Blackpool MP Scott Benton blames unpaid work experience volunteer for breach of parliamentary rules
Blackpool South MP Scott Benton has apologised for breaking the rules by using his parliamentary email address to carry out political campaigning.
Furthermore, the MPs' handbook also states: "It is not acceptable to use parliamentary digital services for activities that could be considered party political campaigning or fundraising, or private business activity, except in those circumstances and for those users where this has been expressly permitted ."
In his email to the watchdog's commissioner, Mr Benton apologised for the breach and said: "In late January/early February, I hosted an unpaid work experience placement for. Please see the attached Facebook post which demonstrates this placement. This included time spent in my Westminster Office on parliamentary work, and remote work completed off the Parliamentary estate for the Blackpool South Conservative Association.
"I have also taken steps to ensure that this mistake is not repeated as well as contacting the Registrar to arrange for a meeting to refresh my knowledge of the Code of Conduct and the registration process, I have spoken to my staff about the use of facilities provided by the House, including my Parliamentary email address. I have also reviewed how my office handles contact with the media to ensure that House facilities are not used in a way that could be deemed to be inappropriate.
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