AN MP has been accused of using a parliamentary talent show to benefit the business interests of his girlfriend.

A political blogger claimed Hove MP Mike Weatherley’s Rock The House competition benefited a company owned by his lobbyist girlfriend as it was exported around the world.

But the outgoing MP, who is standing down at the next election, said he had been “absolutely transparent” in his business dealings and was proud of the rock talent show which was run “at no cost to the taxpayer”.

Rock The House was launched in 2011 offering performers the chance to perform at the House of Commons and win industry support.

The event, backed by stars Brian May, Alice Cooper and Rick Wakeman, was designed to support the live music industry and protect intellectual property.

But blog site Political Scrapbook reported Mr Weatherley formed a company with girlfriend Nikki Haywood called The House Associates Ltd which took on the administration of the competition.

In September last year, Mr Weatherley divested his directorship in the company after he was appointed as the Prime Minister’s adviser on intellectual property, leaving the firm in Miss Haywood’s sole ownership.

The blog claimed Mr Weatherley used his title while on a visit to the US in April to get support from US congresswoman Judy Chu to create a stateside version of Rock The House with the help of The House Associates Ltd.

The MP’s office said Mr Weatherley made it clear while in the US he was not acting in his capacity as the PM’s adviser when promoting Rock The House.

Rock The House is set to expand to Australia and the European Parliament this year.

Mr Weatherley said: “I have been absolutely transparent with the House of Commons authorities in registering any relevant interests, as well as with the cabinet office ahead of my appointment as the Prime Minister’s Intellectual Property Adviser and am proud of Rock the House, which is run at no cost to the taxpayer, in what it does to raise awareness of IP and music, which is so vital to the country’s creative talent.”

Peter Kyle, Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove, said: “Residents will be horrified if it transpires Mr Weatherley has spent his last period in office feathering his own nest when the needs of people in Hove and Portslade have never been greater.”