The Greensill Capital/David Cameron scandal revolving around the UK's lobbying rules has now knocked on the door of former British prime ministers. In latest updates, a full inquiry could call all living ex-prime ministers as witnesses, along with key figures in the scandal. This involves company founder Lex Greensill, former civil servant Bill Crothers, and former Cabinet Office chief John Manzoni. Other key figures including George Osborne, and Nick Clegg are also reportedly expected to be invited as witnesses.
Chaired by the Tory MP William Wragg, the inquiry by MPs on the public administration and constitutional affairs committee (Pacac) may recommend harsher sanctions for those breaching lobbying rules or codes of conduct. It has already invited Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, John Major, and David Cameron to give evidence.
Revelations are being made almost every week, with former Whitehall chief procurement officer Bill Crothers being the newest name to be associated with Greensill. Head of government procurement overseeing an annual £40bn budget, Crothers joined Greensill as a part-time adviser in September 2015, two months before leaving the civil service. He later became a director at Greensill in August 2016.
One of three launched by different select committees, the inquiry has agreed it will look at the codes of ministerial conduct, and for special advisers and officials, to see how effective they are. It will probe the role of the advisory committee on business appointments, which is intended to advise on potential conflicts of interests for ex-ministers and senior officials. It will also examine the role of consultants and contractors within the government.
