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Jeremy Hunt investigated over failure to declare investment in luxury rental flats

Investigation: Jeremy Hunt has said his actions were an 'honest mistake': PA
Investigation: Jeremy Hunt has said his actions were an 'honest mistake': PA

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is being investigated over his failure to declare an investment in luxury rental flats.

The Parliament Standards Commissioner has opened an inquiry Mr Hunt – who apologised for failing to declare a business interest with both Companies House and the parliamentary register of MPs' interests.

Commissioner Kathryn Stone will now carry out the investigation, looking into whether he breached a provision in the House of Commons code of conduct.

The rules state MPs should "fulfil conscientiously the requirements of the House in respect of the registration of interests".

The Daily Telegraph reported that Mr Hunt failed to register a 50 per cent interest in seven properties being developed in Southampton within the 28-day time limit.

He said the omissions were the results of "honest administrative mistakes" and that he did not gain financially as a result.

But Labour said his actions represented a serious breach and referred him to Ms Stone.

A Downing Street spokesman last week said the Prime Minister regarded the matter as closed.