DUP MP queried over use of restricted parliamentary symbol in party political advertising

The MP for North Antrim, Ian Paisley, included a restricted House of Commons badge in several advertisements placed in local newspapers this week.

Mr Paisley is quoted in one of the ads saying, “I have a reputation for fighting for constituents’ needs and getting the job done”.

Parliamentary rules restrict how MPs can use the “Crowned Portcullis” and any issues can be recommended for investigation by the standards commissioner. The UK Parliament website says the Crowned Portcullis “should not be used for purposes to which such authentication is inappropriate”.

Such emblems should not be used “where there is a risk that their use might wrongly be regarded, or represented, as having the authority of the House”.

An MP committee report in 2019 said the emblem may be used by members “on their stationery provided by the House or used for their parliamentary functions”. Adding that the Crowned Portcullis must not be used in an “inappropriate form”.