29 February 2024 , 11:03
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Michael Gove is being investigated by the Commons sleaze watchdog after he admitted failing to declare Queens Park Rangers football tickets from a donor whose firm got several PPE contracts.
The Tory Cabinet minister and his son enjoyed corporate hospitality in a box at Queens Park Rangers in August 2021, but he did not register the freebie with parliamentary authorities.
Mr Gove attended the match with David Meller, whose fashion products company had been awarded £164million in PPE contracts after he referred him to the Government's so-called "VIP lane".
The Housing Secretary admitted failing to register the football tickets earlier this month, after they were uncovered by reporters. His spokesman said at the time: "Mr Gove... has written to the relevant parliamentary authorities to inform them of a potential omission from the register of members’ financial interests regarding two complimentary tickets he received from Queens Park Rangers Football Club to a match in August 2021.
“Mr Gove routinely declares his attendance at such events in his role as an MP and government minister, as evidenced by other entries in his register of interests and ministerial transparency returns. He apologises for any oversight on his part.”
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Mr Gove was the Cabinet Office minister responsible for PPE procurement during the pandemic. In May 2020, he referred Meller Designs, which was owned by Mr Meller at the time, to the Government's chief commercial officer as a possible supplier. It went on to be awarded six PPE contracts worth £164million
MPs are required to register donations they receive as well as freebies such as corporate hospitality worth over £300 on the Register of Members' Financial Interest.
Mr Meller has been a substantial donor to the Conservative Party. He supported Mr Gove's unsuccessful Tory leadership bid in 2016 by giving £3,250.
The Guardian reported earlier this month that Mr Gove and his son watched QPR's first match of the new football season, which was a 1-1 draw against Millwall, with Mr Meller and his son Jonny. According to the newspaper, the Cabinet minister had asked to be taken to the match. Jonny Meller contacted Amit Bhatia, one of QPR's owners, who allowed them to use his box.
A spokesman for Mr Gove today declined to comment.