What led to Lord Chadlington’s suspension?
Lord Chadlington will leave the House of Lords after an investigation found he committed five breaches of standards related to Covid PPE deals. The inquiry revealed that Chadlington introduced SG Recruitment, a company in which he had a financial interest, to the government as a potential supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE).
During the investigation, it was uncovered that Chadlington had direct contact with then Health Secretary Matt Hancock and provided further advice to SG Recruitment. The conduct committee determined that Chadlington committed three breaches of the code governing peers’ conduct and two additional breaches for failing to cooperate with previous inquiries.
Details of the investigation
A 12-month suspension was upheld by the conduct committee after Chadlington appealed the decision. SG Recruitment was awarded £50 million in PPE contracts shortly after being introduced to the government, but the Department of Health and Social Care later rejected the supplied PPE as ‘unusable’.
SG Recruitment went into liquidation in December 2023, owing £1.1 million in taxes to HMRC. Chadlington was a paid director and shareholder in SG Recruitment’s parent company, Sumner Group Holdings, and had served as a peer for 30 years.
Reactions and implications
In response to the findings, Lord Chadlington stated, “I wholly reject the findings of this appeal and of the commissioner,” asserting that he never profited from his actions, which he claimed were made with honourable intent during a national crisis.
The Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group welcomed the decision, stating, “It vindicates the complaint brought by bereaved families and shows that those who abused their position during the pandemic can be held to account.” Lord Foulkes, another peer, expressed disappointment over Chadlington’s lack of cooperation with previous investigations, which prolonged the process.
What comes next?
Chadlington has announced his intention to retire from the House of Lords and quit the Conservative party. The investigation was initiated following complaints from the Covid Bereaved Families for Justice group, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny of standards in public office.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions that may be taken against Chadlington or the implications for SG Recruitment’s former contracts.