Local MP under fire for holiday earnings

Greg Barker is among six prominent MPs highlighted by the Daily Mail in an article based on figures slipped out by Parliamentary authorities during the 82 day summer break.

He was paid almost 5,000 for 12.5 hours work for US Investment firm Pegasus Capital Advisors, a private equity investment firm based in New York.

The Mail claims the revelations involved undermine the idea that constituency work should be the main focus of the Parliamentary break, saying: "they are likely to deal a further blow to the public image of Westminster, which has been heavily tarnished by the expenses scandal."

It is likely to be one of the last profitable breaks for Greg Barker.

As shadow minister for energy and climate change, he will have to abide by party leader David Cameron's June pledge that all of his shadow cabinet will end their outside interests by December.

According to the register of members' interests at theyworkforyou.com, Greg is listed as an Operating Advisor for Pegasus Capital, which specialises in leveraged buyouts.

Several of their portfolio companies, such as Universal Lubricants, have been in the news recently for initiatives relating to climate change or the environment.

The full Daily Mail article can be read here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1211315/Carry-grasping-Greedy-MPs-pocketing-5k-hour-82-day-summer-holiday.html