A former Conservative MP, Aidan Burley, who organized a Nazi-themed stag party, along with two others suspended for involvement in the cash-for-questions scandal, continues to hold passes that grant them access to the UK Parliament. These revelations highlight ongoing concerns regarding the privileges afforded to former MPs despite their controversial pasts.
Burley, who lost his ministerial position after the details of the stag do surfaced, remains one of 427 ‘Category X’ passholders who have accessed Parliament in the past two years. During this period, he utilized his pass six times in 2024 and an equal number of times up to November 2025. The event in question, which took place at a French ski resort in 2011, included guests raising toasts reminiscent of Adolf Hitler’s regime. While Burley has since apologized for his actions, a Conservative Party report concluded that he was not a “racist or anti-Semite.”
Other notable figures who still have access include David Tredinnick and Graham Riddick, both of whom faced suspension in 1995 for accepting payments for parliamentary questions. Tredinnick, former MP for Bosworth, was suspended for 20 sitting days, while Riddick, ex-MP for Colne Valley, received a 10-day suspension. Both issued public apologies at that time. Their access continues despite the nature of their previous infractions.
Additionally, Stephen Crabb, a former Welsh Secretary, resigned in 2016 after sending explicit messages to a 19-year-old job applicant. Although Crabb was found to have behaved inappropriately, he did not breach any party rules. He accessed Parliament eight times in 2024 and 23 times in the current year, according to official records.
Another former MP, Tim Yeo, who resigned in 1994 following revelations of fathering a child out of wedlock, has also retained his access. Yeo’s reputation suffered further scrutiny in 2013 after he was implicated in a scandal involving undercover reporters from The Sunday Times. He was deselected from his constituency in South Suffolk but continued to serve until the 2015 General Election.
The GMB union, which represents staff working for MPs, has expressed concern regarding the scrutiny of access granted to former MPs. Lisa Gillmore, the GMB’s senior parliamentary researcher, emphasized the need for rigorous evaluation given that the union comprises over 1,500 active members.
The ‘Category X’ pass, designed for former members of Parliament, allows limited access to the parliamentary estate. To qualify, applicants must have served in two parliaments or for a minimum of six years. The pass permits holders to enter specific areas for meetings and use certain catering facilities during designated hours.
The most frequent visitor among former MPs is Lee Rowley, who accessed Parliament 127 times across both 2024 and 2025. There are no allegations of misconduct associated with Rowley.
Other former MPs, including Simon Danczuk and Ivan Lewis, have also been granted ‘X’ passes despite having faced allegations of serious misconduct. Danczuk was suspended in 2015 over claims of sending explicit messages to a minor, while Lewis faced sexual harassment allegations in 2017. Both have since distanced themselves from the Labour Party, citing issues with leadership and disciplinary processes.
The access granted to these individuals raises questions about the principles guiding Parliament’s decision-making processes. A spokesperson for the Commons stated that eligibility for passes is rigorously scrutinized, and there are clear rules in place preventing passholders from engaging in lobbying activities. The system is intended to ensure that only those with a legitimate reason for access are granted passes.
Under current rules, any former MP convicted of a crime that results in a custodial sentence will have their pass revoked. This serves as a safeguard against misuse of parliamentary privileges.
As Parliament continues to navigate these complex issues, the conversations surrounding access for former members with controversial histories remain critical. The calls for increased scrutiny from organizations like the GMB reflect a broader demand for accountability and transparency within the parliamentary system.
