Summary of investigation – The Lord Evans of Watford
Published on: Friday 28th March 2025
February to March 2025
Organisation or person investigated
The Lord Evans of Watford (“Lord Evans”)
Matter(s) investigated
Whether Lord Evans conducted unregistered consultant lobbying
Registrar’s decision
Based on information and assurances provided, Lord Evans has not conducted unregistered consultant lobbying in relation to the matter under investigation.
Summary of rationale for decision
Based on substantive and unequivocal written information provided, Lord Evans did not receive any payment as an individual, nor through a company, he has therefore not conducted unregistered consultant lobbying in relation to the matter under investigation.
Under the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014 (“the Act”), a registrable communication is made by a VAT registered company or individual communicating with a Minister, Permanent Secretary (or equivalent) on behalf of a paying client.
Chronology
| Date | Action |
| 25 Feb | Article in The Guardian regarding Lord Evans. |
| 27 Feb | Formal letter from the Registrar to Lord Evans giving background on the requirement for registering and asking if his activities, whether individually or through a company, fall within the criteria to be registered with particular reference to, but not limited to, the communications set out in The Guardian article of 25 February. |
| 19 March | Letter from the Registrar requesting response to letter of 27 February. |
| 19 March | Email from Lord Evans stating he has never asked for money, nor reward, for asking a minister for access. |
| 24 March | Letter from the Registrar asking about financial relationships and roles with the company, or companies, in relation with any ministerial communications and in particular regarding three events. |
| 24 March | Email from Lord Evans responding fully to the Registrar’s questions. |
| 26 March | Email from Registrar’s Office requesting written evidence referred to in Lord Evans’ email of 24 March. |
| 26 March | Email from Lord Evans providing evidence. |
| 28 March | Letter from the Registrar concluding his investigation. |
28 March 2025
Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists