Response to reports in tomorrow’s Telegraph that Conservative MP Mark Pritchard used his political contacts to further his business interests

A Labour Party spokesperson said:

“It is right that Mr Pritchard has referred himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. It is essential that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards urgently investigate to ascertain whether or not the House of Commons Code of Conduct has been upheld in principle and practice.

"Every passing scandal and further investigation only goes to reinforce why Ed Miliband was right earlier this year to call for new rules and new limits on MP’s outside earnings. The perception that some MPs are only in it for what they can get, not for what they can give, merely serves to further undermine Parliament.

"Ed Miliband made it clear that no MP should be permitted to hold paid directorships or consultancies after the next general election. Regrettably the Government - including Tory and Lib Dem MPs - voted against this in a Commons vote forced by Labour last July.

"David Cameron wants to see business as usual for MPs, but the status quo is more unsustainable and more indefensible by the day.”