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Former MP Tim Yeo loses Sunday Times cash claim libel bid Former MP Tim Yeo loses Sunday Times cash claim libel bid
(35 minutes later)
A former Conservative MP has lost his libel case against The Sunday Times over a "cash for advocacy" claim. Former Conservative MP Tim Yeo has lost his libel case against The Sunday Times over a "cash for advocacy" claim.
Tim Yeo, South Suffolk MP from 1983 to 2014, claimed his reputation had been "trashed" by three articles in 2013.Tim Yeo, South Suffolk MP from 1983 to 2014, claimed his reputation had been "trashed" by three articles in 2013.
The newspaper alleged he breached parliamentary codes of conduct by telling reporters he could promote business concerns in return for cash, the High Court heard.The newspaper alleged he breached parliamentary codes of conduct by telling reporters he could promote business concerns in return for cash, the High Court heard.
It suggested Mr Yeo, 70, would approach ministers for a daily fee of £7,000.It suggested Mr Yeo, 70, would approach ministers for a daily fee of £7,000.
At a week-long trial, Desmond Browne QC said that Mr Yeo was quite unjustifiably tarred with the same brush as another MP who had been exposed a week before. At a week-long trial, Desmond Browne QC said that Mr Yeo was quite unjustifiably tarred with the same brush as another MP who had been exposed a week before.
More on this and other Suffolk storiesMore on this and other Suffolk stories
The Sunday Times acted in numerous respects "with a singular lack of responsibility both at the journalistic and the editorial level", said counsel.The Sunday Times acted in numerous respects "with a singular lack of responsibility both at the journalistic and the editorial level", said counsel.
"Mr Yeo was the unfortunate victim of that irresponsibility. He says that in his last years of service as an MP, his reputation was trashed.""Mr Yeo was the unfortunate victim of that irresponsibility. He says that in his last years of service as an MP, his reputation was trashed."
'Push for new laws'
The articles had stemmed from a lunch Mr Yeo had had with two undercover journalists who posed as representatives of a solar energy concern in the Far East.
They alleged that Mr Yeo - a member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee from 2010-2015 - was prepared to, and had offered to, act as a paid parliamentary advocate who would push for new laws to benefit the business of a client.
They also contained comment to the effect that he had shown willing to abuse his position to further his own financial and business interests.
Times Newspapers Ltd said the articles were true, fair comment and responsible journalism on matters of public interest.Times Newspapers Ltd said the articles were true, fair comment and responsible journalism on matters of public interest.
Gavin Millar QC, for Times Newspapers, said: "The day after the lunch the claimant, a very experienced parliamentarian, admitted that he had been aware at the meeting that it was being proposed that he undertake lobbying activities which were incompatible with his public office."
Mr Yeo was not at London's High Court on Wednesday when Mr Justice Warby dismissed his case.Mr Yeo was not at London's High Court on Wednesday when Mr Justice Warby dismissed his case.