BRECON and Radnorshire MP Chris Davies is facing an investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. The Conservative was re-elected at this month’s general election with an increased majority of 8,038.
But the standards commissioner has confirmed Mr Davies is being investigated for an alleged breach of paragraph 15 of the code of conduct for MPs. The paragraph states: “Members are personally responsible and accountable for ensuring that their use of any expenses, allowances, facilities and services provided from the public purse is in accordance with the rules laid down on these matters. “Members shall ensure that their use of public resources is always in support of their parliamentary duties. “It should not confer any undue personal or financial benefit on themselves or anyone else, or confer undue advantage on a political organisation.” Mr Davies said he couldn’t comment as the investigation was ongoing but he did say: “I’m co-operating fully with the commissioner and will happily comment after the investigation has concluded.” The Office of the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Hudson, has said it is also unable to comment further. Also facing investigation, for an alleged breach of paragraph 15, is Mr Davies’ Welsh Conservative colleague Simon Hart, the MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire. A source said: “This is the third time Chris has been investigated by the commissioner or the police and [on each of the] three occasions there has been no case to answer.” The commissioner is also investigating alleged code of conduct breaches by Labour MP Keith Vaz and Conservative MP Michelle Donelan.