Made a peer by Tony Blair in 1998, Evans is well connected to a Labour party back in power

• Exposed: Labour peer’s involvement in what appears to be a cash-for-access venture
• Explainer: what are the House of Lords rules?

The distinct interiors of the House of Lords fill the pages of the online brochure: the royal staircase, the robing room and the royal gallery. They provide a regal flavour of an event aimed at the construction industry – one that can be sponsored for up to £25,000.

Next to a prominent picture of Lord David Evans of Watford sitting smiling in the royal gallery is the promise that the peer “is fully onboard supporting these initiatives”.