Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has Tory Party whip suspended after 'offering to lobby' for gambling firm
Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has had the party whip suspended pending an investigation into undercover footage of him offering to lobby ministers on behalf of gambling industry investors.
They are also prohibited from serving as a paid parliamentary adviser or consultant or guiding firms on ways to influence Parliament. In a meeting in early March, Mr Benton described how he could support the fund, which he believed was set up by an Indian businessman looking to make investments in the UK betting and gaming sector, by attempting to water down proposed gambling reforms.
The MP agreed with a fee proposed by the reporters in the range of £2,000 to £4,000 a month for two days’ work. In response to The Times report, Mr Benton said he “had no further contact” with the fake company after the meeting and had been “concerned” that what was being asked of him breached the rules.
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