Westminster is full of stories at present of politicians cashing in. But while much of the attention thus far has focused on the excesses of current MPs like Andrew Mitchell and Geoffrey Cox, will it soon be the turn of former MPs to be in the firing line? Already, questions have been asked as to whether Owen Paterson will request the parliamentary pass to which he is entitled – something denied by friends of the (now former) MP for North Shropshire. The passes give access to the Palace of Westminster, without having to register any kind of outside interests. Perfect then for a political consultant.
And now research by Mr S has found that no less than 58 of the 283 ex-MPs listed as holding a parliamentary pass currently work in consultancy, lobbying or advisory work — the equivalent of more than one in five. Some, obviously, have better known gigs than others — Nick Clegg is Facebook’s main spokesman, while George Osborne advises his brother’s venture capital firm 9Yards, among his burgeoning portfolio.
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