Lord David Evans of Watford, 82, has been caught offering access to ministers during discussions about a commercial deal, as revealed by an undercover investigation. The investigation, part of a wider series called the Lords debate, showed Lord Evans explaining how to approach Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, and housing secretary, to Guardian undercover reporters posing as property developers looking to lobby the government.
The investigation revealed that Lord Evans had online meetings with the reporters, as well as his son Richard Evans, who proposed creating opportunities to meet ministers in parliament in exchange for a payment of £25,000 to his company for sponsorship. Lord Evans denied breaking any House of Lords rules and taking any personal benefits, stating that he does not accept payments for hosting events in the House of Lords. Richard Evans defended the venture as a commitment to strengthening the construction industry, claiming it was not profit-driven.
A Labour spokesperson confirmed that Angela Rayner was not aware of the activities of Lord Evans and his son, and was not involved with them in any way. The Guardian has urged readers to support their investigative journalism. The investigation raises questions about transparency and ethics in lobbying within the UK government.
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