The Dark History of Honours for Sale in Britain

In a country where the system of Parliamentary expenses is under the spotlight, a case from over a century ago highlights a sinister practice of selling honours for personal gain, reminiscent of the current scandal. Victor Grayson, a charismatic orator and Labour MP, had discovered that Lord Maundy Gregory, a former theatre impresario, was selling honours for large sums of money. Grayson's life was cut short after he threatened to expose Gregory, and his disappearance on September 28, 1920, was shrouded in mystery.

Key Takeaways:

• Victor Grayson, a Labour MP, discovered a scandal of selling honours by Lord Maundy Gregory, a former theatre impresario, in 1920.
• Gregory, who was employed by Liberal PM Lloyd George, raised approximately £150m at today's prices, lining his own pockets and those of the Liberal Party and the Tories.
• Grayson threatened to expose Gregory, stating, "The sale of honours is a national scandal. It can be traced right down to 10, Downing Street and a monocled dandy with offices in Whitehall."
• Grayson was never seen again after he entered a house owned by Maundy Gregory, suspected to have been murdered to prevent his revelation of corruption.
• David G. Clark, a former MP for Colne Valley, suggests that Grayson may have survived into the 1950s and even returned war medals to the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in London on August 25, 1939.

Statistics:

• Approximately £150m was raised by Lord Maundy Gregory at today's prices for selling honours.
• £2,000 a year pension was provided to Gregory by the Tories after his prosecution for attempting to sell honours in 1923.
• Grayson collected his war medals from the New Zealand Ministry of Defence in London, sparking speculation about his possible survival.

Sources:

• Clark, D. G. (no date). "Victor Grayson: MP for Colne Valley".
• Dalyell, T. (no date). "Tam Dalyell claims to have seen Grayson on a CND march in the 1950s".
• "Victor Grayson's biography".