Philip Barden

Who? Philip Barden, partner, Devonshires Solicitors, London.

Why is he in the news? Represents former MP Owen Paterson, who is taking the UK to the European Court of Human Rights to challenge a finding by the parliamentary commissioner for standards that he used his privileged position as an MP to secure benefits for two companies for which he was a paid consultant. Devonshires says Paterson is wholly innocent of any charge of lobbying.

Thoughts on the case: ‘Parliament polices the conduct of MPs through the Committee on Standards; this consisted of a majority of unelected lay members. Mr Paterson had 17 witnesses who confirmed that he had not breached the code of conduct. These witnesses were not permitted to give evidence on his behalf.

‘The shocking feature of this case is that Mr Paterson had no recourse to challenge his treatment. Parliament has sought to exclude the Human Rights Act from its processes, but the Committee on Standards has lay members. The issue for the European court is whether the disciplinary process is within the ambit of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), on the basis it is not a parliamentary process involving only MPs; applying the ECHR Mr Paterson’s rights have been infringed as natural justice and a fair process have not been followed.

‘The wider implication is the need for an independent disciplinary process with rights of appeal, so that allegations are dealt with fairly.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The media have not been interested in the detail of the allegations and the evidence. Rather, Mr Paterson has been attacked by the media which was opposed to Brexit because of his political support for it. It is disappointing that the witnesses’ evidence which is all in Mr Paterson’s favour has been ignored and not reported.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘My uncle who lived in the Australian outback advised that I should get a professional qualification, just in case I did not make it in my punk band or as a footballer. How wise he was.’

Career high: ‘Representing Dennis Hutchings and many other military veterans who secured the peace in Northern Ireland and now suffer never-ending investigations and threats of prosecution. I hope this will be brought to an end by the passing of the Troubles Bill.’

Career low: ‘Having secured my first trial win, turning to the acquitted defendant and saying “that was a good outcome”. To which he replied “F off I was innocent” and walked away.’

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