Chair of the Conduct Committee addresses concerns over Baroness Mone investigation.

In response to recent media coverage of the ongoing investigation by the independent House of Lords Commissioner for Standards into Baroness Mone, the Chair of the Conduct Committee, Baroness Manningham-Buller, issued a statement. This statement was also sent to 38 Degrees, an organization that has launched a petition calling for Lady Mone’s expulsion from the House of Lords.

The Chair explained that under the House of Lords Code of Conduct, complaints against members are reviewed by one of two independent Commissioners for Standards. The investigation into Baroness Mone was initiated after a complaint was received in January 2022. Since then, it has been revealed that the National Crime Agency is also investigating the matter.

Baroness Manningham-Buller clarified that according to the Guide to the Code of Conduct, the Commissioner is unable to finalize or release a report while a criminal investigation is ongoing. This ensures that the internal investigation does not interfere with the criminal process. Once the criminal investigation concludes, the Commissioner will proceed with their report. If Lady Mone is exonerated, the Commissioner will publish their findings. However, if a breach of conduct is found, the report will be submitted to the Conduct Committee for further review.

The Committee will then consider the findings, hear any appeals from the member involved, and, if the appeal is rejected, recommend a sanction to the House of Lords. Sanctions could range from an apology to expulsion from the House, depending on the severity of the breach. Baroness Manningham-Buller assured the public that the Conduct Committee will act swiftly once the report is finalized.