Tory deputy chair Lee Anderson is being investigated by Commons authorities after he filmed a promo video for his £100,000-a-year TV gig from Parliament's roof. The Ashfield MP has begun hosting a weekly programme on GB News - after slamming MPs for taking second jobs.
According to The Mirror, Mr Anderson had recorded a plug for the Friday night show on top of one of the buildings on the Parliamentary Estate. The MP used the location overlooking Whitehall and Parliament Square for the clip in which he pleaded for viewers to get in contact with questions for him.
“Have you got a problem and got nobody to turn to? Well look no further. Agony Anderson will solve all your problems,” he said. “Contact me if you’ve got any problems, whether they are social or personal.”
Do you think all residential roads should have a 20mph speed limit? Let us know
The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has launched an investigation into Mr Anderson. The Commons website says he is looking at: "The use of facilities [Roof Terrace on the Parliamentary estate] provided by Parliament." MPs are subject to strict rules over the taxpayer-funded services provided to them by the Commons in support of their parliamentary activities.
The Code of Conduct for MPs states: “Excepting modest and reasonable personal use, Members must ensure that the use of facilities and services provided to them by Parliament, including an office, is in support of their parliamentary activities.”
Mr Anderson, who already earns £86,584 as an MP, has started moonlighting as a TV presenter even though he used to rail against those who split their time between the Commons and other work. “I don’t have a second job, I love the job I have already,” he previously posted on Facebook.
Mr Anderson also publicly denounced ex-Cabinet minister Owen Paterson as he faced a row over outside work. “We are paid handsomely for the job we do and if you need an extra £100,000 a year on top then you should really be looking for another job,” he posted.
Rishi Sunak appointed Mr Anderson as deputy chairman of the Conservative Party in February despite his history of saying controversial things. He has repeatedly ranted about struggling Brits relying on foodbanks - and earned the nickname '30p Lee' for his claims about the cost of meals.
The Ashfield MP sparked fury in January by claiming foodbank users squander their cash on cigarettes, alcohol, expensive TV subscriptions and holidays. Lee Anderson MP has told Nottinghamshire Live that he is aware of an investigation and he is not able to comment further.
