Lords in Meltdown: Peers Banned for Cash as ‘Racially Charged’ Bullying Row Explodes

The House of Lords has been plunged into a fresh crisis of confidence today as a wave of disciplinary sanctions exposes deep fractures in the conduct of unelected representatives. In a dramatic day for parliamentary accountability, prominent peers Lord Dannatt and Lord Evans of Watford face significant suspensions for "cash for access" breaches, while investigations into bullying and racially charged language have implicated other senior figures, including Baroness Manzila Pola Uddin.

"Cash for Access" Suspensions Confirmed

The most immediate blow to the Upper Chamber’s reputation comes from the separate inquiries into Lord Dannatt and Lord Evans. The independent Commissioner for Standards concluded that both men violated regulations prohibiting the provision of parliamentary services for "payment or reward." Consequently, Lord Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, faces a four-month suspension, while Labour peer Lord Evans is set for a five-month exclusion.

Lord Dannatt was found to have shown a "clear willingness" to engage in paid advocacy. Investigators uncovered evidence of three separate instances where he corresponded with ministers and officials on behalf of companies in which he held a financial interest—specifically UK Mitrogen, Teledyne UK, and Blue International Holdings. While Lord Dannatt expressed remorse, the Conduct Committee noted the sheer number of improper interactions over a two-year period justified the severe sanction.

Similarly, Lord Evans of Watford was found to have failed the test of "personal honour" during meetings with undercover journalists posing as investors. The inquiry established that he offered to introduce these fictitious clients to MPs and sponsored events at the House of Lords to promote Affinity, a company owned by his son. In a flagrant breach of rules, tickets for these parliamentary events were advertised for sale at a profit.

Baroness Uddin: Security Incident and 'Racially Charged' Language

Beyond the financial scandals, the House is grappling with verified reports of abusive behavior. In a damaging development for Baroness Manzila Pola Uddin, the first British-Bangladeshi member of the House, a Conduct Committee report published in mid-2025 has sanctioned her for bullying.

The incident stemmed from a confrontation with parliamentary security when Baroness Uddin attempted to bypass standard search protocols with a guest. The Commissioner found that when stopped, the peer became "angry and belligerent." The investigation upheld allegations that she used "racially charged language" during the outburst, specifically calling a security officer an "incompetent white fool."

While Baroness Uddin has not been suspended, the Committee endorsed the recommendation that she write a formal letter of apology to the victim. This fresh sanction has revived uncomfortable questions regarding her standing in the House, coming years after her previous suspension during the parliamentary expenses scandal, and has disappointed supporters who viewed her return to the chamber as a completed path to rehabilitation.

Wider Culture of Bullying: The Stone and Meyer Cases

The verdict against Baroness Uddin is part of a broader crackdown on what insiders describe as a "toxic culture" of entitlement. Rumors of repeat offenses by other peers have now been confirmed, with Lord Stone of Blackheath facing a massive six-month suspension. This marks his third breach of bullying and harassment rules in five years, following an aggressive altercation with staff regarding an unattended suitcase. Additionally, Baroness Meyer has been recommended for a three-week suspension and mandatory training following a separate harassment finding.

The Mone Shadow Looms Large

These disciplinary actions unfold under the long shadow of the Baroness Michelle Mone scandal. Pressure on the Conservative peer has reached a boiling point following the October 2025 High Court ruling against PPE Medpro, a company linked to her and her husband, Doug Barrowman. With the firm ordered to repay over £122 million to the government for supplying sterile gowns deemed unfit for use, calls from across the political spectrum for her permanent expulsion have intensified.

As the House prepares to ratify these suspensions, the convergence of lobbying scandals, bullying verdicts, and high-profile legal defeats has left the reputation of the House of Lords in tatters, forcing Parliament to once again defend the integrity of its code of conduct against a public increasingly weary of Westminster sleaze.