Christian MP facing temporary suspension over undeclared holidays

Mr Paisley had already apologised for what he said was his “unintentional failure” to register the hospitality, which he estimated was worth £50,000.

The commissioner, which said the cost may have been “significantly more” than Mr Paisley’s estimate, said the Sri Lankan holidays in 2013 included business-class air travel, accommodation at first-class hotels, helicopter trips and visits to tourist attractions for the North Antrim MP and his wider family.

The watchdog’s finding read: “In view of the seriousness of this matter, we recommend that Mr Paisley be suspended from the service of the House for a period of 30 sitting days starting on 4 September 2018.”

The commissioner also said Mr Paisley should now register the holidays with the parliamentary authorities.

Generic stock photo: A beach in Sri Lanka

The recommendations will need to be approved by the House of Commons before being confirmed. Mr Paisley is due to address the House on Thursday.

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The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards has recommended that Democratic Unionist MP Ian Paisley be suspended from the House of Commons for 30 days because of his failure to register two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government.