The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner has launched an inquiry into Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice over an allegation he failed to declare a relevant interest during a Commons debate. The complaint focuses on a 22 June speech where Mr Tice did not explicitly mention a September trip to Israel that is recorded in his register of interests. The move follows a separate Metropolitan Police inquiry into two £250,000 donations from a company Mr Tice owned. Related standards probes involve Nigel Farage and DUP MP Sammy Wilson.
Parliamentary Watchdog Opens Inquiry Into Richard Tice Over Undeclared Israel Trip
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The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner has opened an inquiry into Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice over an allegation that he failed to declare a relevant interest during a Commons debate.
The probe was opened on 28 July and was subsequently listed on the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner's website. The complaint centers on a 22 June Commons speech in which Mr Tice did not explicitly mention a September trip to Israel that was funded by a pro‑Israel lobbying organisation. That trip is recorded in his Declaration of Members' Interests.
What Rule Is Involved?
The inquiry relates to Rule 6 of the parliamentary code of conduct. The rule requires MPs to be frank and open about any relevant interests in proceedings, committees and in communications with public officials.
"Members must always be open and frank in declaring any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its committees, and in any communications with ministers, members, public officials or public office holders."
Parliamentary guidance adds that referring listeners or readers to an entry in the register is not sufficient on its own: a declaration must give enough information so the nature of the interest is clear without requiring people to consult the Register.
Related Inquiries And A Separate Police Probe
Shortly before the standards inquiry was opened, the BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police had launched an investigation into donations to Reform UK from a company controlled by Mr Tice. The sole‑owned company, Britain Means Business, made two donations of £250,000 each to Reform UK in the run-up to the general election.
Mr Tice, who was party chairman at the time, told the BBC he had not been contacted about the police matter before media briefings and described the coverage as politically motivated. He has said the funds were provided to his company by Fiona Cottrell, who has been reported as a significant donor to Reform UK and as having links to figures close to party leader Nigel Farage.
Separately, the standards commissioner has an open inquiry into Nigel Farage over an alleged failure to declare a £5m gift from donor Christopher Harborne. That investigation was opened on 13 May but was suspended on 8 July when Mr Farage resigned his seat to contest the Clacton by‑election; it would resume if he is returned to Parliament. The commissioner has also opened an inquiry into DUP MP Sammy Wilson over a similar allegation.
Next Steps
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner will investigate the complaint and publish findings or recommendations if appropriate. Any conclusions could lead to further action under parliamentary procedures.
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