A former Conservative MP, Aidan Burley, who organized a Nazi-themed stag party, continues to have access to the UK Parliament, highlighting a controversial policy regarding former members. Alongside Burley, two other former MPs—David Tredinnick and Graham Riddick—who were suspended over a cash-for-questions scandal, also maintain their passes that allow them entry into the parliamentary estate.
Burley, who was dismissed as a ministerial aide in 2011 following revelations about the stag party, is among 427 individuals holding a ‘Category X’ pass that grants unescorted access to certain areas of Parliament. This access has raised concerns, particularly given Burley’s history. He has visited the estate six times in both 2024 and up to November 2025.
The Nazi-themed event, which took place at a French ski resort, involved guests toasting in a manner reminiscent of the Hitler regime. Following the incident, Burley expressed remorse for his actions but was cleared of being a “racist or anti-Semite” by an internal Conservative Party inquiry. He left Parliament in 2015 and later joined the Reform UK party, amid political shifts that saw former members leaving the Conservative Party.
Tredinnick and Riddick were both embroiled in a scandal in 1995 where they were found to have accepted payments for parliamentary questions from undercover reporters posing as businessmen. Each faced a suspension; Tredinnick for 20 days and Riddick for 10 days. They have since moved on and hold directorships in various businesses.
Another former MP, Stephen Crabb, resigned in 2016 after allegations of inappropriate messages were made against him. He was found to have behaved inappropriately but did not breach party rules. Crabb accessed Parliament 23 times in 2025 and eight times in 2024.
The issue of former MPs retaining access to Parliament is a contentious one. Lisa Gillmore, a senior researcher for the GMB union, which represents parliamentary staff, has called for increased scrutiny over access for individuals with controversial histories. She emphasized the need for rigorous checks on those granted entry to protect staff and the integrity of the parliamentary estate.
Former environment minister Tim Yeo is also listed as a passholder. Yeo resigned in 1994 after a personal scandal involving the birth of a child out of wedlock. He faced further allegations in 2013 regarding remarks made to undercover reporters about promoting business interests for cash.
The ‘Category X’ pass is available to former MPs who have served in two parliaments or for a minimum of six years. It allows limited access to specific areas within the parliamentary estate without requiring an escort, mainly for meetings and to utilize certain catering facilities.
The most frequent user of the pass is former Conservative MP Lee Rowley, who accessed Parliament 127 times across the relevant years. Unlike other past members, Rowley has not been linked to any wrongdoing.
Concerns about access have also been raised regarding other former MPs suspended for misconduct, including Simon Danczuk and Ivan Lewis. Danczuk was suspended in 2015 after allegations related to explicit messages sent to a minor. He used his pass 11 times in 2024 and eight times in 2025. Lewis, who faced sexual harassment allegations, used his pass three times over the same period.
The House of Commons maintains that access to the parliamentary estate is carefully monitored. A spokesperson stated that eligibility for passes is rigorously scrutinized and that holders must adhere to a code of conduct while on the estate. Any violations, particularly those connected to lobbying activities, are investigated.
In emails, Lewis asserted that he had been “completely exonerated” by an independent investigation into his allegations, justifying his continued access. The Commons has clarified that passes are revoked for any former MPs convicted of crimes leading to custodial sentences.
The ongoing accessibility of these former MPs to Parliament continues to spark debate about accountability and the standards expected of those who once held public office.
