Suspected Spy in the House of Commons Allegedly Helped Boss of Foreign Affairs Committee Get Elected

A Political Aide's Controversial Connection

A suspected spy in the House of Commons has allegedly helped Alicia Kearns, the boss of the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee, get elected. The political aide had lobbied for Kearns, who now faces humiliation after sponsoring the suspect for an access-all-areas pass around Parliament. This has caused fury among her colleagues.

Suspected Top Secret Document Leak to China

Security chiefs are currently investigating whether an unnamed British individual passed top secret documents to China. The suspect, who worked as a researcher for the China Research Group of MPs, was arrested by security personnel in March. Tom Tugendhat, who set up the group, had Kearns running it.

Denials from Allies and Arrest Fallout

Allies of Tugendhat are insisting that he has not met the suspect since becoming Security Minister in September of last year. The political aide, along with another man, was detained in March on suspicion of offences under the Official Secrets Act. Both have been bailed until October, causing major political fallout.

Controversial Appointment and Calls for Naming

When Tugendhat stepped down as Foreign Affairs Committee boss last year due to his ministerial promotion, Kearns unexpectedly became his successor. It has now been revealed that the suspect helped her secure this position. Other MPs in the group are threatening to name the suspect under Parliamentary privilege this week, claiming that his arrest had been covered up.

CRG's Approach and Concerns Raised

The China Research Group (CRG) was seen as a less outspoken group of MPs compared to the rival Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China. One senior MP claims that the suspect was known for attacking China's most outspoken critics and sought a more moderate relationship. Some are suggesting that he may have been attempting to sow division. Critic Sir Iain Duncan Smith has raised concerns about this incident, stating that it is a significant security breach.

Response from Rishi Sunak and the Prime Minister

Rishi Sunak has raised "very strong concerns" about attempts to interfere with British democracy during a meeting with the Chinese Premier Li Qi. The Premier responded by acknowledging the "differences in opinion" at the G20 summit in India. Prime Minister Boris Johnson later emphasized that any interference in parliamentary democracy is unacceptable.