MPs to question chair of appointments panel over Evgeny Lebedev peerage Committee summons Paul Bew to give evidence on No 10’s role in Standard owner’s elevation to Lords
Evgeny Lebedev peerage was 'special case', says chair of vetting committee
Lord Bew denies any interference to his vetting, despite reports the PM overruled security concerns.
Boris Johnson did not put pressure on over Lebedev peerage, says watchdog chief
Lord Bew said the appointments committee had asked for security information on the son of a former KGB agent during the process.
Evgeny Lebedev’s nomination for peerage ‘paused’ after MI5 advice
Appointments commission raised security concerns in 2020 but felt ‘bounced’ into approving him because No 10 pressed for it