MPs expenses: Police urged to quiz Alistair Darling

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Another leading minister who could be the subject of a Scotland Yard investigation is Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon.

A third is Minister for London Tony McNulty — the minister who claimed £60,000 for a house that his parents live in. Scotland Yard is looking into the complaints against the ministers and three backbenchers received from members of the public, including from individuals described as members of Westminster's "political circle".

Scotland Yard said officers from the Specialist Crime Directorate were considering what action to take. One insider said: "If we receive a complaint we have to consider it. We will be looking at what has been done and the implications within the law. We will also take into account the chances of getting a conviction." Police are expected to consult the Crown Prosecution Service who must decide whether prosecutions are in the public interest. Mr Darling was accused of "flipping" his second home twice, a move that could have increased his claims.

Mr Hoon was alleged to have built up a property portfolio worth £1.7 million with the help of the expenses system while living free in a ministerial flat.

Earlier this month it emerged that the Yard was considering a complaint against Mr McNulty that he had "obtained pecuniary advantage by deception." David Miliband today called on Labour to "raise its game".

The Foreign Secretary urged a "new, can-do, confident spirit" to rescue Labour. While Mr Miliband made clear he expects the Prime Minister to remain leader until the next general election, his comments were seen as a clear indication that he will run for the top job after the election.

David Cameron suffered a blow when former Conservative chairman Lord Tebbit urged the public to vote against the major parties in protest over the expenses scandal.