The House of Lords watchdog has launched an investigation into Conservative hereditary peer the Earl of Shrewsbury (Charles Henry John Benedict Crofton Chetwynd Chetwynd-Talbot) for "erroneously" claiming travel expenses he did not incur and misusing a taxpayer-funded first-class train ticket for a commercial board meeting. This is the fifth inquiry following Guardian reporting into the upper house, and Shrewsbury has previously been suspended for lobbying.
Lords watchdog investigates Tory peer over ‘erroneous’ travel claims
House of LordsPoliticsLobbyingLords reformUKConservativesLabour
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The House of Lords watchdog has launched an investigation into Conservative hereditary peer the Earl of Shrewsbury (Charles Henry John Benedict Crofton Chetwynd Chetwynd-Talbot) for "erroneously" claiming travel expenses he did not incur and misusing a taxpayer-funded first-class train ticket for a commercial board meeting. This is the fifth inquiry following Guardian reporting into the upper house, and Shrewsbury has previously been suspended for lobbying.
Trending- 1 September 2023: Earl of Shrewsbury's suspension from the Lords ended.
- 2 November 2023: Earl of Shrewsbury's Conservative whip was restored.
- 3 January 2024: The commercial meeting and expense claims now being scrutinized occurred.
- 4 Last year (2024): 'Erroneous' travel claims were made.
- 5 Two weeks ago (May 2025): Iain McNicol was found to have broken the code of conduct.
- 6 Earlier this month (May 2025): Shrewsbury offered to reimburse the taxpayer.
- 7 Currently: Lords watchdog launches investigation into Earl of Shrewsbury; outstanding inquiries into Peter Gummer and Michelle Mone.
- Investigation by the Lords watchdog for potential breach of rules.
- Shrewsbury offered to reimburse the taxpayer for the claimed expenses.
- This is the fifth peer to face an inquiry after Guardian reporting.
- Previous suspension from the Lords for nine months for lobbying.
What: The House of Lords watchdog has launched an investigation into Conservative hereditary peer the Earl of Shrewsbury for allegedly making 'erroneous' travel expense claims and misusing a taxpayer-funded first-class train ticket for a commercial company board meeting.
When: Claims made: Last year (2024). Commercial meeting and expense claims under scrutiny: January 2024. Shrewsbury's offer to reimburse: Earlier this month (May 2025). Previous suspension ended: September 2023. Conservative whip restored: November 2023.
Where: House of Lords, Derbyshire (Shrewsbury's home), Stafford station, London, Liverpool, UK.
Why: Shrewsbury claimed expenses for journeys he could not have made and used a taxpayer-funded ticket for a commercial meeting, joking that 'the government pays'. The investigation follows Guardian reporting into the upper house.
How: The investigation was launched by the Lords commissioners for standards after revelations from Guardian reporting, which included leaked emails and documents obtained under freedom of information legislation.