Blackburn MP Jack Straw has denied offering his influence in return for thousands of pounds. The former foreign secretary along with Sir Malcolm Rifkind are accused of offering 'cash for access' to s fictitious company in an undercover investigation. Both have referred themselves to Parliament's commissioner for standards
Blackburn MP Jack Straw is facing further criticism after claims he accepted a job with a company he privately lobbied for, which won a £75million government contract.
According to the Telegraph, during an undercover sting Mr Straw talked about privately lobbying Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude on behalf of Senator International, saying he had helped the office furniture firm "get on the ladder" and secure contracts to supply the Government.
He indicated he would probably take an executive position with the firm after the next election. "I happen to have helped them over the last four years anyway. I mean, without taking a penny from that," Mr Straw said.
"But as a result of getting the name out ... they've said would I be interested ultimately in going on the board?"
Mr Straw - who is stepping down at the election - said in a statement: "I have acted in accordance with the parliamentary rules at all times in respect of Senator International, as in all other respects. All of these matters will be scrutinised by the Parliamentary Commissioner."
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