Westminster breached by undercover reporter
A journalist using fake references breached security at the Houses of Parliament to get a job working on the switchboard, granting him access to the offices of leading politicians.
Once Daily Mirror journalist Daniel Boffey tricked his way into Westminster after responding to a newspaper advertisement, he was given access to ministers’ offices and mobile numbers and bumped into Home Secretary Charles Clarke during his six-day stay last week.
“I was never searched and was asked to show my pass once,” he told the tabloid.
He was also given Tony Blair’s direct office number.
After telling lies about his education and skills and using two bogus references, Mr Boffey got a job working on the third floor communications centre.
The newspaper said his Westminster pass allowed him “licence to go on walkabouts all over the Commons and Lords buildings”.
Mr Boffey said the undercover operation exposed a far-from-vigilant approach to security at the Palace.
A Commons administration office said Mr Boffey was given the pass because he had not been considered a security risk.
In September last year, Sun reporter Anthony France, who used fake references to get a job as a waiter in Westminster, managed to smuggle fake bomb-making equipment such as batteries, wire, a timer and a video camera into the Commons.
Mr France said at the time: “I stood within two feet of John Prescott at the House of Commons and could have blown him up on the spot.”
That breach came after pro-hunt protesters stormed the floor of the House of Commons as MPs debated fox hunting.
