Malcolm Rifkind suspended by Tories over 'cash for access'

[dutchman]

Sir Malcolm Rifkind has been suspended from the Conservative Party in the wake of the 'cash for access' scandal.



The chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee has had the whip withdrawn pending an investigation by the party into his conduct.

Sir Malcolm and Jack Straw, two former foreign secretaries, offered to use their positions as politicians on behalf of a fictitious Chinese company in return for payments of at least £5,000 a day.

Shortly after the announcement that he had been suspended, Sir Malcolm told the Daily Politics show on BBC Two: "I do also want to have the standard of living that my previous professional life should entitle me to have."

He also brought the Prime Minister into the row, highlighting the fact he has two roles. "How much time do you think he spends in his constituency?"

David Cameron also raised questions on Monday about Sir Malcolm's role as chairman of the Intelligence and Security committee.

Asked whether the Prime Minister retains confidence in Sir Malcolm's chairmanship, the Prime Minister's Official spokesman said "he very much understands" why concerns have been raised.

He highlighted the fact that Sir Malcolm has met Michael Gove, the chief whip.

He said: "He [the Prime Minister] very much understands why concerns have been raised and it's absolutely right that the Parliamentary Standards Committee is looking into both cases."

He added that Sir Malcolm has been respected by all sides of the house for his work on the committee, which oversees the security services.

"On the make and on the take" [George Carman QC, 1999]. Nothing changes

[rebbonk]

Now can we see Straw being brought to book as well?

[dutchman]

Sir Malcolm Rifkind resigns as ISC chairman and will step down as MP

Sir Malcolm Rifkind has announced that he will stand down as Conservative MP for the rock-solid Tory safe seat of Kensington after becoming embroiled in a cash-for-access scandal.

Rifkind, who insisted on Monday that he would fight the allegations, brought his 41-year political career to an abrupt end by announcing that he would also stand down as chairman of parliament’s intelligence and security committee.

He will remain as a member of the committee, which is due to publish a report into privacy and security arising from the leaks by the NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden before the dissolution of parliament ahead of the general election in May.

In a statement announcing that he would not contest the general election, the former foreign secretary criticised Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Daily Telegraph for making “contemptible” allegations about him.

Dispatches had alleged that Rifkind and Jack Straw, the former Labour foreign secretary, offered to use their positions as politicians on behalf of a fictitious Chinese company in return for thousands of pounds.

In his statement, Rifkind said: “I had intended to seek one further term as MP for Kensington, before retiring from the House of Commons. I have concluded that to end the uncertainty it would be preferable, instead, to step down at the end of this parliament.

“This is entirely my personal decision. I have had no such requests from my constituency association but I believe that it is the right and proper action to take. As regards the allegations of Channel 4 and the Daily Telegraph I find them contemptible and will not comment further at this time.

“Although I will retire from parliament, I shall continue my public and political life and am much looking forward to doing so over the years to come.”

The final part of Rifkind’s statement suggests that he still expects to be elevated to the House of Lords. In a separate statement, he announced that he would stand down as chair of the ISC although he would remain as a member of the committee.

[rebbonk]

Jumped before being pushed? - Perhaps he was given a little 'nudge'?

[dutchman]

I love the way he still expects to be elevated to the House of Lords, presumably so he can continue charging £5,000 a day for his services?