The Sunday Times is today delighted to win a significant victory in a libel case against Tim Yeo, the former Conservative MP. The Court ruled that the newspaper's defence succeeded on all fronts and its report of an undercover meeting with Mr Yeo, published in 2013, was truthful, responsible and in the public interest.

Mr Yeo was found to be prepared to act, and had offered himself as willing to act in a way that was in breach of the Code of Conduct of the House of Commons by acting as a paid Parliamentary advocate who would push for new laws and approach Ministers and civil servants to benefit the business of a client. The newspaper was entitled to comment that he had acted scandalously and shown willing to abuse his position to further his own financial interests in preference to the public interest.

The article, part of the Westminster for Sale investigation, was reported by Jonathan Calvert, editor of Insight, and Heidi Blake, the former deputy Insight editor.

Martin Ivens, Editor of The Sunday Times said:

 This is a victory for investigative journalism. It vindicates the role of the press in exposing the clandestine advocacy by MPs for undisclosed interests. 

In a judgment scathing of Mr Yeo, Mr Justice Warby has found that his evidence was dishonest and unreliable on several points. He was an unconvincing witness whose explanations of his own conduct were close to absurd.

The Sunday Times' Insight team has a long history of reporting on the conduct of politicians and is proud to have forced reform of standards in public life.

This case has emphasised the essential role of newspapers in disclosing wrongdoing. It is good to see the courts recognise that journalism carried out in good faith is vital to a healthy democracy.

Tim Yeo has agreed to pay Times Newspapers £411,000 on account of its legal fees within 28 days, with any further costs to be assessed on the indemnity basis.

Gavin Millar QC and Ben Silverstone (Matrix chambers) instructed by Keith Mathieson, Harry Kinmonth (RPC) and Pia Sarma (Editorial Legal Director, Times Newspapers Limited) appeared for The Sunday Times.