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Scotland Yard probe into MPs’ expenses

LONDON: In a new turn to the long-running MPs’ expenses scandal which has caused widespread public anger and forced a number of Ministers to resign, Scotland Yard has launched an investigation into specific allegations of misuse of parliamentary expenses by members.

The investigation, announced on Saturday, would be limited to those who are thought to have broken the law by, for example, claiming for non-existing mortgages or avoiding taxes.

In a statement, police said: “After consideration by the joint Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service assessment panel the Met has decided to launch an investigation into the alleged misuse of expenses by a small number of MPs and peers.”

The announcement came amid fresh revelations that many MPs made “phantom” claims for council tax.

Among those reported to be facing police questioning are Labour MPs David Chaytor and Elliot Morley; Tory member Bill Wiggin; and Labour peer Lady Uddin. While the MPs are accused of claiming “ghost” mortgages , Lady Uddin is alleged to have claimed expenses for a vacant flat though designating it as her main residence.

All four have protested their innocence. The government appeared to welcome police action with Business Secretary Lord Mandelson saying if there was “wrongdoing it needs to be investigated”. Labour Party said it expected all “party representatives and members to cooperate fully with the police”. “The Labour Party has already taken tough action on expenses, including barring MPs found to have broken the rules from standing as Labour candidates at the next general election,” it said.

Hundreds of MPs, belonging to all parties, are accused of abusing Parliament’s expenses system which allows out-of-London members to claim upto £22,000 a year for their living arrangements in the capital.

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