Personal Statement

Geoffrey Cox Excerpts

Thursday 4th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Geoffrey Cox (Torridge and West Devon) (Con)]

In 2009, the House resolved that hon. Members should register all outside earnings within 28 days of their receipt, whether connected with their parliamentary duties or not.

For a prolonged period last year, I very much regret that I failed to comply with that rule in respect of my professional earnings as a barrister.

The House has a right to expect of its Members, particularly those on the Standards Committee, as I was, that they will uphold its rules to the fullest extent. For that reason, I have stepped down from the Standards Committee, and I hope that the House will accept my sincere and full-hearted apology for my failure to observe this important rule.

[Mr Speaker]

I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for what he has said.