"Naughty Chairman"
The Parliamentary Committee are looking into Conservative Chairman over concerns a possible breach of Rule 14 of the Code of Conduct for Members of the House of Commons.
That rule states that Members must not lobby the Commissioner (or related bodies or staff) “in a manner calculated or intended to influence his consideration of whether a breach of the Code of Conduct has occurred, or in relation to the imposition of a sanction.”
An investigation does not mean rules have been broken. The Commissioner’s office emphasises this, and findings are published once the process concludes.
Who is Kevin Hollinrake?
Kevin Paul Hollinrake (born 28 September 1963) is a Conservative politician and former businessman representing the North Yorkshire constituency of Thirsk and Malton since the 2015 general election. He grew up in the area, attended local schools, and later co-founded the Hunters estate agency chain, which expanded significantly before he entered Parliament full-time.
He has held several roles, including ministerial positions under the previous Conservative government (notably involving postal affairs and small business). After the 2024 election, he served in the shadow cabinet before being appointed Chairman of the Conservative Party in July 2025 under leader Kemi Badenoch. He also holds the position of Shadow Minister without Portfolio.
The wider context: the Farage referral
Hollinrake’s investigation has drawn attention partly because of his earlier actions against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. In April/May 2026, as Party Chairman, Hollinrake formally referred Farage to the same Commissioner over an alleged failure to register a substantial gift (reported as a £5 million donation linked to a crypto figure) under Rule 5 of the Code. An investigation into Farage was opened but later suspended after Farage resigned his Clacton seat (with plans to seek re-election).
Some commentary has suggested Hollinrake’s own case may relate to subsequent contacts with the Commissioner’s office concerning decision-making on that or related matters. Official publications provide no further public detail on the specific evidence or communications under scrutiny in Hollinrake’s case.
Response and process
A spokesperson for Hollinrake stated that he is “fully complying with the investigation” and reiterated that the existence of an inquiry does not equate to a finding of wrongdoing.
Daniel Greenberg serves as the independent Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards. The process involves gathering evidence, assessing whether a breach occurred, and potentially referring the matter to the Committee on Standards if necessary. Outcomes can range from no breach, to rectification, to formal sanctions recommended by the Committee.
Why it matters
Rule 14 exists to protect the independence of the standards system. MPs are entitled to raise complaints and make representations in the ordinary course, but the rule draws a line against attempts to influence the Commissioner’s substantive consideration of breaches or sanctions.
High-profile cases involving party leaders or chairmen inevitably attract political scrutiny, especially amid rivalry between Conservatives and Reform UK.
As of the latest available information, the investigation continues. Official updates will appear on the House of Commons website once the Commissioner reaches a conclusion.
This is a developing story
