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MPs who will stand down
26 May 2009These are the MPs who have announced they are quitting the Commons since their expenses claims were revealed in detail for the first time this month.
The current Commons Speaker became the first in 300 years to be forced out after an extraordinary rebellion in the chamber from MPs critical of his handling of the expenses controversy.
The former sheet metal worker, who spent years blocking greater transparency and reforms of the system, spent more than £1,400 on chauffeurs in his Glasgow constituency.
He will relinquish his post, and the seat for Glasgow North East, on June 21.
The veteran Tory MP for Gosport has been mercilessly ridiculed for filing a £30,000 claim to cover a gardening bill which included a floating duck island for his pond.
He said he felt "ashamed" for his "ridiculous" error of judgment, adding that his ducks never liked the £1,645 feature anyway. He will stand down at the next election.
Otherwise known as Viscount Hailsham, the Sleaford and North Hykeham MP has also been widely mocked for claiming for the costs of dredging the moat around his country estate.
The Tory former agriculture minister agreed to pay back the £2,200 bill and said he was stepping aside for a new Conservative candidate at the next election.
He also claimed for piano tuning, stable repairs, and the salary for a housekeeper.
The Conservative MP for Totnes said he would not stand for re-election after it was revealed he had spent £87,729 in four years towards the upkeep of his £1 million mansion.
Costs passed on to the public purse included tree surgery and a wrought iron fireplace, but Mr Steen said he did not know "what the fuss is about".
He said people were "jealous" of his "very, very large house", adding: "What right does the public have to interfere with my private life? None."
The Wirral South MP was the first from the Labour benches to announce his retirement at the next election.
He was accused of overclaiming £15,000 from the taxpayer by claiming for mortgage interest he was no longer paying after clearing £295,000 of the loan.
Ian McCartney
The former Labour chairman said he was quitting Parliament at the next election because of "health problems". He underwent heart surgery a few years ago.
His announcement came days after he disclosed that he paid back almost £15,000 worth of expenses claims last year and said he was "appalled" at a system which had risked the reputations of "dedicated public servants" like himself.
The Makerfield MP's claims had included an 18-piece dinner set, champagne flutes and wine glasses, a £700 dining table and chairs and two sofas worth £1,328.
The most senior casualty so far, David Cameron's former parliamentary aide announced he would not seek re-election for Bracknell the morning after his constituents shouted him down at a public meeting about his claims.
The Tory MP claimed second homes expenses on a property his wife, fellow MP Julie Kirkbride, declared as her main home.
The taxpayer had effectively been subsidising both of their properties.
Sir Nicholas and Ann Winterton
The veteran Tory MPs are resigning at the next election, blaming the "hectic pace" of politics.
Their decision comes after it was revealed they claimed £120,000 in expenses to rent a flat from a family trust controlled by their children over six years. The arrangement was condemned as "indefensible" by Tory leader David Cameron.
In a letter to Mr Cameron announcing their decision to leave the Commons, Sir Nicholas, 71, and Lady Winterton, 68, did not mention the expenses issue.
They said instead that they could no longer "maintain the hectic pace" of political life and wanted to "pass the baton to a younger person".
Sir Nicholas has been MP for Macclesfield for 37 years, while Lady Winterton has represented Congleton for 26 years.
Reader views (16)
I will 80years in a few days time, and have just had to fill in a means tested form,it appears that is for 25p per week,my wife who is my carer [i have polio]will have a deduction of that amount. darn it!!!ime not an M.P
- Strombolus, Barnstaple, 27/05/2009 08:30
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We can liken the 'I'll stand down at the next election' to Sir Fred taking his pot on retirement. The MP's did not like that so why should they be able to take the same?
It's the 'One rule for US and another for the people'.
Resign and be done with it!!!!
- P. C., rainham. essex., 27/05/2009 07:40
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To think Mr Vigers paid £1645 for a duck house and the ungrateful little ducks didn't even like it!!! Lets just hope those ungrateful little ducks don't land on his dinner table when he finds out what it's like to claim and live off "job seekers" allowance of £55 per week!
Sack all MP's that have taken the mickey mouse NOW. They haven't changed, are not sorry as they've jumped straight on the BANK WAGEN to claim the £7,500.00 per year without any receipts. NO MONEY WITHOUT RECEIPTS LIKE THE REST OF US.
- Tm, LONDON, 26/05/2009 23:36
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Oh, get a grip, John from London. There's a world of difference between a single claim that one is not entitled to and the systematic plundering of public funds that this despicable shambles that calls itself our Parliament has engaged in for years and years. Someone MUST make a complaint to Inspector Knacker and give him jurisdiction to investigate. It is not good enough that MPs' political masters are deciding what is or is not acceptable behaviour.
- Helen, London UK, 26/05/2009 17:13
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Why are these few (and the many others not named here) being allowed to 'stand down'?
If they have broken the law by stealing then they should be sacked without pay and benefits and then face criminal charges as anyone else would.
- Mike, London England, 26/05/2009 14:41
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The names quoted are but the tip of the iceberg. It seems that most of the hypocrits who infest both the Houses of Parliament have, while lecturing us on the need for hard times ahead, either been helping themselves to taxpayers' money or attempting to take bribes in order to change laws. The whole lot of them should be unceremoniously dumped and a fresh start made. To actually have been an MP, or a so-called unelected Lord, means that they are all tainted by the corrupt system. Why are they not being vigorously investigated, prosecuted and punished - just like any other fraudsters?
- Neil45, Gloucestershire, England., 26/05/2009 12:39
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So now we know what the "Right Honorable" gentlemen and ladies have been up to. Is it little wonder that a system that allowed MPs to spend taxpayers money without a care also allowed a failed banker to walk away from his bankrupt business with a fortune in pension income?. Many, including "Mr Speaker" haven't a moral bone in their bodies and these are the people who we the public, have put into power. Don't forget also those in power who signed off these bogus claims. Get rid of them as well. Moral leadership from the top has been missing for a long time and now we know why. These revelations have done us all a great service and will result in greater accountability to those they serve and an end to the gravy train at Westminster. A better class of MP will now be elected to replace the crooks who abused our trust. Well done to The Daily Telegraph for having the courage to expose this racket.
- Pat Carolan, Norwich UK, 26/05/2009 11:11
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It was ever thus ! The establishment in this country is and has for many years been corrupt, regardless of which party is in power. Yes the next government will promise to make sweeping changes but nothing will really change. Democracy ??? I don't think so.
- Dave, Bournrmouth Dorset, 26/05/2009 10:54
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All the furniture and extras that are bought year after year, plus the houses etc., I would have thought belongs to the taxpayer. What happens to this stuff. I bet when its sold the proceeds are not put back into the public purse.
We have not heard from the person who actually signs the cheques.
All the single, struggling parents could do with stuff they replace. Where is it.
- Wins, London, 26/05/2009 10:42
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I will just say one thing. "Let the person that has never claimed anything in the past from any company or benefit which has been fake cast the first stone" I bet there aint many who have never claimed for something that they should not have.
- John, London, 26/05/2009 10:33
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My suspicion has always been that the establishment in this country is rotten and corrupt to its core. That suspicion has been confirmed by this misuse of expenses scandal which I hope will drag on.If MPs are sacked or prosecuted they lose everything. However if they "Stand Down" they , retain the right to claim for Full Severance Pay,Pensions and Allowances thus screwing the long-suffering Taxpaying voter for even more money.(I'll let you do the Maths). ITS FAR,FAR CHEAPER TO SACK THEM.
- Frank Murray, Bristol UK, 26/05/2009 09:28
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Now for the pensions.
- George Milne, London, 26/05/2009 09:27
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It is Her Majestys Government. The Queen should call Brown to the palace and ask him to dissolve Parliament as M.P.'s have brought Parliament into a state of disrepute. An immediate election should be called set for September. Giving prospective Political candidates time to campaign.
- Mal, Liverpool, 26/05/2009 09:17
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How long will it be before all who made morally indefensible claims stand down from the House.... Considering the draconian laws passed by this parliment against the people of this country - surely there must be someone who can introduce 'statute creep' (the term used to persecute innocent people using anti-terror laws)To ensure none receive more than the minimum wage / pension and they are forced to repay under the same terms as the HM custom and exercise force on the people of this land who err.... double the benefit plus interest... plus a jail sentence for good measure
Roll on the General election
- Jim Allen, Guildford UK, 26/05/2009 09:07
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All guilty MPs must be SACKED. Allowing them to remain in office until the next election means we have to continue paying their inflated salaries and expenses, and - to add insult to injury - give them a "golden handshake" when they retire. They have had two homes paid for and furnished by the tax payer. How can they dare expect to "sit it out" until 2010 in order to gain financial reward.
- R.F., Yorks, UK, 26/05/2009 08:50
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Brown and Darling should be one this list for spending more Britih tax payers money than any other people in history.
- Gary, Brentwood, 26/05/2009 08:48
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