News

MPs to face music over fraudulent claims

February 06, 2010 Edition 1

LONDON: British prosecutors have announced criminal charges against four MPs over alleged abuse of parliamentary expenses, a dramatic twist in a scandal that has rocked politics in the country.

Keir Starmer, the director of public prosecutions, yesterday said charges of false accounting would be brought against three members of the House of Commons and one member of the House of Lords.

"In four cases we have concluded that there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges and that it is in the public interest to charge the individuals concerned," Starmer said. "Accordingly, summonses have been obtained from the City of Westminster Magistrate's Court and will now be served on the individuals in question."

The three MPs are from the ruling Labour Party, while the House of Lords member is a member of the main opposition Conservative Party.

Former minister Elliot Morley MP faces two charges alleging that he dishonestly claimed mortgage expenses, including £16 000 (about R194 000) for a mortgage that no longer existed.

His fellow MP, David Chaytor, faces three charges, including on allegations that he used false invoices to claim for information technology services and that he claimed almost £13 000 in rent for a London property that he in fact owned.

The third MP named was Jim Devine, who faces two charges. He is accused of claiming thousands of pounds worth of cleaning services and stationery using false invoices.

Paul White, who is also known as Lord Hanningfield, faces six charges over allegations that he claimed expenses "to which he knew he was not entitled", including for staying overnight in London when records show he was actually driven home.

No charges were brought against a second member of the House of Lords who had also been under investigation, Starmer said, adding that a sixth case was still under consideration.

The announcement of charges came a day after an investigation concluded that British MPs were ordered to repay more than £1 million in expenses.

The long-awaited audit by former civil servant Thomas Legg said MPs must return £1.1 million in payments received for loans on second homes, gardening and cleaning expenses. - Sapa-AFP