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Jonathan Bell: DUP minister ‘recorded key RHI meetings'

Strangford MLA Jonathan Bell allegedly recorded key meetings about the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker
Strangford MLA Jonathan Bell allegedly recorded key meetings about the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme. Picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker

JONATHAN Bell's lawyer has declined to comment on claims the former DUP minister has recordings of key meetings about the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

Loyalist flag protester Jamie Bryson claimed on his blog that the Strangford MLA recorded meetings with party special advisers, DUP members and senior civil servants.

In an extraordinary interview on the BBC's Nolan Show last week, Mr Bell claimed DUP special advisers had blocked his attempts to curb payments under the scheme.

Mr Bell, who has been suspended by the DUP, alleged he had wanted to tighten the scheme from October 1 2015 so that claimants could not profit by burning wood pellets.

The former economy minister claimed that two DUP special advisers - Timothy Johnston and Dr Andrew Crawford - went over his head and blocked any changes. Both deny the claims.

When asked about allegations Mr Bell had recordings of important meetings on Tuesday, Mr Bell's lawyer Paul Tweed said "no comment".

Arlene Foster speaking to the Irish News in October about RHI: