Veteran Tory Tim Yeo denies breaching lobby rules

The chairman of a powerful Commons committee today denied breaching lobbying rules amid allegations that he offered to use his position to further business interests.

Tim Yeo, who heads the Energy and Climate Change Committee, said he "totally rejects" claims made after a sting by Sunday Times journalists.

The Tory MP said he had referred himself to the parliamentary standards commissioner to clear his name.

The Sunday Times claims Mr Yeo admitted in secret filming that he coached a paying client on how to influence his committee.

The paper also says he discussed a fee of £7,000 a day to act as a "paid advocate" for a energy company.

Mr Yeo says he did not accept the offer because he realised it was not permitted under House of Commons rules.

In a statement, Mr Yeo said:

The journalists claim that Mr Yeo reportedly privately advised the director of GB Rail freight on what to say when they gave evidence to the same committee.

But a spokesperson for GB Rail freight denied the suggestion, saying:

Business Secretary Vince Cable told ITV News that there were "problems" with parliamentarians having "improper relationships" with companies:

He said transparency and clarity were the only long-term answers to prevent future lobbying scandals.