The Lords lobbying scandal has intensified as new documents reveal crossbench peer Lord Dannatt pressed ministers to support a commercial deal he was involved with. This marks the second time the former army chief has faced allegations of breaking parliamentary lobbying rules.
Currently under investigation by House of Lords authorities, Dannatt allegedly advocated for government backing of a failed 2022 bid to save a Cheshire fertiliser factory. The Lords lobbying scandal raises fresh questions about improper influence in Parliament.
The factory’s US owners planned to close it, risking 500 jobs. Dannatt argued his UK consortium offered a better alternative than hedge fund asset-stripping.
While Dannatt claims he acted unpaid in the “national interest,” he later received four “honorarium” payments during his time as venture chair. Lords rules prohibit paid lobbying the core issue in this Lords lobbying scandal.
Dannatt maintains he simply helped a friend save jobs. “I was helping achieve an outcome very much in the national interest,” he told the Guardian.
The revelations come as Dannatt already faces separate investigation after being filmed by undercover reporters offering to arrange ministerial meetings. The House of Lords Commissioner for Standards is examining both cases.
Last month, the registrar of consultant lobbyists cleared Dannatt of illegal paid lobbying. However, Lords conduct rules take a broader view of inappropriate influence.
This case forms part of wider concerns about Lords accountability. A Guardian investigation found 91 peers received payments for policy advice, highlighting systemic transparency issues in the unelected chamber.
As investigations continue, the Lords lobbying scandal spotlights ongoing tensions between private interests and parliamentary responsibility in Britain’s second chamber.
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