Djanogly forced to give up his role regulating claims management companies

Monday 24th October, 2011

Jonathan Djanogly, the justice minister, has been forced to give up his role regulating claims management companies after a storm broke over his children’s financial interests in such firms.

The Cabinet Secretary carried out a formal investigation after newspapers disclosed that his two teenage children held shares in “Going Legal” and “Legal Link Introductory Services”.

Mr Djanogly had admitted that his brother-in-law owned the companies, but not that his children owned shares. He was reported to the Cabinet Office by Andy Slaughter, the shadow justice minister.

As a result of this conflict of interest coming to light, Mr Djanogly has passed to Ken Clarke, the Justice Secretary, responsibility for the regulation of the claims management industry.

This controversy is the second in a year to undermine Mr Djanogly’s ministerial career. Last year it emerged that he had paid private detectives to investigate his own constituents and party agents after allegations in the press about his expenses.

This news comes at a time when Mr Djanogly is instrumental in pushing through Parliament the LAPSO Bill, which is so damaging to the access to justice rights of the average man and woman. Is he still fit to hold ministerial office?

Paul Bonner

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