Yeo to temporarily step down as committee chair

The Conservative chair of the Energy and Climate Change select committee (ECCC), Tim Yeo, is to temporarily step down from the role.

The MP for South Suffolk has decided to step down as chairman of the ECCC while claims he used his role to help a businessman influence parliament are investigated. 

Yeo rejects the accusations against him, but said he has taken the decision to “ensure the smooth running of the committee during the next few weeks”.

In a statement, Yeo said: “I do not wish the [Parliamentary Standards] Commissioner’s investigation to be a distraction from the Committee’s important work.”

The high profile Conservative added: “I firmly believe that I have not breached the MPs Code of Conduct in any respect and therefore await the outcome of the Commissioner’s investigation with confidence.

“In particular I absolutely and unreservedly deny the allegation that I coached a witness with whom I have a business connection before that person gave evidence to the Committee.”

Allegations that Yeo used his position to coach John Smith, the managing director of GB Rail Freight – a firm owned by Eurotunnel, which also pays the MP for being a non-executive director – on how to influence politicians emerged from video footage obtained by a national newspaper.

Political blogger Guido Fawkes, also known as Paul Staines, also sent a letter to the Metropolitan Police, today (10 June) calling for the Conservative MP to be investigated for breaking the Bribery Act 2010.

Earlier today (10 June), Yeo referred himself to the parliamentary standards Commissioner, stating he wants “this matter to be thoroughly investigated by an independent body”.

“I am confident that I have acted in accordance with the MPs Code of Conduct at all times,” he added.