Michelle Mone: Lib Dems table amendment to scrap VIP lanes

EMBARGO: Immediate release

The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment in the House of Lords to ban VIP lanes in future procurement decisions. 

This would amend the Procurement Bill to ensure that no preferential treatment for public contracts can be given to organisations recommended by MPs and Peers.

The party have urged Conservative ministers to accept the amendment to end the “sleaze and cronyism” that has run rampant under their watch

It follows reports in the Guardian that the Conservative peer, Baroness Michelle Mone and her family received £29 million originating from the profits of a PPE business that was awarded large government contracts after she recommended it to ministers. 

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine asked the Government to support the party's amendment and end VIP lanes in the Commons today. 

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office Spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

“As people face a savage squeeze on living standards, this Conservative Government’s recklessness with taxpayers’ money will rub salt into the wound. 

“It’s unacceptable that we have seen special treatment for Conservative ministers and their friends, whatever the cost to the public purse. 

“VIP lanes must be scrapped from future procurement decisions to avoid this kind of unforgivable waste in future.

“Rishi Sunak’s pledge to act with ‘integrity and professionalism’ risks becoming an empty promise unless he accepts this amendment to crack down on future cronyism and sleaze.”

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson in the House of Lords, Baroness Brinton, who tabled the amendment said:

“The Liberal Democrat amendment would put an end to the constant stream of VIP Lane stories we have seen since the start of the pandemic.

“Every revelation merely adds to the scale of this issue. The Conservative Government has a chance to act now - they must take it.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Amendment:

Clause 40 

LORD SCRIVEN 

BARONESS BRINTON 

Page 26, line 22, at end insert— 

“(3A) Provision under subsection (1) must not confer any preferential treatment on suppliers connected to or recommended by members of the House of Commons or members of the House of Lords.”

Christine Jardine's question can be found here