Number of former MPs with access to Parliament surges to new high... despite promises of a crackdown
Daily MailThe number of ex-MPs still holding exclusive passes for Parliament has surged to a new high. Some 449 former politicians are listed as having privileged access rights to the Westminster estate – up more than a third since the election. Former Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt is among ex-MPs to have a parliamentary pass Former minister Andrea Leadsom is on the list of 449 former politicians with privileged access rights Former MPs are meant to have served at least two terms or six years, whichever is longest, to apply for special access to the parliamentary estate Emma Dent Coad, who was a Labour MP between 2017 and 2019, also has a pass, according to the list. There are limits on the facilities former members may use within Parliament, and they are forbidden from using their pass in connection with lobbying activity.’ John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Brits will be sceptical at the number of former MPs now holding parliamentary passes. ‘While many former MPs still have a role to play, it’s not a stretch to think that many simply miss the taxpayer-funded bars and restaurants.
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