This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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MP Patrick Mercer has resigned the Conservative party whip after the former shadow minister has been investigated over the allegations regarding a major lobbying scandal.
The former shadow counter-terrorism minister said he had quit the Tory whip and would step down in 2015 to “save my party embarrassment” over a BBC Panorama programme which claims he broke lobbying rules.
In a statement he said: “Panorama are planning to broadcast a programme alleging that I have broken parliamentary rules.
“I am taking legal advice about these allegations – and I have referred myself to the parliamentary commissioner for standards.”
A Conservative spokesperson told that the party leader and prime minister, David Cameron was aware of the situation and thought that Mr. Mercer had “done the right thing.”
“It is important that the due processes take their course.”
The Daily Telegraph newspaper said that it had been probing the former shadow minister over a “major lobbying scandal” and confident enough to publish a series of news reports about Mr. Mercer on Saturday.
A BBC spokesperson has said: “Panorama has been investigating lobbying and the conduct of MPs and members of the House of Lords.
“The programme is still being made and will be broadcast as soon as possible. The investigation has raised a number of issues related to those involved.
“Panorama has sought responses from a number of people including Mr Mercer.”
The MP and former army officer served as shadow homeland security minister until 2007, when he resigned after suggesting racism was “part and parcel” of life in the forces.
Relations with Mr. Cameron have been tense ever since, and in 2011 Mr. Mercer was reportedly taped describing Mr. Prime Minister as “despicable”.
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