THE Democratic Unionist Party’s Ian Paisley is facing a 30-day suspension from the Commons following a recommendation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
The watchdog suggested the penalty should be imposed because of the MP’s failure to register two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government. Paisley had already apologised for what he said was his “unintentional failure” to register the hospitality, which he estimated was worth £50,000.
The commissioner, which said the cost may have been “significantly more” than Paisley’s estimate, said the trip in 2013 included business-class air travel, accommodation at first-class hotels, helicopter trips and visits to tourist attractions for the North Antrim MP and his family.
The watchdog’s finding read: “In view of the seriousness of this matter, we recommend Mr Paisley be suspended from the service of the House for a period of 30 sitting days starting on September 4, 2018.”
The commissioner added Paisley should now register the holidays with the parliamentary authorities. The recommendations will need to be approved by the Commons before being confirmed. Paisley is due to address the House today.
A statement issued by his lawyer said: “My client has apologised unreservedly at the outset for his unintentional failure to register the hospitality he received.”
The sanction recommended by the parliamentary watchdog could see Paisley face a by-election. Members who are suspended from the Commons for more than 10 days are open to a recall petition. A by-election would be triggered if 10% of the electorate in Paisley’s North Antrim constituency sign that petition.
If rubber stamped by Parliament, the suspension will also mean the Prime Minister will be short of one of the 10 DUP MPs propping up her minority government during a period that could see crucial Brexit votes in the House of Commons.
Sinn Fein has called on Paisley to resign. Its MP Elisha McCallion said: “Ian Paisley Jnr should step down and resign with immediate effect.”
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