Ian Paisley responds to allegations that he was given a complimentary holiday at a luxury Maldives resort

New evidence suggests that Paisley may have been given a luxury resort in the Maldives, months after advocating on behalf of its government.

In July of this year, Ian Paisley Jr was suspended from both the DUP and the House of Commons, for ‘serious misconduct’.

This was for failing to declare two family holidays to Sri Lanka in 2013, following what was described as ‘paid advocacy’ on behalf of the Sri Lankan government.

New evidence suggests that there could be an issue with another holiday that Paisley took, which was a trip to the Maldives in 2016.

Mr Paisley said he paid for part of the holiday and the rest was paid for by a long-term friend, whose identity he has not disclosed.

He has denied the trip was connected to the government of the Maldives in any way.

BBC Spotlight, due to be broadcast later on Tuesday night, are set to investigate the holiday, which Paisley has denied any connection between the holiday and the government of the Maldives.

In a statement given to the BBC, the North Antrim MP said: “I have responded in clear and categoric terms to your questions.

“For the record, the Government of the Maldives did not organise or pay for my family vacation in 2016, which I do not intend to go into with you. I’m satisfied the vacation did not have to be recorded on the register.”