Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle embarked on an official journey to the British Virgin Islands last week, where he delivered a historic address to the islands' House of Assembly. The trip, occurring during parliament's half-term recess, has drawn scrutiny over its costs and transparency, adding to his nickname 'long-haul Hoyle'.
Luxury Accommodation and Official Engagements
Sir Lindsay, accompanied by two staff members, stayed at the Wyndham Tortola BVI Lambert Beach Resort, a secluded four-star property boasting a beachside oasis with a spa, pool, and restaurants. Rooms at this luxury resort start from approximately £300 per night. Originally booked at the nearby Sugar Mill Hotel, his accommodation was changed at the last minute.
During his visit, which lasted at least four days, Sir Lindsay met with BVI Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley and UK Governor Daniel Pruce, who hosted a special reception in his honour. He also toured the Road Town Police Station and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Marine Base. In a business suit despite the 27°C heat, he cut the ribbon to open the second floor of the Old Government House Museum.
Costs and Lack of Transparency
The total cost of the trip remains undisclosed, with Sir Lindsay's office refusing to provide details on who is footing the bill. Historically, UK taxpayers have covered most of his numerous foreign trips. A spokesman for the Government of the British Virgin Islands stated that the visit was at their invitation, highlighting 75 years of democratic governance, but declined further comment.
This lack of transparency has sparked renewed questions, especially as Sir Lindsay has changed the rules for publishing travel details from monthly to quarterly since August last year, leaving taxpayers in the dark about recent expenses.
History of Expensive Travel
Sir Lindsay's travel habits have long been controversial. Since becoming Speaker in 2019, he has spent over £320,000 of taxpayers' money on foreign trips, with the bulk incurred in the last three years post-pandemic. This includes more than £200,000 on first and business class flights alone, plus tens of thousands on chauffeur-driven cars, luxury five-star resorts, and high-end restaurants.
Notable trips include a March 2023 Caribbean tour where he chartered private planes at a cost of nearly £5,500 to visit British Overseas Territories like St Maarten and Montserrat. In 2024, a five-day trip to the Cayman Islands cost £22,000, with accommodation at the Westin Grand billed at £679 per night.
Criticism and Calls for Accountability
Critics have labelled these trips 'excessive' and 'jollies' at taxpayers' expense, noting that some, such as speeches at the University of Gibraltar where he is Chancellor, appear loosely related to his parliamentary role. John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, condemned the secrecy, stating, 'It is absolutely unacceptable that taxpayers are being kept in the dark on the issue of the Speaker's expenses. Sir Lindsay Hoyle rightly holds governments to account on transparency and accountability, yet refuses to practice what he preaches.'
The ongoing debate underscores concerns over public officials' spending and the need for greater openness in parliamentary expenses.
