A Conservative MSP has been sanctioned by Holyrood's standards committee after failing to declare personal business interests before quizzing ministers about a housing development.

Alexander Burnett, who represents Aberdeenshire West, submitted a series of written questions about a proposed property development in his constituency.

The MSP failed to tell ministers he is a director of a rival property developer, Bancon Developments Holdings Ltd, and holds shares in the firm estimated to be worth £5,524,602.

It is the second time this month the standards committee has found Burnett to be in breach of the parliament's rules.

Former SNP MSP Christian Allard lodged the complaint against the Conservative politican.

The development was planned to take place in the south of Banchory by Ross Developments and Renewables Ltd.

In addition to his property firm, Burnett also owns the Leys Estate, which holds around £10m worth of land and other assets mainly to the north of the town.

All of his assets were listed on Holyrood's register of interests but MSPs must declare separately each time they question a minister about a relevant topic.

Standards committee convener Clare Adamson said: "The committee is unanimous in the decisions reached on the complaint.

"Firstly, it agrees with the findings in fact and conclusion of the commissioner. Secondly, it considers that the breach justifies the imposition of a sanction on Alexander Burnett. The final decision on whether to issue a sanction lies with the parliament.

"The committee will recommend that Alexander Burnett be prohibited from lodging parliamentary questions for written answer for a period of two weeks."

MSPs will not vote to impose the punishment on Burnett and it is expected that all parliamentarians will approve the sanction.

In response to the judgment, Burnett said: "I have made a full and open declaration of my business interests in accordance with parliamentary rules.

"It was my judgment at the time that there was no conflict of interest as I was simply acting on behalf of several hundred very concerned constituents.

"However, I accept the decision of the committee in this case and will not contest any sanction that is imposed.

"I will also be advising my party colleagues to support the recommendation of the committee when it comes to the chamber for a final decision."

Allard said: "This behaviour is the worst kind of self-serving politics, which not only seriously undermines trust in Mr Burnett but also damages the credibility of the Scottish Parliament itself.

"It's high time Mr Burnett was brought to book for treating the people of Aberdeenshire West with such contempt."