Britain's ruling Labour Party has suspended three ex-ministers over claims they were prepared to use their influence in exchange for cash, in a scandal that has erupted just weeks before an election.

NONE Former Cabinet minister Stephen Byers - who has been at the centre of the row - was suspended Monday while a full investigation takes place.

Geoff Hoon and Patricia Hewitt, also ex-Cabinet ministers, were suspended as well.

The move came after the politicians were caught out in an undercover sting, where they were filmed by a reporter who was posing as a lobbyist apparently offering to use their connections with government in return for money.

"The Labour Party expects the highest standards of its representatives and believes that they have a duty to be transparent and accountable servants to their constituents at all times," a party spokesman said.

Byers told the undercover reporter he had changed government policy on behalf of clients and boasted of being a "cab for hire", charging up to 5,000 pounds (RM25,022) a day for his services.

The former transport secretary, who is standing down at the election, has since insisted he "exaggerated" his influence and has retracted his claims, adding that he has "never lobbied ministers on behalf of commercial interests."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown earlier rejected opposition calls for an inquiry as he fought to quell the damaging row, which comes in the run-up to a general election expected on May 6.

'No recollection'

The controversy erupted Sunday when a report of the sting was published in the Sunday Times newspaper, which organised the operation with Channel Four television.

The government moved against the three ex-ministers late on Monday after the documentary was aired.

NONE A fourth Labour lawmaker, Margaret Moran, who has not held a ministerial post, was also suspended Monday after being caught up in the sting, said the party.

David Cameron, leader of the main opposition Conservatives, has described the allegations as "shocking" and demanded a government investigation.

Britain's members of parliament are still reeling from an expenses scandal last year.

Among Byers' boasts was that he made a secret deal with Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis over the termination of a rail franchise contract.

Both the rail firm, National Express, and Adonis denied this.

He also claimed Business Secretary Peter Mandelson had amended food labelling regulations after he intervened on behalf of a supermarket giant.

Mandelson said he had "no recollection" of talking to Byers about the issue.

- AFP