should vote Labour. that's all you can do for now. if the tories get in then is the time to agitate for real anti-corruption regulations. for now, just concentrate on getting rid of Brown.
- Davidke, ramsey isle of man, 22/03/2010 15:21
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The nasty, sleazy labour party. At least the tories had the backbone to admit their wrong doings when caught out. Labour MPs just lie and lie and never take responsibility for their actions. They are out and out cowards with no sense of duty to themselves or their country.
- Tom W, London, 22/03/2010 15:07
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Brown says there is no wrong doing and therefore no need for an enquiry....and Brown always tells the truth. It will be interesting to see how the Brown Broadcasting Corporation flavours this to minimise damage to their paymasters.
- Simon, London, 22/03/2010 15:01
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So another day another scandal ... Friday Tony is revealed to have links with oil companies & Iraq, Monday one of his mates is done for selling policies ... no wonder there have been so many of them!!! Anybody who votes for these crooks needs to get back into the real world .... although now it has been confirmed that 52% of UK GDP relates to goverment spending, i guess that is going to be difficult. What a joke this country has become.
- Rob Holmes, london, 22/03/2010 14:57
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Vote for Labour, the nasty, sleazy party, home to the likes of Mandelson, Uddin and Byers.
- St, London, 22/03/2010 14:35
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MPs are supposed to have learned their lessons from the expenses scandal, or so Gordon Brown keeps saying.
No they haven't: not only are they constantly using inventive ways to fill up their nose bags, but when they get caught, the excuse is always "but it's within the rules and I have done nothing wrong".
Don't they know the meaning of propriety?
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 22/03/2010 14:32
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Brown has presided over a Thieves' Den (the Cabinet) which included some of the most contemptible politicians of this dreadful generation..McNulty,Blears,Smith ,Hoon ,Mr & Mrs Balls and so the list goes on.He appointed and protected these dreadful individuals and has never had the courage or basic decency to condemn these individuals.
- Peter Doff, Filey UK, 22/03/2010 14:17
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Labour peers taking backhanders to change the law, mps offering to prostitute their services; lies over a referendum; taxes at a record high; govt spending now higher relative to GDP than former communist countries achjieved; hypocrisy; corruption. If it was a film script you wouldn't believe it. Someone remind me. Wasn't this the govt that came to power promising transparency; honesty and prudence??
- John Bell, Nottm, UK, 22/03/2010 13:56
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I distinctly remember Brown on his high horse when the then Tories wore the badge of sleaze. Well I never, not so eager to extol the virtues of being whiter than white. now are we Brown. No, this is what happens to administrations that have held power for so long, they begin to take power for grante;they stop serving the public in accordance with the seven princilpes of public life, then begin to serve them selves. Solution - vote them out at all cost in seven weeks or we'll have a bankrupt economy run by rich Labour politicians.
- Dominique, london, 22/03/2010 13:50
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It is incredible that Stephen Byers has not been immediately suspended from the Privy Council until his conduct has been thoroughly investigated. Is Gordon Brown so worried about further damage to the reputation of Labour that people are permitted to continue in public office whilst facing very serious allegations?
- Alan Simpson, London N6, 22/03/2010 13:10
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So we are now ruled by a Prime Minister who will not even investigate blatant corruption .
- Simon Ellis, London, 22/03/2010 13:00
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Given that similar stings have been tried in the very near past, you do have to question how politically savvy these "honourable" members are.
- Matt, London, 22/03/2010 12:43
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MP's are such scum bags!
- Cm, London, 22/03/2010 12:28
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Caught yet again all we get off the government is we will have to look at the rules.I am sick of it.
voting Tory or liberal will not change a thing.
writing none of the above on our ballot paper will do nothing and will only be couted as a spoilt vote,the only way to do this is to vote for any independent candidate who is not a member of any major party this will bring down the whole house of cards and end party politics for good then we can vote for people who believe in what we believe in.
- R Smith, London, 22/03/2010 12:26
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This is just the tip of the iceberg. There needs to be an INDEPENDENT enquiry into jusy how many MPs are willing to "prostitute" themselves. The fact that Moran offered the "services" of Smith, Blears, Fleet and Harmon in a "four for the price of one" deal is confirms the depravity of politicians.
- R.F.York, Yorks, UK, 22/03/2010 12:19
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I'm concerned that people who have held such positions of power are so stupid.
- Eastender, London, 22/03/2010 12:17
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The are only emulating their leader. Tony Blair has done nothing but line his pockets. These are the people who lecture us about poverty in Africa!
- Beatriz, London, 22/03/2010 12:06
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Sleaze, lies, horrendous public debt, falsified statistics and the denigration of critics. Now we know what New Labour's, and Gordon Brown's, legacy is. And he thinks bringing back Blair to help his campaign is a worthy thing to do.
- James Elliott, Eastbourne UK, 22/03/2010 12:06
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To the Tower with him, he commiteth big sinneth.
- Mr S.Port, London, 22/03/2010 11:47
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Remember that all of these MPs came to power with the Blair/NuLabour "Sleaze-Free" style of government.
Blair leads the way as the most disingenuous, lying, cheating, money grabbing PM and ex-PM ever. They are simply following in their master's footsteps and blinded by his light, see nothing wrong in this kind of behaviour.
Get rid of them all...vote only Tory, do not let them back by the back door.
- Ronnie, what used to be England, 22/03/2010 11:45
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Is anyone surprised at what New Liebour will stoop to ? Byers has form, hence he is no longer a minister. Enough said.
- Jose Luis, London SW18, 22/03/2010 11:31
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What a creep - no better than Pompey Lil, hawking himself around. How on earth such despicable and avaricious nonentities could have risen to high office is completely beyond me.
- John, Richmond, 22/03/2010 11:31
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Does he work for CASH or does he declare all his ellicit extra income to the revenue. Maybe they are all now in the BLACK economy
- Morton E Hirst, Harrogate UK, 22/03/2010 11:30
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A CAB for hire? More like a CAD for hire.
- Alex, London, 22/03/2010 11:23
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Lock them all up, they should be band from being MPs
Forever.
- Richard Edmunds, Rayleigh UK, 22/03/2010 11:21
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He has referred himself to a toothless authority. Are we supposed to be impressed?
At the very least these MPs should lose their retirement payoffs.
We need a detailed examination of how much Tesco/National Express/Lloyds pharmacy and others gained as a result of their influence.
- Jan, London, 22/03/2010 11:04
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This is Nulabour remember that when you vote. All animals are equal but some more equal than others!
- Tojo, Hythe, 22/03/2010 11:04
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If Stephen Byers is so confident he has referred himself to John Lyon then we need a new watchdog. For far too long enquiries and regulation of politicians has been run by insiders who have no incentive to actually find any wrongdoing. How can anybody even consider voting for these people or the ministers that they influenced?
- Mark, London, 22/03/2010 10:48
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... knowing full well he'll be found innocent, as 'having been in the wording of the law if not the sirit of the law.' Why do they do it. They don't need the money.
- Dhan Raj, Basildon, 22/03/2010 10:47
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This is just a smokescreen. The election will be long gone before any verdict and Byers will no longer be an MP. Very convenient to divert attention away from this sleazy, corrupt government.
- Roger, winchester, england, 22/03/2010 10:45
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Once again we hear the cry, "I AM NOT GUILTY OF ANY WRONG DOING".
How easy it seems to be for these people to convince themselves that they are honourable.
- Bj, East London, 22/03/2010 10:32
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We all saw and heard what Byers said, so how can he now claim he has done nothing wrong? These labour polticians beggar belief.....they do NOT understand integrity and have no backbone whatsoever. They are nothing more than shameless cowards. They drag everyone down to their own pitiful level. After 13 years of labour rule and ministers like Byers & Moran etc, is it any wonder the country is at breaking point?
- Margy, London, 22/03/2010 10:26
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did we expect anything else from this lot in parliment {that's all partys) then they ask us to endorse the scum by voting for them,when voting comes about people should put none of the above on their slip we need to get rid of these career candidates and only let the person elected serve one term then get a proper job and have a fresh lot each election
- Anon Leicester, england, 22/03/2010 09:59
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Cash for legislative changes seems a lot worse than cash for questions.
- Totally Confused, Ex London, 22/03/2010 09:31
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