Weather Morning: 13°c Light showers Afternoon: 14°c Light showers

News

HEADLINES:

'Nannygate' MP cleared of sleaze

Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor
03.03.09

SENIOR Tory Caroline Spelman is set to keep her shadow cabinet job after a report into the "Nannygate" affair found her guilty only of inadvertent breaches of Commons rules.

Parliamentary Standards Commissioner John Lyon was mildly critical of her but concluded there were "grey areas" on current rules, sources said.

The MP claimed assistant Tina Haynes was paid with public funds for secretarial work between 1997 and 1998, and her nannying duties were rewarded separately.

But last year Ms Haynes said her official duties amounted only to posting letters, taking the "odd phone call" and passing on messages "once or twice a week".

David Cameron is not expected to reprimand her. She will remain as shadow communities secretary, insiders say.

Reader views (2)

 Add your view

This happened over 10 years ago - yes 10 years which wasn't highlighted on ITN last night and is the best that Labour can dig up on the Conservatives..? Sounds desperate to me. 10K is small fry compared to all the £'s that NuLab have squandered. 'Others' can get away with wasting much more on so called second homes. Quite pathetic really.

- Whydowebother, London

Why do these Nu Labor guys from Crash Gordon think they are better than the taxpayer?!??

- Steveo, London, NW1


Add your comment

 

Your email address will not be published

Terms and conditions make text area bigger You have  characters left.


 

Don't Miss
  • Lenny Henry

    Lenny Henry: 'Maybe one day we can have a black Doctor Who'

    Shortlisted at today's Evening Standard theatre awards for his role as Othello, Lenny Henry has come a long way from black and white minstrels
  • John and Edward

    Spread of the Jedhead

    Jedward, voted off the X-Factor this weekend, are the most obvious proponents of the sticky-uppy look - but the style crosses boundaries of age, gender, sexuality and taste, says Nick Curtis

Steamy scenes for Purnell in Turkish bath

Scheming over the future of the Labour Party continues even in the most unlikely places

All stories


Promotions

Environmental initiatives

Find out how you can help to meet the challenges of climate change in London.


The Open University

Every year The Open University helps thousands of professionals progress in their careers.


Win the Best Seats

In London theatre when you vote for your favourite celebrity spec wearer.


Breast Cancer Care

Donate £1 and leave a message of support for a loved one in the Swarovski Garden of Wishes.


Win an iPodTouch

With Courvoisier when you share your thoughts on this week's cocktail.