Charlotte Nichols clear of wrongdoing by government watchdog

Labour MP for Warrington North Charlotte Nichols referred herself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards following a potential breach of rules.

The breach in question surrounded rules on 'paid advocacy' for MPs - the rules are designed so that any MP who has received a financial benefit from an organisation cannot advocate for that organisation in the House of Commons.

Ms Nichols referred herself to a Government watchdog after a potential breach of rules (Image: Parliament UK)

Essentially, the rule is designed to stop companies from paying MPs to sing their praises in Parliament.

The possible breach took place when Ms Nichols spoke in favour of the British Council in the House of Commons (Wednesday, December 15), and the MP then referred herself to the Commons' watchdog in order to ensure that she had acted in an appropriate manner.

In a letter to Ms Nichols, dated today, January 30, the commissioner cleared the Labour MP of any wrongdoing.

The commissioner, Daniel Greenberg CB, said: "The rule prohibits a Member from lobbying in a manner that seeks to confer a benefit on an identifiable person from whom, or on an identifiable organisation from which, the Member has received a financial benefit in the previous six months. 

"At the time of your question, you had received a financial benefit from the British Council in the previous six months, in the form of a funded visit to Japan.

"I am satisfied, however, that your question could not reasonably be construed as seeking to confer a benefit on the British Council."

Clearing the MP of wrongdoing, Mr Greenberg added: "I therefore propose to take no further action on this matter, but remain very grateful to you for taking the trouble to raise it with me."

Ms Nichols referred herself to the watchdog on Wednesday, January 25; the Warrington Guardian asked Ms Nichols' office for a comment on the referral on Thursday, January 26.

The office for Charlotte Nichols responded on Monday, January 30, with the MP saying: "I am grateful to the Commissioner for his speed in considering my self-referral, and am pleased that he has confirmed that there was no breach of the rules on my part.”

Posting to social media, Ms Nichols said: "While I am a human being and will not always get every decision right, what I can always promise as your MP is honesty and accountability."