RICHARD EDEN: Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary Lord Geidt faces inquiry from Lords standards commissioner

During his decade as Queen Elizabeth's Private Secretary, Christopher Geidt delivered a flawless performance, earning him eternal gratitude from the monarch – and a peerage in 2018.

But life outside the palace appears to be more dangerous for Lord Geidt, 62.

Last year he resigned as an independent adviser on ministerial interests – colloquially known as the Prime Minister's ethics adviser – just fourteen months after Boris Johnson appointed him, feeling that a request from Downing had left him in ' an impossible and abhorrent position' had been placed. Street.

Now I can reveal that he himself is in the spotlight – after being named as 'the subject of an investigation' by one of the House of Lords Commissioners for Standards yesterday.

The Commissioners' Office tells me it cannot comment other than to repeat the brief statement explaining that the investigation concerns “alleged provision of parliamentary advice or services” that could lead to “a possible violation of paragraph 11 (b) of the House of Lords'. Code of Conduct'.

Now I can reveal that Lord Geidt (pictured) is himself in the spotlight – after being named as 'the subject of an investigation' by one of the House of Lords' Commissioners for Standards yesterday

The relevant clause states that 'Members of the House shall not seek to take advantage of membership of the House by accepting or agreeing to any payment or other incentive or reward in return for the provision of parliamentary advice or services'.

A Lords observer suggests the investigation could relate to a new 'strategic consultancy', Hurista Advisory Ltd, offering 'general business and strategic advice', which he set up just a month ago.

Lord Geidt could not be reached for comment yesterday, but those who know him tell me his worst crime would be one of naivety.

“As soon as you do anything to do with advice, you will immediately be exposed to charges of violating paragraph 11(b),” an old friend tells me, adding, “He's a hard-nosed . He is very decent, kind and extremely honest: a gentleman.'

A rare beast indeed in the Palace of Westminster.