Three Tory MPs are under investigation by the standards commissioner.

The former health secretary Matt Hancock is being investigated for “lobbying the Commissioner in a manner calculated or intended to influence his consideration” about a possible probe. 

Scott Benton, the Tory MP who lost the party whip after being caught in a gambling lobbying sting, is facing an inquiry for his use of a parliamentary email address.

The Conservative MP for Crawley, Henry Smith, is also under investigation for “use of stationery provided from the public purse”.

All three inquiries were launched on Tuesday, according to the commissioner’s official website.

More to follow...