New MP 'mistakenly' appoints son to her staff

An official portrait photo of the MP for Taunton Rachel Gilmour. She has blonde hair and is wearing a cream jacket. The picture is taken against a grey backgroundImage source, UK Parliament
Image caption,

Rachel Gilmour was elected as MP for Tiverton and Minehead in July 2024

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A newly-elected MP has referred herself to the parliamentary standards commissioner after "mistakenly" making her son a member of her staff team.

Rachel Gilmour MP, Liberal Democrat, Tiverton and Minehead, said Henry Oliver helped her set up her office, after she was elected, in a "voluntary capacity".

Mr Oliver was included in a parliamentary register of interests of members' staff , externalas of 10 January 2025.

Ms Gilmour said: "This was an honest mistake, Henry was assisting me with the setting up of my office in a voluntary capacity."

"As soon as I became aware of this mistake, I rescinded his pass and referred myself to the standards commissioner."

It is against parliamentary rules for MPs elected since 2017 to employ close family members.

The BBC understands Mr Oliver was not paid by his mother for his work.

But there has been some criticism locally.

James Wright, an Exmoor farmer and Southwest Chairman of the Conservative Rural Forum, said: "Tiverton and Minehead needs strong leadership from someone who actually cares for our community, not distractions caused by avoidable rule-breaking.

"This is not what our community deserves from its new MP."

Ms Gilmour won the new constituency of Tiverton and Minehead, which was formed after boundary changes, with a 3.507 majority over the former Conservative MP, Ian Liddell-Grainger in July 2024.

It was her fourth time of standing for parliament, having previously been a Lib Dem candidate most recently in Taunton Deane in 2015 and previously in Totnes and Nottingham North.

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