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Boris Johnson has nominated a Russian newspaper owner for a seat in the House of Lords without giving any formal justification for his appointment, according to newly revealed information from the committee vetting candidates.
Evgeny Lebedev, also a British citizen, was given a life seat in the upper house of parliament as part of the former prime minister's list of political peerages in July 2020, becoming Baron Lebedev of Hampton in the London borough of Richmond upon Thames. Siberia in the Russian Federation.
His appointment as a peer sparked a backlash when media reports emerged that the House of Lords Appointments Committee (HOLAK) had been warned against nominating Lebedev due to national security risks linked to the family background of the owner of the Evening Standard and Independent newspaper.
Holak's eight commissioners, three of whom represent the major political parties while the rest are non-politicians, typically receive a letter of recommendation for each candidate, but “had not received any recommendation for Mr. Lebedev at the time of his appointment,” according to the website. In response to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Financial Times.
Alexander Lebedev, Yevgeny's father, was an officer in the KGB and one of its successor agencies, the Federal Security Service (FSB). Alexander has since been sanctioned by Canada because he directly aided Vladimir Putin's “senseless war in Ukraine” and by Ukraine because he is “directly or indirectly controlled by the population of a foreign country.”
Johnson's security service also gave Johnson a personal briefing in Downing Street about the risks associated with Yevgeny's nomination to the Lords, after the former prime minister decided to go ahead with it despite being aware of security advice given to Hulak.
Holak refused to comment on the details of Lebedev's nomination. But she welcomed the government's recent decision to publish candidates' citations. The public body, which cannot object to candidates, screens them for possible misconduct after seeking their approval.
Lord Michael Guy, who chaired Holac between 2008 and 2013, said: “I don't remember proposals that contained no citation at all – but I think some of them just said who the person was without much or any explanation as to why they were chosen.” Subtract.”
Lord George Foulkes, a Labor MP who sat on parliament's intelligence and security committee, said: “I have expressed concerns about Lord Lebedev's rank, primarily for security reasons, but also because he rarely turns up. I am considering how best to pursue this matter, including “Including referring him to the Medals Confiscation Committee.”
A spokesman for Johnson said: “This is nonsense. Every person nominated for the Lords goes through the appropriate process carried out by officials.” Lord Lebedev's notable contribution to British journalism was evident in that process. The security services did not advise against this appointment.”
Yevgeny Lebedev's private office did not respond to a request for comment.
