Conduct of Mr George Galloway

Book excerpt: In December 2003, the Committee published a report (HCP 73, session 2003-04; ISBN 0215014332) on allegations that George Galloway had received £375,000 from the former Iraqi regime, under the guise of the UN Oil for Food Programme, which he failed to record in the Register of Member's Interests. Due to the fact that Mr Galloway had begun libel proceedings against the Telegraph Group Ltd (publishers of the Daily Telegraph) over these allegations, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Public Standards and the Committee both agreed to delay their consideration until the matter was concluded. Mr Galloway subsequently won his libel case in December 2004, but the Telegraph Group Ltd has now sought leave to appeal. In light of these events, the Committee and Commissioner have agreed to further suspend their inquiry until remaining legal proceedings are finished.