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DUP MP investigated by standards watchdog

PA Media Sammy Wilson looking at the camera with a neutral expression. He is wearing a suit and tie. There are people and a building in the background very out of focus.PA Media
Sammy Wilson is alleged to have failed to declare an interest after taking part in an overseas trip

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP is being investigated by Westminster's standards commissioner for allegedly breaching lobbying rules.

Sammy Wilson is being investigated for failing to declare an interest when tabling a question on the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, after making a visit to the area.

The MPs code of conduct states that when asking parliamentary questions “members must indicate any relevant interest on the question form”.

The website of the standards commissioner says the complaint was opened against Wilson on 31 October.

On the MPs register of interests it says Wilson visited the area from 3 to 6 January this year.

The trip was paid for by the Turkish Chamber of Commerce, a body called Cyprus Premier and the Arkan Group.

The purpose of the trip is listed as a "parliamentary fact finding delegation to learn about country's political system, history, culture and economy".

Wilson is the MP for East Antrim and the DUP's chief whip at Westminster.

MPs have been sanctioned in the past for breaking parliamentary lobbying rules after going on paid trips.

In 2018, then-North Antrim MP Ian Paisley was suspended from the Commons for 30 days, for lobbying on behalf of Sri Lanka after taking an undeclared trip to the country worth up to £100,000.

BBC News NI has approached Sammy Wilson for comment.