WINDSOR’S MP’s potential failure to declare his involvement with a medical marijuana distribution company is being investigated, a national newspaper reported.
According to The Times, Tory MP Adam Afriyie is being investigated by the parliamentary commissioner for standards for failing to declare his chairmanship at a medical cannabis distribution firm called Elite Growth in December.
It was reported, on January 31 by the national newspaper, that Windsor’s long-serving representative has lobbied government about medical cannabis.
Elite Growth announced Mr Afriyie as its chairman on October 22, but The Times article stated there was no record of this disclosed on the Register of Members’ Financial Interests in four of its editions between November and December.
READ MORE: Windsor MP Adam Afriyie could see bankruptcy action
Rules state a member must notify within 28 days of any changes in their registrable interest if it could influence their actions or words as a parliamentarian.
This interest was finally declared earlier last month.
In a statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Afriyie said: “The Standards Commissioner performs an important function for Parliament and I’m keen to assist.
“I have been as proactive as possible in making proper declarations as early as possible, and I hope that this inquiry will reach swiftly the same conclusion”
A Parliamentary investigation found in 2019 that Mr Afriyie breached the MP’s code of conduct by failing to register his ownership and rental of a Grade II-listed £4.5m mansion in Old Windsor for £1,950 a night on Airbnb.
Mr Afriyie apologised for the error and insisted he had “taken steps to ensure” the register was updated.
Last year, news emerged Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs submitted a petition to the high court to have him declare bankruptcy over an unpaid bill for at least £1.7m in taxes from his crumbling business empire.
READ MORE: Windsor MP Adam Afriyie insists there will be no by-election
Previously, Mr Afriyie said he would pay any tax that is due.
The Liberal Democrats have been gearing up for a by-election in the hopes of Mr Afriyie standing down if restrictions are imposed on him. But Windsor’s MP has insisted there will not be a by-election before the next general election.
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