Ex-Barclays boss denies misleading MPs

FORMER Barclays boss Bob Diamond has hit back at suggestions he misled MPs over regulators’ concerns about activities at the embattled bank.

The ex-chief executive said claims he was “less than candid” when he appeared before the Commons Treasury Select Committee last week were “totally unfair and unfounded”.

He indicated he was ready to be questioned again to defend his reputation in the wake of the rate-rigging scandal.

The rejection came in a letter to committee chairman Andrew Tyrie, sent following an evidence session with Barclays chairman Marcus Agius yesterday.

During the hearing, Mr Agius admitted that Barclays’ relationship with the Financial Services Authority was “strained”.

Mr Tyrie and other members insisted the evidence contradicted what they heard from Mr Diamond.

Labour member John Mann said Mr Diamond had “serially misled” Parliament and said he should be recalled.