Britain’s ruling Conservative Party has suspended one of its MPs over corruption allegations.
Scott Benton had offered his services to alleged gambling investors for money. However, those interested were investigative reporters from the Times newspaper, who filmed and published excerpts of the conversation with a hidden camera. “Such behavior is totally unacceptable,” Government Member Richard Holden told Times Radio.
As seen in video released Wednesday night, when Benton met investigative reporters in March, he agreed to hand over sensitive papers to the alleged investment fund and ask questions in Parliament on its behalf – for a fee of thousands of pounds a month. In doing so, the 35-year-old would have broken the rules of parliament. The MP stressed that he had only met for an informational meeting and that he had not contacted him again for fear that the request would violate Parliament’s rules. Instead, he reported to the responsible authorities – before the research became public.
The government is currently examining a tightening of gambling laws, which is likely to affect operators’ profits. Benton, who has represented Blackpool South constituency since 2019, offered the alleged investors to source the government’s “white paper”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had promised a return to integrity after years of scandal under ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. The opposition Labor party said the case showed Sunak’s weakness to keep order. The Tories only acted after Benton himself had reported to the relevant authorities.
