Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is facing fresh scrutiny after appointing a former Gibraltar lobbyist as an adviser with parliamentary access privileges.
Hoyle gave Albert Poggio, 79, a parliamentary pass allowing him access to Commons libraries, bars, restaurants and senior Westminster figures.
The appointment, made in 2021, was never publicly announced.
Poggio previously arranged several all-expenses-paid trips to Gibraltar for Hoyle and other MPs during his 28-year tenure as Gibraltar’s representative in London.
Sir Lindsay gave Albert Poggio, 79, a parliamentary pass allowing him access to Commons libraries, bars, restaurants and senior Westminster figures
PA
Critics have questioned whether the appointment was necessary and if it constituted “payback” for the lavish junkets.
A spokesman for the Speaker said: “We absolutely refute any suggestion or implication of impropriety.”
Poggio, a Gibraltarian businessman and political consultant, retired in 2016 after nearly three decades representing Gibraltar in London.
During his tenure, he orchestrated a £1million lobbying campaign targeting MPs and peers, including inviting them to “the Rock” to advocate for its continued British status.
Hoyle enjoyed 11 trips to Gibraltar as an MP, dating back to 1998, before becoming Speaker in 2019.
One four-day trip in February 2002 attended by Hoyle and nine other MPs included “dolphin safaris” and tax-free shopping.
Staff at Gibraltar establishments described Hoyle and Poggio as close friends.
POLITICS LATEST:
Sir Lindsay HoylePAPoggio’s social media profile featured photos with Hoyle, including images of them campaigning together in Chorley and pictures apparently taken in the Speaker’s House.
The profile was appears to have been deleted after inquiries from the Mail. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Poggio.
Former Tory Cabinet minister David Jones questioned the appointment’s necessity.
“It is hard to see why the Speaker should need an adviser on the Overseas Territories,” he said.
Jones noted that support is already available from the Overseas Territories Association, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and Commons Library.
“The Speaker should therefore explain precisely what Poggio’s duties are, the terms of his contract and the benefits he enjoys under that contract,” he added.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “The Speaker’s activities only grow more dubious with each new revelation.”
“The Speaker must surely realise that the only way to put these issues to bed is to be open and transparent.”
The revelations come amid questions about Hoyle’s foreign travel expenses, which have cost taxpayers more than £250,000 since October 2022
PA
The revelations come amid questions about Hoyle’s foreign travel expenses, which have cost taxpayers more than £250,000 since October 2022.
This includes £180,000 on business and first-class flights, as he reportedly refuses to fly economy.
Hoyle has claimed nearly £16,000 in expenses for four trips to Gibraltar since becoming Speaker, where he serves as chancellor of the University of Gibraltar.
His office stated all expenses are incurred as part of his “responsibility to explain and promote the work of the House.”
Critics argue his chancellor role is unrelated to his Commons position and should not be taxpayer-funded.
A spokesman for the Speaker said: “In 2021, Mr Poggio became an unpaid adviser to the Speaker on Gibraltar and the British Overseas Territories, due to his long-standing expertise in this area.”
“He has never been remunerated for this role or claimed any expenses from the Speaker’s office. In order to carry out these duties, the Speaker sponsored a parliamentary pass for Mr Poggio.”
