Tonight:
4°c
MPs expenses: Police urged to quiz Alistair Darling
Justin Davenport, Joe Murphy, Anne McElvoy12 May 2009
Chancellor Alistair Darling is one of six MPs who could face a police probe over their expenses, the Standard can reveal today.
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.
Reader views (58)
I cannot believe the Ministers who are cheating the system are running our country and how they can stand up and say it is within the rules. If the ministers are so clever, spend thousands of pounds, when it comes to the general election to get our vote. Why didn't one of those (so called clever leaders) suggest to all of the members of their party to do the right thing and claim legitimate expenses, they would have without doubt, secured the next term in office with an overall majority.
- Roger, Newton Abbot Engalnd, 15/05/2009 21:25
Report abuse
Let's build some guillotines for these robber barons.
- Graham, St Albans, Herts, UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Norman Tebbit has hit the nail on the head. Surely a local Independent candidate can do a better job for a constituency than someone with the correct party connections but with no local knowledge who is flown in by a large party to contest a seat. Time to 'get on our bikes' and vote for the little guy or girl.
- Doug Watt, london e14, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
I already know the result of the police inquiry - It will be that 'there is no reasonable expectation of a conviction'; 'it is not in the public interest'; 'It is a matter of National Security'; and so no further action will be taken.
- Jim, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Dont like this inane incompetant labourite at all........but to be fair to him and others cannot understand why he and just a few of them are going or look like they might be investigated.
Everyone of them should be investigated Ministers and MP's of all parties....but a pound to a pinch whatever was discovered there is little or no doubt that the CPS would decide that a prosecution wasnt in the "public interest" (rather absurd descriptive words cause that is all the public would eally want).
So it is likely to be a complete waste of time and even more money.
- Ed, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
I never thought I would ever agree with Norman Tebbit but on this one he is right I think ALL MP.s from ALL parties or Independent that have been name and shamed should resign from Parliament with immediate effect.
No doubt calls for Gordon Brown to resign will come from certain people but The Telegraph has issued an apology over the way they reported his claims so is not affected.
Those who call for a general election need to remember that the first priority is to set in place new rules ahaed of an election so the new M.P's will know that the gravy boat has been sunk!!
I wonder if The Telegraph will report on the former member for Henley who works for them? Now what was his name...?
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
The words 'could face a police probe' can be taken with a pinch of salt for even if they do no one will be charged even if proof of a crime committed. Why waste more public money on this 'legal' scam? If they has an ounce of decency they would repay all payments and resign, but then we are talking about M.Ps so silly me
- Mike, London England, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Why don't MPs do what hundreds of thousands of business people do every week - stay in a hotel? You get a bed, a bath (with plug), room service and even porn in some of them. That will keep even Jacqui Smith happy.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, Scotland, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Scrap the complex and costly MPs Expenses system and replace it with a simple flat rate allowance paid with salary. No more expenses and receipts.
The allowance should be calculated using number of miles between Parliament and the MPs constituency office. The allowance is set in bands (miles), eg; 50-99, 100-149, etc.
The allowance should be taxable.
- Stewart Brannan, London, NW3, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
A lot of these problems have arisen because politicians have come into the 'profession' for the wrong reasons - it used to be people who wanted to help their local community - now they are selected centrally and transported to areas they known nothing about the community and, therefore, don't give a jot about the community only their professional standing/income. MPs should be elected from the local constituency they seek to represent that way they already have accommodation in the community that is their main home. Basic accommodation/second class travel costs to London would be payable provided the MP can prove they were in the House that day - if they want to upgrade to a better hotel/1st class travel then they have to pay for the upgrade out of their own pockets. Politicians should not be allowed to employ any family members or friends. It really isn't difficult to find a solution - it may not be one the politicians like but then those that 'squeal' are probably those who have abused the system most and should be deselected at the next election.
- Andy, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Yes, its unlikely that any action will be taken against these individuals. People will be leant on, and veiled threats made. So, don't go walking alone down dark country lanes. The mere fact that all this is coming out into the Public domain now will have made New Labour totally unelectable as a party now.
It Mr Brown and advisors still refuse point blank to respond to call for early general election later this year. Then all he will be doing is compounding the low view the Public already ahve about their elected representatives from all Parties.
Maybe Mr Brown will do the unthinkable, and try and declare a 'State of Emergency' and try to sieze power by abolishing elections and Parliament. Nothing now would surprise me about New Labour now. But would Brown and Pals be that stupid to try and pull a stunt like this?
But I just jest, really - or do I?
- B Clarke, East Anglia area UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
A few years in prison with not let off should be the punishment for some of these people. I am angry beyond belief.
- Albert Hall, hove england, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Ed, London - these MPs merit criminal investigation because the allegations are that they have committed tax avoidance while playing the property market or lied on official documents - that's over and above their expenses claims. Yes, other MPs have milked their expenses system but that was not illegal, just self-serving. You must pay capital gains tax on second homes, so declaring a second home as a main one to the tax office to avoid tax on the profit is illegal - and spectacularly unethical if you are a lawmaker or, heck, the Chancellor.
- Tom Moncrieff, london W6, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
And they said the "Bankers" were the greedy ones..at least they actually did some work!!!!!
- Stephen, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
The Fraud Act 2006 should be set against all the questionable expense claims we so far know about. If any misrepresentation or deceit by the various claimants is associated with their claims, then there is a prima facie case ro answer.
- Robert El-Cid., Hull, East Yorks.,, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
any investigation by the police into MP's expenses will go the way of cash for honours, cash for questions and all the other scams that our politicians are into and never been dealt with or taken to task. anyone who blows the whistle will be dealt with severely that we can be sure of.
- A G Hast, London uk, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
It was nice of Norman Tebbitt to pop his little old head up today. He kindly reminds of what the Tories used to be like and how much they have improved recently. Still a pity, reading today's headlines about Tory grandees, some still have to change or sod off.
- Nick, Didcot, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Pt of lONDON ... I salute you!
- Dominik Von Muehlberg, Cologne, Germany, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
We keep hearing, its allowed in the rules, it would seem there is only one rule , ANYTHING GOES
- Shallotman, Basildon, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Maybe the best way forward is total transparency: every claim from every MP should be made available online. Such openness, and potential public humiliation, should be enough to restrain even the most greedy among them.
- A Claimant, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
It's the massive hypocrisy that Gordon Brown and his cohorts have been shown to display by the expenses debacle. Gordon Brown made it his life's mission to prevent perks and expenses for other people and small companies. He stole from the people's pension funds, whilst knowing his was gold plated. He closed tax loopholes, whilst at the same time MP's exploited any and all tax loopholes. Gordon Brown gave the tax man extraordinary powers against members of the public, whilst MP's voted to exempt themselves from the tax man.
This is the real problem and not the expenses per se. They said that this expenses system has been in place since the 1960's. So for 50 years they got away with it, but then before 1997, the financial playing field was more level between the public and the MP's. Gordon Brown changed all that and now they deserve to be in the same boat as the public.
What goes around comes around. Brown should have fixed his own backyard before forcing the public to pay more. Ah yes, but he never thought be would get caught with his snout in the trough.
- John Smythe, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Why stop there investigate , investigate all MPs who have crossed the line and lets have a cull.
- Rosie, watford, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Who'd have thought Darling was even any good with numbers given his current handling of the economy?
- Bob, Cheam, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
What would be the point of a police investigation? Nu Labour's front organisation the CPS would only decide that a prosecution wouldn't be in the public interest again!
Under Nu Labour this country has become like a Banana Republic without the bananas.
- Derrick, A Once Great Land, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
It is a question of do as I say and not as I do. How can one trust such an individual!
- J Pestell, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
I think that the current turmoil will shortly become too much for our Gordon. The criticisms will be bad enough after next month's local elections. However, it will then dawn on him (becuase he has stopped reading the papers) that he faces personal and political humiliation for leading labour to anialation next year and will resign early - in order to let someone else carry the can for his catalogue of errors. What odds can I get for him throwing the towel in early? I'd be happy to pay the bookmaker if I won!
- Jake, Ware, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
THEY WILL INVENT A LAW TO MAKE ALL THESE EXPENSES LEGAL ,PROBLEM SOLVED, AND JOE PUBLIC CAN CARRY ON FEATHERING ALL THEIR NESTS WHILE WE HAVE TO BEG STEAL OR BORROW TO GET BY ON POVERTY WAGES, IT CAN ONLY HAPPEN IN DEMOCRATIC UK ,HA HA HU HA HA ,AINT IT SO SAD,
- James Fennessey, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
of course he should be investigated, as should each and every 'honorable member' with dubious expense claims and subsequent inland revenue declarations.
if you're going to purge a corrupt system of what ails it, then a thorough and intense investigation of all aspects and hidden facets of the regime should be undertaken.
there after a fair, transparent,just and acceptable rule book should be established. contracts should be signed by all elected bodies, with harsh penalties for transgressers and there should never again be duplicitous hidden agendas and accountancy.
- M.O'Brien, london.uk, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Darling is a solicitor. What do you expect?
- Roger, Winchester, Hampshire, England, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
With the economy in FREE fall, and the pound at its lowest against other currencies, how is this darling going to concentrate on stopping U.K ltd from foing bancrupt when he has this worry of being investigated by the fraud dept.
I guess its no wonder why he is borrowing like hell and sinking this country as he has no respect for tax payers money
- Jerry, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Why dont MP's simply rent a property as their second home, that way it would come fully furnished and be much more efficient for the tax payer as the rent could be paid directly to the landlord even serviced apartments would be a better option than what we have now. Of course we would have to prevent MP's from renting back to themselves properties they already own.
- Howard, London, UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
No one should be above the law and that means ministers as well - if he has used his office to wangle his expenses and use tax avoidance for capital gains tax then he should face prosecution and also be expelled from parliament - along with his fellow cronies
- Edriordan, wisbech, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Do not hold your breath that any MP will be ARRESTED, PHOTOGRAPHED, FINGERPRINTED, DNA'd, CHARGED AND THROWN INTO PRISON.
Birds of a feather, stick together.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
If they won't stand for election, I guess it's up to Scotland Yard to get them out. If they still won't go, call in the bailiffs.
- Bloke, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Well done Mr. Hoon ! WOW ! and Mr. Darling how well you look now.
- A.Txpayer, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
I will bet that no MP will not be charged!
The CPS will be influenced not to press any charges.
- Max, Twickenham, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
No doubt there will be another "virus" scare released into the media to take the limelight away from these robbing little urchins in the next week or two.
- Gman, Kent, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
What to do? The best suggestion I've seen is to shift the financial responsibility for individual MPs to constituencies. That way, individual electorates will have control over the people who are elected to represent them. The constituencies would be responsible for their basic pay, which would be calculated according to a national pay body INDEPENDENT of Government. As for housing in London for non-London based MPs, constituencies would provide suitable accommodation, whether rented or purchased but, importantly, not owned by MPs. Other expenses, such as travel and relevant disbursements, would be reimbursed upon delivery of invoice by a constituency-appointed body. All costs to be freely available for scrutiny by constituency voters.
- With Smoke Coming Out Of My Ears, London NW11, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
We have known for many years that the MPs having been abusing the taxpayer with their expenses, but we have been helpless and unable to do anything about it. At long last, we have got a way in and a voice through the Press, and it will open a large and interesting can of worms about the MPs and their abuse of the taxpayer. They must be made to pay for their criminal behaviour.
- Anon, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Could these events mark the beginning of the end of party politics as we have known it for last hundred years - politics based on class and ideology? Perhaps candidates will begin to campaign on issues like honesty, integrity and being practical, rather than outdated conceptions of class and ideology.
- Candidly, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
They don't have an ounce of decency in their bodies that's very true, they are all just a bunch of thieves, they believe that being an MP gives them some sort of protection - it shouldn't and they should all suffer the same consequences as any other common thief.
- Paul, Cambs, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
How can these lots look at Mugabe straight in the face to tell him he is corrupt, and look at the unemployed who struggle to live with £60 a week?
- Pt, lONDON, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
why does "white collar" crime go unpunished. If I were to steal money from my local council, I would be arrested, charged and banged up. Yes these MP's simply get away with it because its likely they created these laws and rules in the first place and know how to exploit them.
- Viper, Kent, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
That being the Mr Miliband who wants the Foreign Office to purchase a private jet.
- Terry Barr, Ilford, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Does anyone seriously believe that Alistair Darling or any MP for that matter is going to be carted off to court or prison!! Get real the people of Britain, this is your money they are using to feather their 2nd, 3rd or God knows how many homes. If it does your heart good to know that they are pocketing ALL their wages and paying for nothing and you are struggling then there is no hope for this pathetic country.
- Pamela Mckay, Dagenham Essex, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
If the law means anything at all; and if the Met-Police want credibility, if the CPS is not political; then let the law of the land be seen to be done; investigate all suspected frauds; and prosecute those found wanting; with the full force of the law.
If not; then do not expect the People of Great Britain to respect or obey the law; if the law itself is used by the elite and the Government to pervert the Laws of England for their own ends and their own profit etc.
- Mickyinlondon, london, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
If Darling is questioned by the police and irrespective of whether or not they take the matter further, surely he has to resign, possibly taking Brown with him. Fingers crossed
- Watson, London UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
If Darling is questioned by the police and irrespective of whether or not they take the matter further, surely he has to resign, possibly taking Brown with him. Fingers crossed
- Watson, London UK, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Police investigation?! don't make me laugh. Blair was as guilty as sin in the cash for honours scandal and look what happened there - nothing. nothing will happen to any of them apart from maybe having to pay back the odd thing here and there as a token gesture to the public annoyance. Probably no resignations as this Govt'd doesn't understand the words 'respsonsiblity' of 'ethics'. As for the sleazebag Michael Martin - he should be chucked out - no defence. He has effectively been a Labour stooge for the entirety of this govt's reign and has been the most party political speaker we have ever had. Men like this cannot and should not be allowed into such powerful positions. It's scandalous and what is more he is another member of the McMafia which seem to run every aspect of govt. - how did that happen?
- Tim, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
The conduct of these MP's has to be punished in a court of law. It is nothing short of fraud, and in this country, that gets a greater sentence than rape! Please try these thieves in the same manner as any Director who defrauds his shareholders. Theft from the public purse is NOT acceptable. They are benefit thieves, and like the common benefit fraudster, they should be investigated, tried, sentenced and made to pay back every penny. Why should these MP's get a better deal when it comes to the law?
- Maya, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
NOT SURE I WANT TO VOTE FOR ANYONE IN EUROPE AS LORD TEBBIT SUGGESTS. I REMEMBER TOO WELL THE PROGRAM ON TELEVISION 'THE GRAVY TRAIN' . EUROPE TAUGHT THE WORLD ABOUT HOW TO CLAIM EXPENSES.
- Alan Green, Woodford Green, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
As much chance as finding Weapons of mass distruction in Iraq to Darling or any other of the crooked MPs being charged.
- Mike, London England, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Crooks should be punished no matter who. Justice has to be done not just seen to be done.
- John Smith, London , England, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
All together now...' IT'S WITHIN THE RULES '..
- Jonnie Of Brixton, brixton,london,england, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
"Police urged to quiz Alistair Darling"! Not a cat in hell's chance of that happening. I mean could you "quiz" someone if they had you in an armlock, with your mouth taped up, your legs bound together and the threat of execution hanging over your head if you so much as moved the little finger of your free hand? The police have been bought, with our money, by Liebore. End of story.
- Judith C, London, England, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
We all know that the MP's have been filling their boots for many years, that they are mostly hypocrites in saying do as we say not as we do! I wonder in all off this what the Speaker Martin has been up to in regard to expenses?
- James Wilson, Scotland, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
Presumably in the MPs’ scandalous abuse of expenses they are not the only people who are culpable? Surely even more unforgivable are those (so far unremarked and unnamed) who hatched and instigated the devious plan to provide the MPs with extra money it was thought would not be approved by the taxpaying proletariat? It was to be the MPs’ ‘little secret’ and so confident were they all that this always would be so there was obviously much laughter all the way to their banks.
The idea of studio flats to rent is marvellous, adequate but not luxurious (certainly must not be G & F) but we could do with it now. We could well do without those who would squeal about lack of family accommodation, it might even show more of a commitment to politics if such a regime were in place. Let there be real consequences for this squalid situation and let us not forget whose greedy actions and breathtaking arrogance provoked such a reaction. How dare they? Three cheers for the Daily Telegraph - now for the names of the Hatchers of the Plan and those in the Fees Office who condoned the scam.
- Joy, Bracknell, Berkshire, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
The chances of securing a conviction on 'dubious' expenses is that the rules defining what is allowable are too loose.And members seem to be able to press claims which really have no merit. Similarly it will be difficult to gather evidence as to actual residence, but of course for Ministers with protection this will be achievable. So it is with 'flipping' nominations from one second home to another.Where MPs are likely to get caught out is where they fraudulently claim that a property is a sole or main residence for CGT, when it has been funded as a 'Second Home' What is needed is a robust and transparent system for regulation, and a proper set of rules. Any allowance should be actual and necessary for the discharge of parliamentary business, and if,like Sinn Fein, members aren't attending Parliament they should not be able to claim. Sinn Fein claim that they didn't do so for personal gain,the implication is that the money was used to fund the party's activities.That in itself is in violation of the rules for the uses of public funds, and should be investigated.
- Jeremiah, London, 15/05/2009 20:25
Report abuse
