Question

To ask the hon. Member for Broxbourne, representing the House of Commons Commission, with reference to the Second Report of the Privileges Committee 2022-23, HC 632, Appendix (Correspondence with Mr Speaker), by what process Temple Garden Chambers was procured to provide legal advice to the Speaker; on what date Counsel was instructed; who provided the instructions; and if he will place a copy of the contract and instructions in the Library.

The value of the procurement fell below the threshold for any formal procurement process. Andrew O’Connor KC was selected by Speaker’s Counsel following consultation with colleagues. He was first approached on 27 May 2022, and was instructed orally in conference with Speaker’s Counsel on 8 June 2022. The contract was entered into on Bar Standards Board standard contractual terms.