Lobbying probe peer resigns whip

Ulster Unionist Lord Laird has resigned his party's whip over allegations he breached parliamentary rules in relation to lobbying.

The peer is alleged to have offered to carry out parliamentary work for cash after being caught in two separate stings by undercover journalists posing as lobbyists.

Lord Laird is alleged to have told reporters posing as lobbyists as part of a joint investigation by the Telegraph and BBC's Panorama that he could ``bribe'' colleagues to ask questions and arrange debates in return for a fee of £2,000 per month.

The peer was also one of three members of the upper house – two Labour - alleged to have told Sunday Times reporters posing as representatives of a fake energy firm that they could carry out parliamentary work in return for cash.

In a statement issued before he resigned the whip he said: “I wish to make it clear that I did not agree to act as a paid advocate in any proceedings of the House nor did I accept payment or other incentive or reward in return for providing parliamentary advice or services.”

“I have not broken any rules. However, I have referred the situation to the appropriate authorities and I will be making no further statement until I have received their ruling."