Lord David Evans of Watford, 82, offered access to ministers during discussions about a commercial deal, an undercover investigation can reveal.

Lord Evans was recorded explaining to Guardian undercover reporters – who were posing as property developers looking to lobby the government – on how to approach Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister and housing secretary.

An online meeting with Lord Evans took place six days before Christmas. It followed weeks of messages and two earlier Zoom calls with his son, Richard Evans, about the sponsorship.

During these earlier discussions, Richard, 56, proposed creating opportunities, alongside the event, to meet ministers in parliament. He made it clear the payment of £25,000 to his company for the sponsorship had to happen first.

Henry Dyer, an investigations reporter for the Guardian, tells Helen Pidd about the investigation, which is part of a wider series called the Lords debate.

In response to the investigation, Lord Evans said: “To my knowledge, I have not broken any House of Lords rules and I have NOT taken any personal benefits.”

He added: “I would NOT and I do NOT accept payments for hosting any House of Lords events.” He said he had never approached Rayner to speak at any event.

Richard Evans said the venture was not “profit-driven” but a “commitment to strengthening the construction industry”.

A Labour spokesperson said that Angela Rayner was not aware of the activities of these individuals or involved with them in any way.

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