Ex-minister accuses lobbying inquiry of role in wife's suicide

FORMER Cabinet minister Owen Paterson has attacked a parliamentary sleaze probe for playing a major part in his wife’s suicide.

- Sam Lister Deputy Political Editor

The Conservative MP is facing a month-long ban from the Commons after the investigation found he had breached lobbying rules.

Mr Paterson “repeatedly” contacted ministers and officials on behalf of two companies he was paid by in an “egregious” breach of the rules, said the Commons Standards Committee.

But he issued a furious denial and said the way the investigation was carried out “undoubtedly played a major role” in his wife Rose’s death in June last year.